The act of ‘wassailing’ dates back to pre-Christian times in England when apple farmers would gather mid-winter in their orchards to pour cider on the trees and shout ‘waes hael’, meaning, ‘good health’, to ward off evil spirits and ensure a healthy crop in the spring. Over the course of centuries, wassailing turned into Christmas revelry with a toast for good cheer and health.
Ingredients:
4 cups orange juice
4 cups apple cider
1 cup pineapple juice
12 whole cloves
6 star anise
6 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of nutmeg and ginger
Garnish:
¼ cup cranberries
½ orange, sliced
½ apple, sliced
Pour the juices in a large pot and adjust heat to medium low. Add the remaining ingredients and allow to simmer for at least 1 hour, adjusting heat as necessary.
Add 3 cups rum or bourbon to spice up your drink.
If adding spirits, add it last and be sure to keep the heat at a very low temperature so the alcohol doesn’t burn off.
Cheers!