Ves Heil

Wassail (Old Norse "ves heil", Old English was hál, literally 'be you healthy') is a beverage of hot mulled cider, traditionally drunk as an integral part of wassailing, a Medieval southern English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year. The name comes from the salute 'Waes Hail', first used as a simple greeting. The later Danish-speaking inhabitants of England seem to have turned "was hail", and the reply "drink hail", into a drinking formula adopted widely by the indigenous population of England.

This recipe from "Maryland's Way" is served on Christmas Greens Day at The Hammond-Harwood House.

1 Gallon Apple Cider

48 Whole Cloves

4 Teaspoons Whole Allspice

12 Pieces Stick Cinnamon 

1 Cup Sugar (or to taste)

1 Cup Fresh Squeeze Orange Juice

6 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients and bring to a slow boil. Simmer 10 minutes. Strain and serve hot. 4 cups apple brandy may be added after boiling, if desired. 

Wassail! wassail! all over the town,

Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown;

Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree;

With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink unto thee.