How to Make Wassail for Caroling

The holidays are a time for gift giving, volunteering, and singing carols. If you live in a cold part of the country, caroling can be a shivering experience. Take along some wassail and enjoy the warmth of this traditional caroling drink.

Things You'll Need

• 2 quarts of sweet cider
• 2 cups of orange juice
• 1 cup of lemon juice
• 2 1/2 cups of pineapple juice
• 1 stick of whole cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
• sugar or honey to taste
• rum (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a large pot that will hold the ingredients without spilling when you stir the mixture. A six to eight quart saucepan should work.

2. Add the cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and pineapple juice to the pot. Add one stick of cinnamon and the cloves. Begin to stir the mixture as you heat it on low to medium heat.

3. Taste to see if you wish to add sugar or honey. The juices are naturally sweet, so you may opt to pass on the sweetener.

4. Add rum, if you wish, after the juices are heated but have not come to a boil.Preferably, use a dark rum. There is no formula for how much rum. Pour the wassail into thermal cups, and you are ready to travel the neighborhood in song.

Tips & Warnings

• Add slices of oranges and lemon to the wassail. Keep it on the stove on low heat.

• Always use caution with alcoholic drinks.

• Do not boil the wassail.

Resources

• All About Wassailing