This is a wassailing style drink for the season. Wassail, from Middle English wæs hæl, means ‘good health’. This hearty festive drink would be a welcome sight at parties and a warming companion while you wrestle the wrapping
This is a dry drink that works well with Guinness or stout as well as ale. This recipe makes enough for a gathering but you can alter it to just make enough for you and a friend or loved one to enjoy while you wrap the presents on Christmas Eve. Because is it even Christmas Eve if you haven’t become slightly tipsy, lost the scissors and called the Sellotape a rude name?
Serves 8–12
Handful of sultanas
150ml marsala, sherry, brandy or rum
100ml ginger cordial or 125g caster sugar
Pinch of grated nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon
2 litres ale, porter, stout or other dark ale
Ice, optional
Punchbowl and cups or glasses
1 Put the sultanas in the punchbowl, add the measured marsala (or alternative), plus the cordial or sugar, and the spices. Leave to macerate.
2 When ready to serve, add ice (if preferred) and the ale. Stir and serve in the cups.
Recipes and images taken from Artisan Drinks by Lindy Wildsmith, photography by Kevin Summers (Jacqui Small, £25). This blog was first published in the December 2014 issue of The Simple Things.
