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Slow Cooker Wassail Recipe Easy Spiced Cider for Holiday Parties

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This slow cooker wassail is a cozy, spiced cider perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or quiet winter nights. It features apple cider, citrus, and warming spices, filling your home with festive aromas and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 oz (8 cups) apple cider
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 4–5 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 8–10 whole cloves
  • 6–8 whole allspice berries (or a pinch ground allspice)
  • 2 star anise (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 medium apples, sliced
  • 1 large orange, sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup cranberries (optional)
  • Rum or bourbon (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice apples and orange into rounds or wedges. Rinse cranberries if using.
  2. Pour apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice into the slow cooker.
  3. Add sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries (if using) to the slow cooker.
  4. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves (poke into an orange slice for easy removal), allspice berries, star anise, and sliced ginger.
  5. Stir in brown sugar and lemon juice. Taste cider before adding sugar; adjust to preference.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, until hot and fragrant.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed. Remove spice pieces and fruit slices with a slotted spoon or strain for a clear drink.
  8. Ladle into mugs and garnish with apple or orange slices, cinnamon stick, or cranberries. Add rum or bourbon for adults if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use unfiltered apple cider and whole spices. Thread cloves into an orange slice for easy removal. Taste and adjust sweetness after heating, as juices vary. Keep on ‘keep warm’ for serving. Can be made ahead and reheated; flavors deepen overnight. For a sugar-free version, omit brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, spiced cider, holiday drink, apple cider, Christmas, Thanksgiving, party punch, non-alcoholic, crockpot

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/slow-cooker-wassail-recipe-easy-spiced-cider-for-holiday-parties/