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Best Easy Crockpot Wassail with Orange and Cloves

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This easy crockpot wassail with orange and cloves is a warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting winter drink that comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent all day on it.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium whole oranges
  • 20–25 whole cloves
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) apple cider
  • 2 cups (475 ml) cranberry juice (100% juice)
  • 1/3 cup (110 grams) honey
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced into coins
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cranberries, extra orange slices, whole cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Stud one orange with cloves: Use a small knife or toothpick to poke holes in the skin of one orange, then insert whole cloves into the holes, spacing them about half an inch apart.
  2. Slice the remaining orange into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside a few slices for garnish if desired.
  3. Peel and slice the fresh ginger into thin coins, about 1/8-inch thick. No need to peel.
  4. Combine liquids in the crockpot: Pour in the apple cider and cranberry juice. Add the honey and stir until mostly dissolved.
  5. Add the spices and fruit: Drop in the clove-studded orange, sliced orange rounds, ginger coins, cinnamon sticks, and star anise (if using). Squeeze the lemon juice into the pot and toss in the lemon halves.
  6. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours.
  7. Check the flavor after 3 hours. Adjust sweetness with additional honey or tartness with lemon juice if needed. Optionally add a tiny pinch of salt.
  8. Strain the wassail through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot or pitcher if serving to guests (optional for family servings).
  9. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a fresh orange slice, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.

Notes

For a lower-sugar version, use no-sugar-added cranberry juice and reduce honey to 2 tablespoons. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey. The wassail can be made on the stovetop by simmering on low for 30-45 minutes if you don’t have a crockpot. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, crockpot wassail, orange and cloves, hot drink, holiday drink, slow cooker wassail, apple cider, cranberry juice

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/best-easy-crockpot-wassail-with-orange-and-cloves/