Wassail was originally a word used to greet someone. The concept of 'wassailing' dates back to pre-Christian fertility rites: in these ceremonies, villagers would walk through fields and orchards in the middle of winter, singing and shouting to drive away spirits that might hinder the growth of future crops. They poured wine and cider on the ground to promote a fruitful harvest.

Over time, this concept evolved into the idea of carol singing, which became popular in the Victorian era and is still practiced in many countries today.

Read the interview with Francesca, creator of the Instagram page @a_look_to_the_alps to learn more about ancient traditions, Yule and the magic of the winter solstice.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 l apple cider
• 2 cucchiai cranberry juice
• 2 cucchiai honey
• 2 oranges cut into slices
• 15 whole cloves
• 1 apple, peeled and slices
• 1 tsp of ginger
• Anise to taste
• Nutmeg to taste
• 3 cinnamomon sticks (or 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon)
• 1/2 glass brandy

GET STARTED

1. Pour the cider into a saucepan and stir to dissolve the honey.
2. Then add the oranges (pierce them with cloves), the apple cubes, ginger, aniseed and nutmeg to taste: a few tablespoons of each is usually enough.
3. Finally, break the cinnamon sticks in half and add them too.
4. Cover the casserole dish and leave to simmer for 2-3 hours. 
5. Add the brandy about half an hour before serving.