Lambswool
Cozy up with a steaming mug of Lambswool, a traditional British wassail-style drink that’s as comforting as it is festive. This historical recipe combines roasted tart apples, like Bramley or Granny Smith, with warm spices—including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—and a rich, medium-bodied ale for a uniquely frothy and aromatic beverage. Sweetened with a hint of brown sugar, this drink perfectly melds the flavors of spiced ale and caramelized apple pulp, creating a drink that’s both rustic and indulgent. Whether you enjoy it strained for a smoother texture or embrace its traditional chunky froth, Lambswool is the ultimate fall and winter drink, perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. Serve it warm in mugs for a nostalgic and heartwarming toast to the season.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 whole cooking apples (such as Bramley, Granny Smith, or another tart variety)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cups ale (such as a medium-bodied or spiced ale)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
- 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 5 whole cloves
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Core the apples and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over the apples.
Roast the apples in the oven for 30 minutes, or until they are soft and starting to collapse. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large saucepan, gently heat the ale over medium heat. Do not allow it to boil as it may lose flavor.
Add the spices (ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger) and whole cloves to the warming ale. Stir to combine.
Scoop the roasted apples out of their skins and add the soft pulp to the spiced ale mixture. Discard the skins.
Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to mash the apple pulp into the ale until the mixture takes on a frothy, slightly chunky texture.
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar, adjusting sweetness to taste if needed.
Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother drink, or leave it rustic for a more traditional texture.
Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses, making sure to ladle both liquid and any frothy apple mixture on top for authenticity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
748 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.7 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 65 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 125.5 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 62.7 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 176 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 874 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
