Wassail is a hot, spiced punch often associated with winter celebrations of northern Europe, usually those connected with the Christmas holiday such as Christmas, New Year's and Twelfth Night. Particularly popular in Germanic countries, the term itself is a contraction of the Old English toast wæs þu hæl, or "be thou hale!" (i.e., "be in good health"). Alternate expressions predating the term, with approximately the same meaning, include both the Old Norse ves heill and Old English wes hál.
Wassail
Makes 3½ quarts
1½ quarts unsweetened orange juice
1 quart apple juice
1/3 cup light corn syrup
6 sticks cinnamon
24 whole cloves
1 lemon sliced for garnish - optional
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in sauce pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or cold.
Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wand'ring,
So fair to be seen.
Chorus:
Love and joy come to you,
And to you a wassail too,
And God bless you
And send you a happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbour's children
Whom you have seen before.
Chorus:
We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.
Chorus:
God bless the Master of this house,
Likewise the Mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Chorus:
Melody
