Wassailing is a tradition of the English cider producing counties to feast and celebrate and hope for a successful harvest, typically done at the New Year. Think of it as a New Year's party, except you're drinking something not terribly appetising.
This recipe comes from The New York Times, in an article called 'How Famous Old Christmas Customs Originated', written Dec 17, 1911.
Ingredients: (For each serving)
2 1/2 tbsp sugar 200ml beer Shot of sherry Dash of nutmeg Handful grated ginger One piece of brown bread
In a saucepan, add the sugar and 50ml beer. Simmer on the hob, adding nutmeg and ginger, then mix. Keep stirring, and once mixed, take off the hob and add the rest of the beer. Mix again.
Add it all to a jug, and crumble a piece of brown toast inside and let soak for half an hour. Drink from a goblet and serve!