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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Wassail with Orange and Cloves

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A warm, spiced, non-alcoholic wassail made in the slow cooker with apple cider, orange juice, honey, and whole spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it fills your home with a comforting aroma and is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 oz) apple cider
  • 2 cups (16 oz) orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
  • 2 large navel oranges
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Orange slices (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
  • Star anise (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the oranges thoroughly. Using a paring knife, make shallow cuts in the peel. Press whole cloves into the oranges in a decorative pattern, using about 1 tablespoon of cloves total.
  2. Pour apple cider and orange juice into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add honey and lemon juice. Stir until honey is mostly dissolved.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and black peppercorns to the slow cooker. Optionally, tie them in a cheesecloth bundle for easy removal.
  4. Gently place the clove-studded oranges into the slow cooker.
  5. Grate fresh nutmeg directly over the slow cooker and stir to incorporate.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. For more sweetness, add extra honey; for more spice, let it simmer longer or add a pinch of ground cinnamon.
  8. Before serving, remove oranges and whole spices with a slotted spoon. Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks. Keep warm on the ‘warm’ setting if serving at a party.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider and whole spices. Studding oranges with cloves (like a pomander) infuses the drink evenly. Toast spices in a dry skillet for 60 seconds before adding for deeper flavor. Make ahead: the wassail tastes even better the next day. For a spiked version, add 1 cup dark rum, bourbon, or brandy after simmering. To reduce sweetness, omit honey or use less. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker wassail, spiced wassail, orange and cloves, holiday drink, apple cider, non-alcoholic, warm beverage, Christmas drink, party drink

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