The Gin Passport

The Seventh Day of Christmas

Cocktail :  Fig Leaf Sour

Recipe: gin, fig leaf liqueur, lemon juice, sugar syrup to adjust as liqueur is sweet enough, egg white, dash bitters.

The Lord of Misrule was once the life and soul of Christmas celebrations in Britain – until the Puritans put a stop to all the fun in the 17th century!

The tradition has its roots in the Roman festival of Saturnalia and later the medieval Feast of Fools, where, for a short time, the normal rules of society were turned upside down. Servants could play masters, fools became kings and everyone was encouraged to let their hair down.

Each Christmas, a Lord of Misrule was appointed – often a servant, courtier or someone from the lower ranks of the household – to act as a mock king and master of ceremonies. Dressed in elaborate robes and jewels, he led the festivities, organised games, pageants and feasts, and generally made sure everyone embraced the spirit of merriment.

For the twelve days of Christmas, the world was turned on its head. It was a time of laughter, music, dancing and a little harmless chaos, with the Lord of Misrule at the centre of it all.

Unfortunately, the rise of the Puritans in the 17th century brought an end to these lively celebrations. They viewed Christmas festivities as unruly, wasteful and far too indulgent, and many of the old traditions – including the Lord of Misrule – were banned or quietly disappeared.

Thankfully, Christmas eventually found its way back. During the Victorian era, writers such as Charles Dickens, together with the Anglican Church, helped reshape the holiday into the family-centred celebration we recognise today, placing greater emphasis on goodwill, generosity and spending time with loved ones.

I have to admit... a tiny part of me thinks the Lord of Misrule sounds like someone who'd have been great fun to share a Christmas G&T with!