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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Wassail the Whole Family Will Love

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This cozy slow cooker spiced wassail is the kind of drink that makes everyone slow down. It’s not just another holiday punch—it’s the one people ask for by name, with a balanced blend of apple, orange, and warm spices that fills your home with a festive aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) unsweetened apple juice
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) orange juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 4 large cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole star anise (optional)
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 medium apple, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 medium orange, sliced into thin rounds

Instructions

  1. Prep your fruit and spices. Wash the apple and orange thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds—about 1/4-inch thick. You don’t need to peel them; the rind adds flavor and looks pretty. Peel the ginger and slice it into thin coins. Set everything aside.
  2. Bag the cloves. Measure out 1 tablespoon of whole cloves and place them in a muslin bag or tea infuser. Tie it closed securely.
  3. Combine the liquids. Pour the apple juice, orange juice, and lemon juice into your slow cooker. Add the honey and stir gently until it dissolves.
  4. Add the spices and fruit. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), ginger slices, and the bag of cloves. Arrange the apple and orange slices on top.
  5. Set it and forget it. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The wassail is ready when the fruit slices are soft and translucent, and the liquid is a deep, warm amber color.
  6. Taste and adjust. After the cooking time, give it a taste. If you want it sweeter, stir in another tablespoon of honey. If you want more spice, let it simmer another 30 minutes with an extra cinnamon stick. If it feels too strong, add a splash more apple juice to mellow it out.
  7. Serve warm. Ladle the wassail into mugs, making sure to include a few fruit slices in each cup. Remove the bag of cloves before serving. The cinnamon sticks can stay in the pot for looks, but warn your guests they’re not for eating.

Notes

Don’t boil the wassail; low and slow is best. Remove the clove bag after cooking to avoid over-spicing. The wassail tastes even better on day two. For a spiked version, stir in 1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker wassail, spiced wassail, holiday punch, Christmas drink, slow cooker drink, warm spiced beverage

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-wassail-the-whole-family-will-love/