What is wassail, and why do people sing about it this time of year? Alas, my friends, today we are going to learn about the origins of traditional English wassail, and an easy hot mulled cider recipe so you can make it at home. Caroling off-key is completely optional.
Wassailing is an old English tradition of caroling door to door, singing Christmas carols. According to our good ole friend Wikipedia, back in the middle ages, “the lord of the manor would give food and drink to the peasants in exchange for their blessing and goodwill.”
Love and joy come to you
And to you your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.
In 16th century England, the wealthy would give carolers treats such as “figgy pudding.” You know the traditional song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and the verse where it sings, “bring us some figgy pudding”… yeah, that’s it.
Psst… want beautiful Scripture + Gratitude printables to celebrate the beauty of the Advent Season? Click below…
Wassail, is a hot mulled cider, typically consumed while… um… wassailing. This tradition has been carried through the centuries.
The Mulling Spice Blend that I found at Thrive Market has a blend of cinnamon, vanilla, clove, orange, and nutmeg.
It’s a versatile holiday staple that can be mixed with spiced wine, cider, tea and more. BONUS – you can add the Wassail Mix to hot water on the stove to make a delightful holiday aroma.
*Allergen information: Read the ingredients of the brand that you purchase, some brands contain an extract of malted barley which contains wheat/gluten.
Simply followed the directions on the package.
Mixing Options:
- 1 Cup Hot Apple Cider with 2 tsp Wassail Mix
- 1 Gallon Hot Apple Cider with 1 Cup Wassail Mix
- 1 Cup Red Wine with 2 tsp Wassail Mix
- 1 Bottle Red Wine with 1/2 Cup Wassail Mix
You can make it in the crockpot for a large gathering. You can add apples and/or oranges for garnish. And if you are really wild and crazy, you can add a dash of bourbon to the apple cider to make it a little more “adult-friendly.”
*Allergen information: Read the ingredients of the brand that you purchase, some brands contain an extract of malted barley which contains wheat/gluten.
Love and joy come to you…
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Love, hugs, and God Bless You and Send You a Happy New Year.
Can’t wait to make this!
Hi Audree – Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and I hope to see you again soon! Hugs, Holly
2 things i don’t know
1)know the traditional song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and the verse where it sings, “bring us some figgy pudding
2)What is Wassail Mix and where can you buy it
I love hot cider and your wsssail version sounds so yummy!
Hi Cindy – Great to see you again! Thank you for sharing your kind words and Merry Christmas to you! Hugs, Holly
My family and I make wassail every year, but a non-traditional recipe, lol. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday, hope to see you again in the new year!
Hi Chelc – My apologies for the delayed response – I just had 30 comments appear out of nowhere and some were two months old! Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and I really do appreciate it! Hugs, Holly