Old English Wassail/Wassail – hagyományos karácsonyi ital

OLD ENGLISH WASSAIL

The word Wassail comes from the old Anglo Saxon ‘wes hal’ meaning to be whole, in good health.
Wassailing is a very old English custom with its roots in Paganism. The idea is to protect the cider apple trees from evil spirits and to ensure a plentiful crop in the coming season. The tradition is still upheld throughout the country, but particularly so in Somerset, the home of Cider.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar
1 quart apple juice
1 quart apple cider
1 pint cranberry juice
1 teaspoon aromatic bitters
1 cup rum
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 orange
6 cloves
Directions:

• Dissolve the sugar in the juices and warm over medium heat.
• Add the bitters and the rum and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Reduce heat.
• Stud the orange with the allspice and cloves add to the liquid with the cinnamon and steep for 4 hours.

• Do not boil.