This traditional warm holiday punch combines lager, dark rum, lemon juice and ginger. The name means "be in good health."

WASSAIL

2 quarts larger-style beer

5 ounces simple syrup

3 ounces lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 quart dark rum

Apple slices, for garnish

Lemon slices, for garnish

In a medium saucepan, combine the beer, simple syrup, lemon juice, nutmeg and ginger. Heat over medium-high until hot, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not let it boil. Add the rum and stir well.

Place the apple and lemon slices in a heat-proof punch bowl. Add the punch and stir three times. Serves 8 to 10.

-- From A.J. Rathbun's "Good Spirits," Harvard Common Press, 2007, $29.95