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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Wassail with Orange and Cloves

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A warm, spiced, and fruity slow cooker wassail made with oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and cranberry juice. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet night in, this easy recipe fills your home with a comforting holiday aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large oranges (preferably navel or Valencia)
  • 20–30 whole cloves
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 whole star anise (optional)
  • 4 cups unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (or to taste)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Wash the oranges thoroughly. Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, poke 10-15 holes all over each orange. Press a whole clove into each hole until flush with the peel.
  2. Slice the fresh ginger into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. No need to peel.
  3. Pour the cranberry juice, apple cider, and water into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Stir in the maple syrup or honey until dissolved.
  4. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), and sliced ginger. Gently place the clove-studded oranges into the liquid.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. After cooking, taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. Add more maple syrup for sweetness or an extra cinnamon stick for more spice.
  7. Ladle the wassail into mugs, avoiding whole spices and ginger slices. For a clearer drink, strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Garnish with a thin orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip studding the orange with cloves—it releases the oil slowly for a gentle flavor. For deeper flavor, toast cinnamon sticks and star anise in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding. Keep warm on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 4-6 hours. For a boozy version, stir in 1/2 cup dark rum or brandy after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker wassail, spiced wassail, orange and cloves, holiday drink, warm spiced cider, slow cooker drink, cozy beverage

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-wassail-with-orange-and-cloves/