Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Christmas Morning Wassail – Easy & Warm

cozy slow cooker christmas morning wassail - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy slow cooker Christmas morning wassail is a warm, aromatic holiday drink that balances sweet apple cider and tart cranberry juice with citrus and whole spices. It’s quick to prep and fills your home with festive cheer while the slow cooker does the work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider (unsweetened, preferably unfiltered)
  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole star anise
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (added at the end)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup bourbon or rum (for adult version, add to individual mugs)

Instructions

  1. Place the whole cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it into a bundle with kitchen twine.
  2. Pour the apple cider and cranberry juice into your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Drop in the orange and lemon slices. Do not stir too aggressively.
  4. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and the cheesecloth bundle of cloves. Push them under the liquid.
  5. Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. Stir gently to dissolve.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the vanilla extract.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus as desired.
  9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the citrus slices and spice bundle. Ladle the wassail into mugs. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick if desired.
  10. Leave the slow cooker on warm setting for hours to keep it warm.

Notes

Don’t overdo the cloves; they are potent. Strain before serving to avoid stray spices. This wassail tastes even better the next day. For a spiked version, add bourbon or rum to individual mugs, not the slow cooker. Serve hot but not boiling, around 160°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, Christmas, holiday drink, apple cider, cranberry, spiced cider, warm drink, easy, festive

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-slow-cooker-christmas-morning-wassail-easy-and-warm/