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Cozy Slow Cooker Christmas Wassail: 5-Minute Holiday Punch

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A comforting, aromatic holiday punch made in a slow cooker with apple cider, fresh fruits, and warm spices. This easy recipe requires minimal effort and provides a cozy, nostalgic experience perfect for winter gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 gallons (8 quarts) 100% pure apple cider
  • 1 to 2 cups water
  • 4 large black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose leaf)
  • 2 large oranges, sliced into rounds
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, sliced into wedges
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3 large cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)
  • 1 cup dark rum or brandy (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Wash oranges and apples thoroughly. Slice oranges into thin rounds and core/apples into thick wedges. Peel and slice fresh ginger into coins.
  2. Place apple cider and water into the slow cooker pot.
  3. Add orange slices, apple wedges, cranberries, and ginger to the pot.
  4. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and nutmeg.
  5. Place tea bags into the liquid (use a mesh infuser if using loose leaf).
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Do not cook on HIGH.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the tea bags to prevent bitterness.
  8. Taste the wassail and stir in brown sugar if additional sweetness is desired.
  9. Ladle into mugs, ensuring each serving includes some fruit. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
  10. Add rum or brandy to individual mugs or the pot just before serving if desired.

Notes

[‘Use whole spices rather than ground spices to avoid a gritty texture and bitter sludge.’, ‘Do not let the wassail boil, as this destroys delicate apple flavors and makes fruit slimy.’, ‘Remove tea bags after 3-4 hours to prevent the drink from becoming astringent and bitter.’, ‘Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith; avoid Red Delicious as they turn mealy.’, ‘The flavors improve if made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.’, “Can be kept on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 4 hours before serving.”]

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker wassail, holiday punch, christmas drink, apple cider recipe, winter beverage, cozy drinks, non-alcoholic punch, easy holiday recipes

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/cozy-slow-cooker-christmas-wassail-5-minute-holiday-punch/