Holiday Spiced Wassail just warms the soul on a cold winter’s evening. The warm, inviting spices will lure you to its source to serve yourself a cup. Who knows ? Maybe you’ll break out in caroling (a-wassailing) around the pot! Curiosity caused me to pursue a little more information about its origination, so here goes.

What is Wassail? :

According to Merriam-Webster, a wassail could be :

(noun)-an early English toast to someone’s health
(noun)-a hot drink that is made with wine, beer or cider, spices sugar and usually bake apples and is traditionally served in a large bowl especially at Christmastime
(noun)-riotous drinking
(verb)-to indulge in wassail
(verb)-to sing carols from house to house at Christmas

Origination of Wassail :

The origination goes back to the 12th century as an Old Norse toast(salutation) ves heil which translates to be well. The verb wassail was originally used to describe carousing associated with drinking abundantly as early as the 14th century. Later, it became associated with the holiday season and activities associated with it , like caroling.

This Holiday Spiced Wassail is perfect as a non-alcoholic holiday beverage. A little cinnamon whiskey sitting on the side can allow those who choose to partake to spike it with a little added enhancement. Either way you choose to enjoy it, to you I toast, “be well” and be safe this holiday season!