wassail

Wassail is a traditional hot beverage and associated festive custom rooted in medieval England. It is typically associated with Christmas and the Twelve Days of Christmas, and with a practice known as wassailing, which involves going door-to-door or from house to house singing and offering blessings in exchange for drinks, food, or monetary offerings. The term is closely linked to the greeting waes hael, meaning “be healthy” or “be hale,” from Old English.

The drink itself was often made from ale, cider, or wine heated with sugar or honey and flavored with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Apples or other fruit sometimes figured in the mix, and the beverage was served in a wassail bowl or hollowed cup and kept warm over gentle heat rather than boiling. Over time regional variations developed, with mulled wine and non-alcoholic fruit punches becoming common in different areas. Modern recipes range from traditional spiced cider to variations using beer or wine, but the essential elements are warmth, sweetness, and aromatic spices.

Wassailing traditions historically included blessings for good harvests and fruitfulness, especially in orchards. In orchard wassailing, performers would visit fruit trees, pour the drink around the roots or at the base of the trees, and sing carols or verses in hopes of ensuring a fruitful year.

Today, wassail remains a cultural touchstone in some communities, often celebrated in pubs, homes, and seasonal events, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions widely available.