Easy Slow Cooker Wassail with Orange and Cloves

Maggie wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I’d stopped by to drop off a book I’d borrowed—one of those things you mean to return for months and finally get around to on a random Tuesday—and the smell hit me before I even got my coat off. It was December, but not quite Christmas, that weird week between Thanksgiving and the real holiday season where everyone’s either exhausted or frantically decorating. Her kitchen was a mess, honestly. There were mail stacks on the counter and a half-empty coffee mug from that morning. But on the stove, this pot was doing something magical.

“What is that?” I asked, probably sounding a little too eager. She shrugged, stirring it with a ladle that had seen better days. “Oh, just some wassail. My mom used to make it. It’s nothing fancy.” Nothing fancy. Let me tell you, that was the understatement of the year. The steam coming off that pot smelled like winter had been distilled into liquid form—oranges and cinnamon and this warmth that felt like a hug you didn’t know you needed. She poured me a mug, and I stood there in her cluttered kitchen, sipping it while she told me about her day. That was four years ago, and I’ve made this easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves every single holiday season since.

Maybe you’ve been there—you taste something at someone’s house and you just know it has to become part of your life. That’s what this was for me. It’s not complicated. It’s not fancy. It’s just really, really good. And the fact that she made it like it was no big deal? That’s exactly what makes this recipe so special. It’s the kind of thing you can throw together without thinking, and suddenly your whole house smells like the holidays. Honestly, I think that’s the best kind of recipe to have in your back pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Look, I’ve tested a lot of wassail recipes over the years. Some are too sweet. Some are too complicated. Some require ingredients you have to hunt down at three different stores. This one? It’s the Goldilocks of holiday drinks—just right in every way. And here’s why I keep coming back to it year after year:

• Set It and Forget It: This is an easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves that does all the work for you. Throw everything in, turn it on, and let it simmer while you wrap presents or binge-watch holiday movies. No stirring. No babysitting. It’s practically magic.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably have most of these things already. Apple cider, orange juice, a few spices. The only thing you might need to grab is a bottle of cranberry juice, but that’s hardly a hassle. No fancy syrups or hard-to-find extracts here.
• Makes Your House Smell Incredible: I’m not exaggerating when I say this is basically a candle you can drink. The aroma fills every corner of your home. Guests will walk in and immediately feel cozy. It’s like aromatherapy, but tastier.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s a cookie exchange, a tree-trimming party, or just a quiet night in with family, this wassail fits right in. It’s non-alcoholic by default (though you can spike it if you want), so everyone can enjoy it.
• Crowd-Pleaser, Every Time: I’ve served this to kids, grandparents, picky eaters, and people who “don’t really like warm drinks.” Every single person has asked for the recipe. It’s just that good.

What makes this version different from the rest? It’s the balance. The orange and cloves are front and center, but they don’t overpower each other. The cranberry adds a little tartness that cuts through the sweetness. And the slow cooker method means all those flavors have time to get to know each other properly. This isn’t just another holiday drink—it’s the one you’ll reach for year after year.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves uses simple, everyday ingredients to create something that tastes anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

• 8 cups apple cider (I prefer a good quality, unfiltered cider if you can find it—it has more depth)
• 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail mix, unless you want extra sugar)
• 1 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed if you’re feeling fancy, but store-bought works fine)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste—some ciders are sweeter than others)
• 3 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish if you’re feeling extra)
• 10-12 whole cloves (trust me, this is the perfect amount—too many and it gets medicinal)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds (for simmering and garnish)
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (adds brightness and balances the sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if you have it—it really does make a difference)
• 1 vanilla bean, split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a subtle warmth that rounds everything out)

A quick note on the cloves: I know it’s tempting to just dump in ground cloves, but don’t do it. Whole cloves infuse the wassail gently without making it taste like you’re drinking potpourri. Trust me on this one—I learned the hard way. Also, if you’re using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the pot and toss the pod in too. It looks beautiful and adds that little something extra that makes people ask, “What’s in this?”

For the apple cider, I really like Martinelli’s or a local orchard brand if I can get it. But honestly, any good-quality cider will work. Just avoid the super sugary stuff that’s more like apple juice concentrate—you want real cider flavor here.

