Traditional Wassail from England

Literally meaning “good health,” wassail is an early English term referring to hot cider with spices, usually served in a large bowl and drunk during Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve celebrations. We’ve simplified this cozy recipe over the years to minimize effort and unnecessary ingredients so you can spend more time celebrating and less time cooking. Cheers!

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Mulled cider with whiskey (wassail)

Yield: 4

Author: Allspice

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 40 Min

A Yultetide classic to snuggle up with by the fire.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Apple Cider
• 1- inch nub Fresh Ginger, halved
• 2 Lemons, sliced
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 3 Star Anise Pods
• ½ Vanilla Bean, seeds removed
• Whiskey, 1-1 ½ ounces per drink

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cider, ginger, lemon slices, cinnamon, star anise, and vanilla bean in the pan over medium heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to steep for 30-45 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat, strain out or remove the fruit and spices, and return to low heat on the stove.
2. Add the whisky to a mug and top with the Wassail mixture. Enjoy!

“Trust me when I say that those of you drinking wassail made only from apple juice, or having a fruitcake that hasn’t been drowned in brandy are missing out on something exquisite.”

— unknown

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