Wassail

That depends: Most modern recipes differ greatly from anything that the original Anglo saxon holiday toasting drink might have been likened to. Availability of spices and fresh fruits and the desire to create a drink with a higher alcohol content then the original had has given inovators free license to use their personal creativity. The essentials are a combination of Brown Ale, Spices, Apples or Apple cider, lemon zest, port, a sweetner and heat. Try the following:

• 3 pints of ale
• 2 pints of Apple cider
• 1 cup of port
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 cup of honey
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardomon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice

In a large saucepan, combine 1 pint of ale, 1 pint cider and the remaining ingredients and bring to a low simmer for at least 30 minutes stirring regularly. Shortly before serving add the remaining ale and cider. Serve hot in a preheated cup or tankard. Serves 6-8. Much of the alcohol will have been removed during the heating process. For a higher alcohol bang add a shot of Calvados to each cup.

Waes Hael!