Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Wassail with Orange and Cloves

cozy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, spiced slow cooker wassail made with apple cider, orange juice, and whole spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy recipe fills your home with incredible aroma and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 2 cups orange juice (fresh-squeezed or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 whole oranges (washed and studded with cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves (plus extra for studding oranges)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional)
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon (sliced thin)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum (for adult version)

Instructions

  1. Prep the oranges (5 minutes): Wash the whole oranges thoroughly. Using a small paring knife, gently score the peel in a few places. Stud each orange with about 20-25 whole cloves, pushing them into the peel.
  2. Combine the liquids (2 minutes): Pour the apple cider and orange juice into your slow cooker. Add the honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved.
  3. Add the whole spices (2 minutes): Drop in the cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, star anise, and the vanilla bean (split lengthwise if using a whole bean). If using vanilla extract, wait until the end.
  4. Add the clove-studded oranges (1 minute): Gently place the prepared oranges into the liquid.
  5. Add the lemon slices (1 minute): Thinly slice the lemon and add the rounds to the pot.
  6. Slow cook (3-4 hours on low, or 1.5-2 hours on high): Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
  7. Taste and adjust (2 minutes): After the cooking time, give it a taste. If it needs more sweetness, stir in a little extra honey. If it needs more spice, let it cook another 30 minutes with an additional cinnamon stick. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
  8. Optional: Add alcohol (1 minute): If making an adult version, stir in bourbon or dark rum just before serving.
  9. Serve warm (1 minute): Ladle into mugs, making sure each cup gets a few lemon slices and maybe a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Notes

For best flavor, make a day ahead and reheat gently. Whole spices are essential to avoid a gritty texture. Do not let the wassail boil. Fish out whole spices before serving if leaving for self-service.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, apple cider, orange, cloves, holiday drink, spiced cider, warm beverage

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/cozy-slow-cooker-wassail-with-orange-and-cloves/