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves is that you don’t need much. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A 6-quart or larger slow cooker (anything smaller and you’ll be overflowing—trust me, I tried a 4-quart once and regretted it)
• A ladle (for serving, obviously)
• A sharp knife and cutting board (for slicing the citrus)
• A vegetable peeler (optional, if you want to add orange zest strips for extra flavor)
• A small bowl (for holding the cloves and cinnamon sticks while you get organized)
• Mugs or heatproof glasses (I like clear glass mugs so you can see the beautiful color)

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can absolutely make this on the stovetop. Just use a large pot and simmer on low for about an hour. But honestly, the slow cooker is where it’s at—it keeps the wassail warm for hours without any effort on your part. Perfect for parties or just sipping all day long.

Preparation Method

Making this easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves is almost embarrassingly simple. But that’s the point, right? Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep your citrus. Wash your orange and lemon thoroughly. Slice them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. If you want to get fancy, you can stud some of the orange rounds with a few extra cloves for visual appeal—just poke them right into the peel. It looks gorgeous floating in the wassail later.
2. Combine the liquids. Pour the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice into your slow cooker. Add the honey or maple syrup. Give it a quick stir—it doesn’t have to be perfect, just get everything moving together.
3. Add the spices. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries (if using), and ground nutmeg. If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise with a sharp knife, scrape the seeds into the pot, and toss the pod in too. If you’re using vanilla extract, hold off until the end—heat can dull the flavor.
4. Layer in the citrus. Arrange the orange and lemon slices on top of the liquid. Don’t stir them in—they’ll naturally sink and float as the wassail heats up. This way, they look beautiful and release their oils slowly.
5. Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. The longer it goes, the more the flavors meld together. I prefer low and slow—it gives the spices time to really infuse without becoming bitter.
6. Taste and adjust. After about 3 hours on low, give it a taste. Is it sweet enough? Add more honey. Is it spicy enough? Let it go longer. Does it need more citrus? Squeeze in a little extra orange juice. This is your wassail—make it exactly how you like it.
7. Remove the whole spices. Before serving, fish out the cinnamon sticks, clove-studded orange slices (if you used them), and the vanilla bean pod if you used one. You don’t want someone biting into a whole clove—trust me, that’s not a pleasant surprise. Leave a few cinnamon sticks in for visual appeal if you want, just warn your guests.
8. Serve warm. Ladle the wassail into mugs and garnish with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a star anise or a sprig of fresh rosemary. It looks beautiful and smells amazing.

A quick tip: if you’re making this for a party, keep the slow cooker on warm throughout the event. Stir it occasionally to keep the citrus slices from settling at the bottom. And if you run low, you can easily double the recipe—just make sure your slow cooker is big enough!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

After making this easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Don’t boil it. I know it’s tempting to crank the heat and speed things up, but boiling can make the spices bitter and the citrus turn unpleasant. Low and slow is the way to go. If you’re in a hurry, high for 2 hours works, but 4 hours on low is really the sweet spot.

Toast your spices first. This is a game-changer. Before you add anything to the slow cooker, toss the cinnamon sticks and allspice berries in a dry skillet over medium heat for about a minute. You’ll smell them wake up. It adds a deeper, warmer flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. I learned this after making a batch that felt a little flat—toasting made all the difference.

Watch the cloves. I cannot stress this enough. Whole cloves are potent. Twelve is perfect for this amount of liquid. If you go overboard, your wassail will taste like you’re drinking straight clove oil. And if you’re using ground cloves? Start with 1/4 teaspoon and go from there. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Strain if you want a cleaner look. Some people prefer their wassail crystal clear (well, as clear as cider gets). If that’s you, pour the finished wassail through a fine-mesh strainer before serving. You’ll lose the citrus slices, but you can always add fresh ones for garnish. I personally like the rustic look of the floating fruit, but you do you.

