Wassail

WAHS-uhl, WAHS-ayl]Ves heill, Norse for "be in good health," is an old toast and the origin of this word. Wassail is a drink consisting of ale or wine sweetened with sugar and flavored with spices. This brew is traditionally served in a large "wassail bowl," garnished with small roasted apples and ladled into serving cups.

Wassail
Yield: 8 to 10 servings

8 cups larger-style beer

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons simple syrup (see note)

6 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

4 cups dark rum

Apple slices, for garnish

Lemon slices, for garnish

In a medium saucepan, combine beer, simple syrup, lemon juice, nutmeg and ginger. Heat over medium-high until hot, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not let boil. Add rum and stir well. Place apple and lemon slices in a heat-proof punch bowl. Add punch and stir 3 times.

Note: To make simple syrup, bring 2 1/2 cups water and 3 cups granulated sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat slightly; let boil slowly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Yield: 4 1/2 cups.