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Slow Cooker Wassail with Orange and Cloves – Easy Family Favorite

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A warm, spiced, and budget-friendly slow cooker wassail made with apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, and whole cloves. Perfect for cozy winter gatherings, this family-friendly drink fills your home with holiday aromas and is easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 2 cups orange juice (pulp-free if serving kids)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 large oranges (firm and heavy)
  • 3 tablespoons whole cloves
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Optional: 1/4 cup brandy or rum (for adults only)

Instructions

  1. Prep the oranges (10 minutes): Wash oranges thoroughly. Score each orange 6-8 times around the middle, just deep enough to break the skin. Press whole cloves into the scored lines, about 15-20 cloves per orange.
  2. Layer in the slow cooker (5 minutes): Place clove-studded oranges in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks and allspice berries on top. Pour in apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
  3. Add sweeteners and spices (2 minutes): Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top. Sprinkle ground nutmeg. Gently stir to incorporate sweetener without disturbing oranges too much.
  4. Slow cook on low (4-6 hours): Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For a quicker version, cook on high for 2-3 hours, but flavor will be less deep.
  5. Strain before serving (5 minutes): Remove oranges and cinnamon sticks with a slotted spoon. Pour liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher or directly into mugs to catch any loose cloves or allspice berries.
  6. Taste and adjust (2 minutes): Adjust sweetness or spice level if needed. Add more honey for sweetness or a fresh cinnamon stick for more spice, letting it steep for 10 minutes.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs and serve immediately. For parties, keep on warm setting after removing oranges and spices. Garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Notes

For best flavor, let simmer at least 4 hours. Studding oranges with cloves is key for depth of flavor. Strain thoroughly to avoid choking hazards. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently without boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker wassail, orange and cloves, holiday drink, warm spiced cider, family-friendly, easy wassail recipe, winter beverage

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