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Cozy Spiced Cranberry Clove Wassail

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This cozy spiced cranberry clove wassail is a warm, aromatic holiday drink made with cranberry juice, apple cider, and whole spices. It’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced into rounds)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
  • 3–4 orange slices (for garnish, optional)
  • 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the whole cloves in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Combine cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and water in a slow cooker. Stir gently.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved. Taste and add more if desired.
  4. Add the toasted cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), sliced ginger, and allspice berries. Do not stir vigorously.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set to low. Cook for 3-4 hours.
  6. After 3-4 hours, strain the wassail through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs to remove whole spices.
  7. Garnish with orange slices, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Toast the cloves for 30 seconds to release their essential oils. Do not boil the wassail; keep it at a gentle simmer if using the stovetop method. Always strain before serving to avoid biting into whole spices. The wassail can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days; flavors deepen over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, cranberry, clove, holiday drink, slow cooker, spiced, warm beverage

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/cozy-spiced-cranberry-clove-wassail-best-easy-recipe/