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Cozy Slow Cooker Wassail with Cloves and Orange

cozy slow cooker wassail - featured image
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A warm, spiced apple cider-based drink simmered with cloves, orange, and cinnamon in a slow cooker. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 oz) apple cider
  • 2 cups (16 oz) orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
  • 8–10 whole cloves
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your slow cooker: Rinse and dry the inside of a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker. Place it on the counter where it can remain undisturbed for a few hours.
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice into the slow cooker.
  3. Add the brown sugar: Sprinkle in the packed brown sugar and stir until most of the sugar dissolves.
  4. Prepare your spices: If using a spice bag or cheesecloth, place whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise (if using) in the center. Break cinnamon sticks in half and add them. Tie the bag closed. Alternatively, add spices directly to the liquid.
  5. Add the spices to the slow cooker: Drop the spice bag or loose spices into the liquid and stir gently.
  6. Add the orange slices: Slice the orange into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on top of the liquid.
  7. Set and forget: Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  8. Check and adjust: After 3 hours, taste the wassail. Adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  9. Remove the spices: Before serving, remove the spice bag or use a fine-mesh strainer to remove loose spices and cinnamon sticks. Leave some orange slices for garnish if desired.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the warm wassail into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

For a spiked version, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy after cooking. To prevent bitterness, do not exceed 8-10 cloves and remove orange slices after 3-4 hours. The wassail can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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