Wassail is a warm toasty drink from Europe. It is a popular beverage which is enjoyed during the holidays and various traditional festivities. Wassail, in a way can be called an edgier cousin of apple cider, which is traditionally spiced up with liquor, roasted apples, brandy, and aromatic spices like ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks. The name of the drink has a special meaning behind it. Wassail is an Old Norse or Old English term which means ‘be hale,’ or be ‘hearty and healthy’. It was said whenever the townsfolk used to go wassailing during the apple harvest in a hope to produce better apples during the harvesting period. The tradition of ‘Wassailing’ still takes place in some parts of England, such as Sussex and Somerset where apples are grown, especially for cider, on Twelfth Night or sometimes New Year's Eve. People go to the apple orchards and then loudly sing songs to 'wake up' the trees so they would give a good crop in the coming year.
Wassail is a very well-balanced flavoured drink which has rich layers of flavours. This beverage has a rich depth because of the use of well-aged apples, and has elements like the whole spices, giving it a moreish touch. This cocktail is a great way to spend a relaxing evening when you want something warm and comforting. The delicate touch of liquor in this drink amps up the beverage. It is preferable that you choose a nice liquor, if you are preparing it in the classic way. Moreover, if you want, you can completely remove the boozy bit from the beverage and treat yourself with a nice non-alcoholic toasty drink. Though we recommend you try the classic one as it has an extra punch to it. Here’s the recipe for wassail cocktail that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 cups apple cider
- 3-4 apples, cubed
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup brandy
- Dark rum to taste
- brown sugar to taste
- 2 cups water
Preparations:
1. In a saucepan add all the ingredients and boil it over medium-low flame for about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to stir the concoction at regular intervals.
2. If you wish you can discard the cinnamon sticks. Enjoy the drink while it’s piping hot.
