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Easy Slow Cooker Wassail with Orange and Cloves

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This easy slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves is a warm, spiced holiday drink that fills your home with a cozy aroma. Made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and citrus, it’s a simple, crowd-pleasing beverage perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 10–12 whole cloves
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 vanilla bean, split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange and lemon thoroughly. Slice them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Optionally, stud some orange rounds with extra cloves for garnish.
  2. Pour the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the honey or maple syrup and stir briefly.
  3. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries (if using), and ground nutmeg. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the pot, and add the pod. If using vanilla extract, add it at the end.
  4. Arrange the orange and lemon slices on top of the liquid. Do not stir them in.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  6. After about 3 hours on low, taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.
  7. Before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks, clove-studded orange slices, and vanilla bean pod (if used).
  8. Ladle the wassail into mugs and garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Notes

Do not boil the wassail as it can make spices bitter. Toast cinnamon sticks and allspice berries in a dry skillet for deeper flavor. Whole cloves are potent; 12 is the perfect amount. The wassail can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days; flavors deepen overnight. For a spiked version, add 1 cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, orange, cloves, holiday drink, apple cider, cranberry juice

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