Being something of troglodyte where this stuff is concerned, before reading this thread, I only knew of wassail as a beverage. Being from Milwaukee, I find beverage lore to be fascinating, found a recipe, and modernized it. Friends from the British Isles have told me that I did well.

1/2 cup sugar 1 cup water 3 lemon slices 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cups red wine 2 cups brandy 2 cups rum 2 cups cranberry juice 1 cup fresh (preferably)or frozen lemon juice

Make a simple syrup with the water and sugar and boil for 5 minutes with the lemon slices and cinnamon sticks. Strain and set aside. In a large pot, combine the remaining ingredients and warm over low heat. Stir in the syrup. Serve warm garnished with the lemon slices.

There are probably more authentic ways to do it, but this is easy enough. And a damned site easier to find in these parts than poteen.