Make it ahead. This wassail actually gets better after sitting in the fridge overnight. The flavors continue to meld and deepen. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or back in the slow cooker. It’s a lifesaver for holiday entertaining—make it the day before and you’re golden.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations I’ve tried and loved:

• Spiked Version: For adult gatherings, add 1 cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy right before serving. Don’t add it at the beginning—alcohol evaporates with prolonged heat. Stir it in gently and let it warm through for about 10 minutes. My personal favorite is a good spiced rum—it complements the warm flavors beautifully.
• Cranberry-Orange Punch: If you want even more citrus punch, replace the lemon with an additional orange and add 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries. They’ll pop in the heat and look gorgeous floating in the wassail. Plus, the extra tartness balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Variation: Swap the cranberry juice for an additional 2 cups of apple cider and add 1/4 cup of maple syrup. It’s simpler but just as delicious—closer to traditional mulled cider but with that orange-clove backbone.
• Ginger-Pear Version: Replace the apple cider with pear nectar and add a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin. The ginger adds a lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with the orange and cloves. This is my go-to when I want something a little different.
• Herbal Twist: Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. It sounds weird, but trust me—the herbal notes cut through the sweetness and add a sophisticated edge. Just remove the sprigs before serving.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can skip the honey or maple syrup entirely. The apple cider and juices provide plenty of natural sweetness. Or use a sugar-free cranberry juice and a zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s still tasty.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves is best served warm, straight from the slow cooker. I like to set up a little self-serve station with mugs, a ladle, and a few garnishes so guests can customize their own. Here are some serving ideas:

Garnish options: Fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary. For a festive touch, rim the mugs with cinnamon sugar—just dip the rim in a little honey and then into a mix of cinnamon and sugar.

What to serve with it: This wassail pairs beautifully with gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or a cheese board with sharp cheddar and apple slices. It’s also lovely alongside a cozy charcuterie spread. For a non-sweet option, try it with roasted nuts or spiced almonds.

Storage: Leftover wassail keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it in a sealed container or jar. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it might taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is back in the slow cooker on low for about an hour, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, but the texture is better when reheated slowly. If the wassail seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of apple cider or water to thin it out.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this! Pour cooled wassail into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. The citrus slices might be a little sad after freezing, so add fresh ones for serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves is definitely a treat, it does have some redeeming qualities. Here’s a rough estimate per 8-ounce serving:

• Calories: Approximately 120-150 (depending on sweetener)
• Carbohydrates: 28-35g
• Sugar: 24-30g (natural from fruit and cider)
• Vitamin C: 15-20% of daily value (thanks to the orange and lemon)
• Antioxidants: Cranberries and cinnamon are both rich in antioxidants

The apple cider provides a good dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the cranberry juice adds additional immune-supporting nutrients. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar. Cloves are packed with antioxidants and have antimicrobial benefits. So while this isn’t a health drink by any stretch, it’s not empty calories either.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the honey or skip it entirely. The natural sweetness from the fruit juices is often enough. For a lower-carb option, use a sugar-free cranberry juice and unsweetened apple cider.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan (as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey). It’s also nut-free and egg-free, making it a safe choice for many dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves has become a non-negotiable part of my holiday season. Every year, when the first chill hits the air and the holiday lights start going up, I find myself reaching for this recipe. It’s more than just a drink—it’s the smell of winter, the taste of celebration, and the feeling of being surrounded by people you love.

The best part? It couldn’t be simpler. You don’t need to be a master chef or spend hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything in a slow cooker, walk away, and come back to something that tastes like you fussed for hours. That’s the kind of magic we all need in our lives, especially during the busy holiday season.

I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you add your own twist? Serve it at a party? Drink the whole pot yourself while wrapping presents? (No judgment here.) Drop a comment below and let me know. And if you’re looking for more cozy holiday recipes, don’t forget to check out my spiced apple cider slow cooker recipe—it’s another one that’ll make your house smell amazing.

Here’s to warm mugs, good company, and recipes that feel like a hug. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this wassail on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Keep it at a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil. Stir occasionally and taste before serving to adjust sweetness or spices.

How long does this wassail stay good in the refrigerator?

Stored in a sealed container, this wassail will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and meld together more over time, so it might taste even better on day two or three. Just reheat gently before serving.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. Ground spices can make the wassail cloudy and gritty, and they’re harder to strain out. If you’re in a pinch, use about 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. But whole spices really do give a cleaner, more balanced flavor.

Is this wassail safe for kids?

Yes! This version is non-alcoholic and perfectly safe for children. The warm, fruity flavors are usually a hit with kids. If you’re serving it at a party, just keep the spiked version separate and clearly labeled so everyone knows which is which.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough—you’ll need at least an 8-quart model for a double batch. All the ingredient amounts can be doubled exactly, and the cooking time stays the same. Perfect for big holiday gatherings!

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