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Cozy Crockpot Wassail with Orange and Cloves: Best Holiday Drink

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This cozy crockpot wassail with orange and cloves is a shortcut to holiday magic. It takes minutes to throw together, and in return, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your mug with a perfectly balanced, soul-warming drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (1.9 L) apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
  • 2 large oranges (one for juicing, one for studding with cloves)
  • 10–12 whole cloves (plus more for studding the orange)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (or 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, tied in cheesecloth)
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or a pinch of ground)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (120 ml) dark rum or brandy (for adult version, added at the end)
  • Garnish: Fresh cranberries, apple slices, and extra cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Studded Orange (5 minutes): Take one whole orange and use a skewer, toothpick, or knife tip to poke holes all over the surface. Push a whole clove into each hole (about 20-30 cloves total).
  2. Combine the Liquids (2 minutes): Pour the apple cider and orange juice into your crockpot. If using fresh orange juice, squeeze the second orange now.
  3. Add the Sweetener (1 minute): Add the brown sugar to the liquid and stir to help it dissolve.
  4. Add the Whole Spices (2 minutes): Drop in the cinnamon sticks, remaining whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise pods. Grate the nutmeg directly into the pot.
  5. Add the Studded Orange (1 minute): Gently place the clove-studded orange into the center of the liquid (it will float).
  6. Slow Cook the Wassail (3-4 hours on LOW or 1.5-2 hours on HIGH): Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours until steaming hot and fragrant. Do not let it boil.
  7. Taste and Adjust (2 minutes): Taste the wassail. If needed, add another tablespoon of brown sugar for sweetness or cook 30 minutes more for more spice.
  8. Remove the Spices (Optional, 1 minute): Use a slotted spoon to remove cinnamon sticks, star anise, and the studded orange (which will be soft) before serving.
  9. Stir in the Alcohol (Optional, 1 minute): If making an adult version, stir in dark rum or brandy at the end.
  10. Serve and Garnish (5 minutes): Ladle into heatproof mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries, or a thin apple slice.

Notes

Do not boil the apple cider as it becomes bitter. Use whole spices, not ground, to avoid a cloudy and gritty drink. The wassail tastes even better the next day. For a make-ahead option, prepare a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat gently on LOW.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot wassail, holiday drink, mulled cider, orange and cloves, slow cooker wassail, Christmas punch, warm spiced drink

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/cozy-crockpot-wassail-with-orange-and-cloves-best-holiday-drink/