Imagine a drink that captures the essence of winter magic in a single mug - a brew so aromatic and comforting that it instantly transports you to cozy fireside gatherings and festive celebrations. Our Slow Cooker Cider Wassail is not just a beverage; it's a liquid hug that warms you from the inside out! With its rich blend of spices, citrusy notes, and sweet apple cider, this traditional drink will become your new cold-weather obsession. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fragrant winter wonderland with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 cups of apple cider, 1 orange, 1 lemon, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of allspice.
- Wash the orange and lemon thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residues.
- Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds. Set aside the slices for later use.
- In a slow cooker, pour in the 8 cups of apple cider. Ensure the slow cooker is clean and set to the low heat setting.
- Add the sliced orange and lemon to the apple cider in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of brown sugar, stirring gently to combine it with the cider and fruit slices.
- Next, add the 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of allspice to the mixture in the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients gently to ensure that the spices and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the cider.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the wassail cook on low heat for about 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 2 hours, carefully taste the wassail. If you desire a sweeter flavor, you can add more brown sugar to taste and stir well.
- Once the wassail is ready, you can serve it warm. Use a ladle to pour the wassail into mugs, making sure to include some of the fruit slices and spices in each serving.
- For added garnish, you may choose to add a cinnamon stick to each mug for a festive touch.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Cider Wassail as a delightful beverage for gatherings, parties, or cozy evenings at home.
Tips
- Choose high-quality apple cider for the best flavor - fresh, unfiltered cider works wonderfully.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The slow, low heat allows the spices to infuse deeply into the cider.
- For an adult version, you can add a splash of rum or brandy when serving.
- Use whole spices instead of ground for a clearer, more refined wassail.
- Keep the wassail on the warm setting during gatherings so guests can enjoy it throughout the evening.
- Experiment with garnishes like star anise or orange peel for extra visual and flavor appeal.
- If you prefer a stronger spice profile, let the wassail simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 159kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
