"Here we come, a-wassailing..."

Thank you to April for her request for my next recipe. She posted a question to my Facebook page: "Is there a difference between wassail and cider?? I figure if anyone knows, it would be you!" Thanks for your vote of confidence, April!

So...is there a difference?

Why yes...yes there is.

Cider is just cider. Wassail is apple cider based, but has a special blend of spices and citrus. Also, traditionally it has alcohol in it, but I leave that part out. 

Wassail (pronounced wos'el) was traditionally drank as a toast to good health. The name was adapted from the Old Norse ves heill which meant "be in good health".

There are MANY different wassail recipes, as varied as the people that made and drank them. This is an old recipe that was passed down from generation to generation. It is by far my favorite one!!!

WASSAIL
1 1/2 gallons cider
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 lb. dark brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbs. whole cloves
3 sticks cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 1/2 Tbs. ground allspice
lemons
oranges

Mix cider, salt and sugar in a large pot over medium heat. Tie all spices into a piece of cloth, and drop into cider. Slice oranges and lemons, and add them as well. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When ready, remove spice bag. Serve hot. Leaving the citrus in it gives a pretty look while it is still the pot or in a punch bowl, but dip the wassail out around the fruit.

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Wassail is by far one of my favorite Christmas drinks. I hope that you enjoy it!