The holiday season is rooted in tradition but as many know, customs change over time. The next generation takes over hosting, the number of seats around the dinner table shifts, and new dishes become part of the spread. Goodbye, gelatin molds!
As early as the third century, this time of year has spurred celebration around the winter solstice, pagan deities, the birth of Christ, and the big man in red. Somewhere in that wide-ranging revelry, the English adopted the Old Norse phrase ‘wassail’ (pronounced wah-sul), which means to be in good health.
Across the last millennia, this toast became associated with a particular beverage: hot spiced apple cider, also known as wassail. Historically, it was drunk during a precursor to caroling, as well as a yuletide ritual held on the twelfth day of Christmas. Townspeople would gather in apple orchards, singing songs and banging pots to ward off evil spirits and promote a fruitful harvest.
“At over 9,000 feet, orchards are certainly not a reality here,” joked Vanessa Agee, communications director with the town of Frisco. Though it has no particular ties to old world traditions, the destination began hosting Wassail Days in 2008 as a way to spotlight its local businesses which Agee believes, “are really the backbone of what makes Frisco unique.”
Join the fun on November 29 to December 7, where the whole town celebrates the tradition. Can’t make it to the mountains? Don’t worry, we also rounded up some Denver spots to enjoy a more subdued cup of hot cider.
Twelve Sips of Wassail
More than 50 independent retailers, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments in Frisco will participate in Wassail Days from Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 7. While some will offer other complimentary treats like holiday cookies, most will serve free samples of hot spiced cider.
“There are ones that are tarter, there are some that are a little sweeter, it really depends,” explained Agee. A few incorporate orange or pineapple juice for added brightness, while others add sliced fruit or cranberries for visual appeal. Agee says that spices run the gamut, with “everything from star anise to cinnamon sticks to nutmeg.”
Guests can also sample spiked cider from spots with liquor licenses, such as The Silver Crown whiskey bar and Outer Range Brewing Company, one of the state’s best craft breweries. However, non-alcoholic wassail will be available from all participants, as will “twelve sips of wassail” cards.
Vote for your favorite sip and collect stamps as you wander from businesses to cafes to bars. Then, submit your completed card to the Frisco Copper Information Center to receive a free commemorative mug. Located at 300 Main Street, the visitor center will also have all previous years’ mugs on display.
Agee recalled, “For a while, we did speckled blue mugs that said Wassail Days on them.” Then about a decade ago, “We were like, ‘You know what, we could make these more interesting.’ Ever since then, we’ve had local artists create the mugs.”
Summit County-based children’s book author and artist Erin McCrea designed this year’s white ceramic cup, which features a mountain scene in pastel hues. “We’ve ordered more than what we handed out last year and so we want you to take your time. You don’t have to race through it,” affirmed Agee. Good thing, as there’s plenty to peruse in downtown Frisco.
More Festivities During Wassail Days
This year, the start of Wassail Days on November 29 coincides with the Stifel Copper Cup at Copper Mountain, as well as Small Business Saturday. Visit the slopes in the morning, then head into town to sip cider and search for gifts at a variety of local shops, such as Next Page Books, Backcountry Herbal Apothecary, Colisco Wearables, and Around the World Toys.
Later that day, starting at 5:45 p.m., carolers will sing festive tunes at Frisco Historic Park prior to a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Bring your camera, as Santa and his vintage sleigh will be stationed at the gazebo for free photos. He’ll also appear in the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, November 30 and December 7.
Additionally, Mr. Claus will attend breakfast at the Summit County Community and Senior Center on Saturday, December 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nosh on pancakes with plenty of syrup and take part in holiday crafts for $20 per adult and $10 per child. Directly after this event, the Frisco Historic Park and Museum will offer cookies, wassail samples, and storytime with a live reindeer.
To add more magic to your kiddo’s holiday, complete the “Santa’s calling” online form. On Tuesday evening, December 2, they’ll receive a ring from the big man himself.
With so many free, family-friendly festivities, Wassail Days promises to be a memorable holiday event. Perhaps you’ll even be inspired to make it a new annual tradition! Once the celebration wraps up, keep the cozy sips coming at these Denver spots offering hot spiced cider.
Where to Sample Hot Spiced Cider in Denver
Ace Coffee Bar
While this Uptown spot is better known for pan-Asian dishes and ping pong, Ace Coffee Bar has attracted early risers since it opened this past spring. Order its $7 five-spice caramel cider featuring a complex, traditional blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and citrusy Szechuan peppercorns. The bright, spacious eatery is the perfect place to post up with your laptop or connect with friends over breakfast bites, like its $8 Bao-rittos. 501 E. 17th Ave., Denver, aceeatserve.com
Waldschänke Ciders & Coffee
When opening this Sunnyside neighborhood cafe, the owners took inspiration from their family’s tavern tucked away in the wooded Swiss Alps. The result is a warm ambiance, European comfort food like rösti with melted cheese, and various housemade ciders. While most are fermented and served cold, Waldschänke also offers a hot spiced cider starting at $3.25 a cup. 4100 Jason St., Denver, waldschankeciders.com
Crepe Therapy Café
After debuting the concept in Aspen, award-winning chef Mawa McQueen opened a Crepe Therapy Café in Boulder this past fall. Step into its light-filled space and watch as French crepes are made fresh behind the counter. While the eatery offers various savory and sweet toppings, the Golden Hour ($14.95) with vanilla cream custard and brown sugar brûlée is particularly decadent with a cup of hot apple cider ($4.25). 2273 31st St., Boulder, crepetherapycafe.com
Jelly Cafe
From its famous donut bites to hearty hangover cures, Jelly Cafe offers some of the best brunch options around town. The extensive menus at its Capitol Hill and University neighborhood restaurants include a delicious cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced hot cider. Sip a small for $3.50 or a large for $5 before tucking into breakfast plates in its cheerful, retro diner-inspired space. Multiple locations, eatmorejelly.com
The Bardo Coffee House
Looking for a comfortable late-night spot? The Bardo Coffee House locations in Speer and Wheat Ridge operate from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. Work remotely or connect with friends well past dark, and avoid caffeine-induced insomnia with a cup of hot spiced cider made from local apples (from $3.75). The menu also features the Caramel Apple Jack, a blend of apple cider, heavy cream, and caramel; as well as the Lumberjack, which mixes apple cider with aromatic chai (each starts at $4.70). Multiple locations, bardocoffee.com
