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Easy Slow Cooker Wassail with Apple Cider (Perfect Holiday Drink)

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This quick and easy slow cooker wassail is the perfect holiday drink. Made with apple cider, orange juice, and warm spices, it fills your house with a festive aroma and requires only 10 minutes of active prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces apple cider (preferably fresh, unfiltered)
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 4 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced into rounds

Instructions

  1. Combine the liquids: Pour the 64 ounces of apple cider and 2 cups of orange juice into your slow cooker. Give it a quick stir to combine.
  2. Add the sweetener: Drizzle in the 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Stir it in until it’s mostly dissolved.
  3. Add the whole spices: Drop in the 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of whole allspice berries. If using a cheesecloth or muslin bag, place the spices in the bag and tie it closed before adding to the pot.
  4. Add the fruit slices: Float the slices of orange and apple on top of the liquid.
  5. Set the slow cooker: Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours.
  6. Check for doneness: After the minimum time, give it a taste. It should be warm throughout, and the spices should be fragrant. If it tastes a bit weak, let it go for another 30 minutes.
  7. Serve: Before serving, remove the spice sachet (if you used one) or use a slotted spoon to fish out the whole cloves and allspice berries. Ladle the warm wassail into mugs, making sure to include a slice of orange or apple in each cup.

Notes

For a clearer drink, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop by simmering over low heat for at least 30 minutes. For an adult version, add a splash of rum or bourbon to individual mugs. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker wassail, apple cider wassail, holiday drink, easy wassail, slow cooker drink, Christmas punch, non-alcoholic wassail