Wassailing isn’t just an old Christmas carol, it’s a New Year’s tradition with roots in ancient England, according to The Williamsburg Cookbook.
Here’s how to whip up a batch for your festivities:
•1 cup sugar
•4 cinnamon sticks
•3 lemon slices
•2 cups pineapple juice
•2 cups orange juice
•6 cups dry red wine
•1/2 cup lemon juice
•1 cup dry sherry
•2 lemons, sliced
Boil the sugar, cinnamon sticks and three lemon slices in a half cup of water for five minutes and strain. Discard the cinnamon sticks and lemon slices.
Heat but don’t boil the rest of the ingredients.
Combine with the syrup (above). Garnish with the lemon slices and serve hot.
Serves 20.
Recipe courtesy Colonial Williamsburg and “The Williamsburg Cookbook.”
