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Cozy Slow Cooker Wassail Spiced Cider Punch

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This cozy slow cooker wassail spiced cider punch is warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting. It fills your home with the smell of clove and orange and cinnamon while it simmers, and it makes you feel like you’ve got your act together even if you’re wearing sweatpants at 3 PM on a Tuesday.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) apple cider
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) orange juice, freshly squeezed if possible
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about half a lemon)
  • 4 to 5 whole cinnamon sticks, broken in half
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 2 to 3 whole star anise pods
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit and spices: Wash the orange, lemon, and apple thoroughly. Slice the orange and apple into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Cut the ginger into thin rounds (no need to peel). Break the cinnamon sticks in half to expose the inner bark. Measure out the whole cloves and allspice berries.
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice into a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker. Add the lemon juice. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the spices and sweetener: Toss in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise, and ginger slices. Add the brown sugar and honey (if using). Stir gently to help the sugar dissolve.
  4. Add the fruit garnishes: Float the orange and apple slices on top of the liquid. Add the cranberries if using.
  5. Cook on low: Put the lid on the slow cooker and set to LOW. Cook for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it goes, the more the flavors meld. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  6. Adjust seasoning: After 3 hours, taste the punch. Adjust sweetness with more brown sugar, or if too spicy, add a splash more apple cider. If too clove-forward, remove the cloves early.
  7. Strain (optional): If desired, ladle the punch through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean container or another slow cooker to remove whole spices. Alternatively, leave them in and warn guests.
  8. Switch to WARM setting: Once the punch is ready, switch the slow cooker to WARM to keep it at the perfect serving temperature for 4 to 6 hours.
  9. Serve: Ladle the punch into mugs, making sure each cup gets a few fruit slices and cranberries. If strained, add a fresh orange slice to each mug for presentation.

Notes

Don’t overdo the cloves—they are potent. Use whole spices for best flavor and easy straining. Toast spices in a dry skillet for 60 seconds before adding for deeper flavor. The punch can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat on LOW for 1 to 2 hours. For a spiked version, add 1 cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy after cooking. For a mulled wine variation, swap half the apple cider for dry red wine. For a cranberry-orange version, add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries. To keep warm without boiling, use the WARM setting.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, spiced cider, slow cooker punch, holiday punch, apple cider punch, warm cider, winter drink, cozy drink

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-slow-cooker-wassail-spiced-cider-punch-easy-recipe/