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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Wassail with Apple Cider

slow cooker spiced wassail - featured image
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This Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Wassail with Apple Cider is a warm, aromatic drink perfect for cold-weather gatherings. Simply combine apple cider, orange juice, honey, and whole spices in a slow cooker and let it simmer for hours, filling your home with an inviting winter scent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar
  • 4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 20 cloves)
  • 3 whole star anise pods
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 whole orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 whole apple, sliced into rounds
  • Optional garnish: extra cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice both into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Peel the ginger and slice it into thin coins. Measure out the honey and brown sugar.
  2. Layer the spices: Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and ginger slices directly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the liquids: Pour in the apple cider and orange juice. Add the honey and brown sugar. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add the fruit slices: Arrange the orange and apple slices on top of the liquid.
  5. Slow cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and set to low. Let it simmer for 4 hours. (Alternatively, cook on high for 2 hours.)
  6. Taste and adjust: After 4 hours, taste the Wassail. If desired, add more honey for sweetness or another cinnamon stick for spice, and let simmer for 30 more minutes.
  7. Strain or serve as is: For a smoother drink, strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Otherwise, serve with the fruit and spices floating in it.
  8. Keep warm for serving: Switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting. Stir gently every hour to keep flavors well-distributed.

Notes

For deeper flavor, toast the whole spices in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30-60 seconds before adding to the slow cooker. The Wassail tastes even better the next day; make it ahead and refrigerate overnight, then reheat. For a spiked version, add 1 cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, apple cider, spiced drink, winter beverage, holiday drink, cozy drink

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-wassail-with-apple-cider/