Herb Bar Waes Hael

We are celebrating the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule with an Herb Bar twist on a classic winter beverage.
“Waes Hael!”

Waes hael (or Wassail, both are correct) is a delicious mulled cider-like drink, & an activity. During the solstice it was customary for groups of people to gather together & share a large bowl of warmed or ‘mulled’ apple cider, calling out ‘Waes Hael!’ before they drank it down. This was a blessing of ‘good health’ for the community & their crops. At gatherings they would sing & pour cider over their fields & trees. This was also believed to scare away evil spirits that could threaten the fertility of the coming years crops. The original cup of wassail was a mixture of mulled ale, curdled cream, eggs, roasted apples & spices. Luckily it has transformed over the years. We would like to offer our take on this traditional brew & there is nothing curdled about it. 

Add the following ingredients to 6 - 8 cups of cider & simmer
1 Clove studded Orange*
4 Tbl of Blessed Yule
1/4 cup of Maple Syrup or Honey (totally optional)

Simmer for 30 - 40 minutes. This will make your home smell incredibly cozy & inviting. Serve & may all who join you be blessed with good health & abundance! 
The orange is for welcoming the sunshine & all the joy it brings, while cloves are often used for prosperity, luck & protection. If you like, as you are pressing your cloves into the orange, think of each one as a blessing & set intentions for the rest of the winter season. 

From everyone here at The Herb Bar, we wish you a

warm & blessed Yule!