Wassail is a traditional holiday drink, which has been served for centuries around the time of Yule. It is enjoyed by many people, not just Pagans. It originated from the Norse, and you can actually buy drinking horns online (or make your own) if you want to enjoy Wassail the truly traditional sense. The word comes from the old Norse toast, "Ves Heill," meaning "be in good health." There are several variations of this recipe - here are a few of them.

Wassail Recipe 1:

You will need:
6 cups apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 1/2 cups pineapple juice

Heat cider and cinnamon stick in dutch oven. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 5 minutes longer. Serve. You can also add rum to this recipe (to taste).

Wassail Recipe 2:
Here is another variation on this recipe.

You will need:
2 1/4 cups white sugar
4 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
1 slice fresh ginger root
4 cups orange juice
2 cups lemon juice
8 cups apple juice
8 whole allspice berries
1 tbsp whole cloves

Combine sugar and water in a large pot (dutch oven). Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cinnamon, allspice, ginger and cloves. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Strain liquid into a large pot. Just before serving, add apple, orange, and lemon juice and bring to boil. Remove from heat and serve. You may add rum to this recipe as well.

Wassail Recipe 3: Alcohol Free
Here is yet another (non-alcoholic) variation on this recipe.
You will need:
2 cups cranberry juice
2/3 cup white sugar
7 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp whole allspice
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple juice
6 oz. frozen concentrated fruit punch
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate

In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, sugar, and cranberry juice. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Place the cinnamon, allspice and cloves into a cheesecloth bag and close tightly. Add to the liquid and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the spices. Just before serving, add the remaining ingredients (juices). Serve steaming hot.

-Author(s) Unknown.