Wassail, What is it and where can I get some?

"Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year."

So what exactly is this "Wassail" stuff? Pronounced "wah-sul", it is a spiced punch drunk at Twelfth Night and Christmas/Yule celebrations. Wassail is most commonly recognized as an obscure reference in various traditional Christmas carols (like the one above). The term derived from the Old English wes hál, meaning "be in good health," and was originally used as a toast, the appropriate response being "drink-hail!"

While the beverage typically served as "wassail" at modern holiday feasts with a medieval theme most closely resembles mulled cider, historical wassail was completely different, more likely to be mulled beer. Sugar, ale, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon would be placed in a bowl, heated, and topped with slices of toast as sops.

How to make Wassail :

1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 (6 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1 (3-inch) stick cinnamon
2 qts apple juice or cider
1 qt cranapple juice
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1/2 cup sugar

Tie cloves and cinnamon in a cheesecloth bag. Place spice bag and remaining ingredients in a large kettle; stir well.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Remove the spice bag.
Rum or brandy may be added if desired.
(Yield: 1.5 gallons )