Toasting the season with a warm, aromatic mug of wassail is a tradition as old as time. The boozy beverage dates back to the Middle Ages and comes from the Old English saying wes hál meaning “be in good health.”
However, most wassail recipes are far from healthy, with brandy or sherry and brown sugar mulled together with beneficial cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, apple juice or cider, oranges and more.
A healthier option to mix with all those seasonal spices and fruit is red wine, transforming this holiday drink into a Blue Zone approved offering. One of the longevity lifestyle habits identified in the Blue Zones Power 9 just happens to be “Wine at 5.”
It is interesting to note that a simmering vat of wassail historically included a piece of toast floating amongst the liquor, herbs, apples and citrus, which is said to be where the tradition of “toasting” good cheer originated.
Find a healthier wassail recipe and many others at www.bluezones.com/recipes.
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