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Perfect Slow Cooker Wassail with Orange and Cloves

slow cooker wassail with orange and cloves - featured image
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A warm, spiced apple cider drink infused with clove-studded oranges, cinnamon, and star anise, slow-cooked to perfection. This cozy, crowd-pleasing wassail fills your home with holiday aromas and is perfect for gatherings or quiet winter evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 1 large orange, preferably organic
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: fresh orange slices, extra cinnamon sticks, or a few cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prep the orange: Wash the orange thoroughly. Using a small paring knife or toothpick, poke 20-30 holes all over the surface. Press a whole clove into each hole.
  2. Combine base ingredients: Pour apple cider into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the studded orange: Gently place the clove-studded orange into the slow cooker. It will float.
  4. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
  5. Check the flavor: After 4 hours, taste the wassail. If desired, let it simmer another 1-2 hours for stronger flavor. Adjust sweetness with a splash of apple cider or lemon juice if needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the wassail into mugs, leaving the orange and spices in the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best flavor, use whole cloves studded in the orange rather than ground cloves. The wassail can be made on the stovetop if you don’t have a slow cooker—simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For an adult version, add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to each mug.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker wassail, spiced apple cider, holiday drink, orange and cloves, warm winter beverage, slow cooker drink, wassail recipe

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