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Quick Slow Cooker Christmas Morning Wassail

quick slow cooker christmas morning wassail - featured image

This easy slow cooker wassail is perfect for Christmas morning—just toss everything in and let it simmer while you enjoy the chaos. It’s a warm, spiced drink that fills your house with holiday aromas and is ready in under 2 hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 apple, sliced into rounds (optional)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup rum or bourbon (add to individual cups)

Instructions

  1. Prep your spices: Place the whole cloves in a cheesecloth bundle or tea infuser.
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice into the slow cooker. Stir.
  3. Add sweetener and spices: Drizzle in honey or maple syrup (if using), then add cinnamon sticks, clove bundle, and star anise. Stir gently.
  4. Add fruit slices: Float orange and apple slices on top.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
  6. Taste and adjust: After cooking, taste and add more honey for sweetness or an extra cinnamon stick for spice if desired.
  7. Serve: Ladle into mugs, avoiding the clove bundle. Garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks. Let adults add rum or bourbon to their cups if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use unfiltered apple cider and 100% cranberry juice. Whole spices are essential to avoid cloudiness. If making ahead, prep ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Remove cinnamon sticks and clove bundle before storing leftovers to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, Christmas, holiday drink, apple cider, cranberry juice, warm drink, easy, party drink