Wassail n. Lit. "be thou of good health."  An ancient expression of good will, said as a toast to good health.  Also a beverage flavored with spices, sugar, fruit juice, etc.

This is our traditional family formula for the beverage.  As it is, this will make enough wassail for about 10 people.

Assemble the following:

2	quarts grape juice
2	quarts of fresh, raw apple cider
1	cup fresh orange juice
1/3	cup fresh orange juice more, to taste
	Add sugar to taste
½	teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼	teaspoon ground cloves
	touch of nutmeg
2	oranges worth of orange rinds, washed and cut into strips
2	lemons worth of lemon rinds, washed and cut into strips

Pour the grape juice and cider into a large kettle and heat to just past warm.  Add orange juice, lemon juice and sugar gradually to achieve the desired tartness and sweetness.  Add the spices.

Now raise the temperature of the mixture, but don't boil it..  Add the cut-up orange and lemon rinds, stirring occasionally.  Keep hot until served, but still don't boil it.  If you like, add a ½ ounce of Brandy to each 8 ounce serving.

home