Slow Cooker Wassail
4 Comments Dec 13, 2021
Updated Oct 19, 2024
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Make a giant batch of crockpot wassail this holiday. This flavorful drink has three kinds of juice and plenty of holiday spice, perfect for any holiday party (fall or winter!)
If you love making warm drinks in the slow cooker, also try my Warm Christmas Punch and Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
Table of Contents
What is Wassail?
- Wassail is a hot mulled cider that is often associated with Yuletide (Christmas). It is a traditional drink that dates back hundreds of years.
- The word ‘wassail’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’, which means ‘good health’. Originally, the wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar. – Quoted from Why Christmas
- Wassail is kid friendly, and great for those who choose not to drink. It’s always nice to have a non-alcoholic choice at parties. It tastes like a hot punch and is often called wassail punch.
Recipe Ingredients
- Juices – Apple juice, cranberry juice and orange juice flavor this version of wassail.
- Spices – Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves will give your crock pot wassail a wonderful spiced flavor.
- Fruits – Adding sliced apples and oranges not only give the wassail great flavor it also makes for a great garnish.
- Honey – A touch of honey is used to sweeten this wassail; you will love the mild flavor of this. You can use brown sugar if desired.
Step-by Step Directions
Step One – Add the cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice to the slow cooker.
Step Two – Stir the juices.
Step Three – Next, add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Stir.
Step Four – Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2.5 hours. There is no need to stir during the cooking time (unless you want to!).
How long can I keep Wassail warm?
- You can keep wassail on the warm setting of your slow cooker for up to 4 hours.
- The longer the wassail is on warm the stronger the spices become. Once the cooking time is done, I recommend removing the spices.
Wassail Serving Tips
- Place out mugs or paper cups for the wassail.
- Whipped cream and caramel are great toppings for wassail.
- Set out alcohol for those who want to “spike” their own mug.
Recipes FAQs and Variations
Suppose you want to spike your wassail with hard alcohol; you can! There are no set rules on which alcohol to use; I prefer to serve mine with brandy, rum, or even hard apple cider.
If you are a red wine lover, you will love wassail with wine. Choose your favorite wine you would normally drink. I like a red blend wine for my wassail.
You do not need much ground cloves if that is all you have on hand. A pinch of cloves is plenty.
Wassail is already kid-friendly if you make it without alcohol. However, some kids (like mine) have an aversion to intensely flavored clove in their hot drinks. Cut the cloves in half if you have picky kids.
Wassail will last three days in the fridge after being made. Place in a large pitcher.
Pop a mug in the microwave for a morning treat for one. Or you can reheat it on the stovetop in a small pot if you have more than one to serve.
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Slow Cooker Wassail
Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 4 cups apple juice
- 4 cups orange juice
- 1/3 cup honey, (or 1/4 cup brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoons whole cloves, or a pinch of ground
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, sliced
Optional for garnish:
- 1 green apple, sliced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange slice, cut into wedges for the glasses
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2.5 hours.
- Tip: Be aware that the longer the wassail cooks, the stronger the spices become. Leaving the spices in the slow cooker too long may make the wassail bitter. If serving later, remove the whole spices from the slow cooker after the wassail has cooked. If yours has become too strong add a splash or two of one of the juices.
Sarah’s Notes
- You can keep wassail on the warm setting of your slow cooker for up to 4 hours.
- The longer the wassail is on warm the stronger the spices become. Once the cooking time is done, I recommend removing the spices.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Do you addd the sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries to the crockpot before heating or just toss in afterwards for looks?
Are you using regular apple juice or apple cider?
I used apple juice, but you can use cider. The orange and the cinnamon sticks are added while it cooks, then I add the other fruits after it’s done.
When making this with wine, which liquids does it replace?
How many bottles would I use?
You can add a bottle of wine to this recipe without changing anything. The spices will bring it all together. I would think only one bottle will fit.