Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Wassail Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Wassail Recipe Perfect for Holidays
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: English
Ingredients: 4 cups apple cider; 2 cups orange juice; 1 cup cranberry juice (optional); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 4 cinnamon sticks; 6 whole cloves; 2 star anise; 1 small piece of fresh ginger, peeled; 2 oranges, sliced into rounds; Optional alcohol: rum, brandy, or bourbon

Posted on November 16, 2025

slow cooker Christmas wassail - featured image

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction

The aroma of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, mixed with the sweet tang of apple cider and orange juice, instantly brings the holiday spirit into my home. My easy slow cooker Christmas wassail recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I always look forward to making it during the festive season. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly winter day—the ultimate comfort drink!

I stumbled upon wassail back when I was looking for a non-alcoholic drink to serve at a holiday party, and wow, it’s been a game-changer. Imagine a drink that not only tastes good but also fills your entire house with the scent of Christmas. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, so it’s practically effortless. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need something to sip while watching your favorite Christmas movies, this recipe will not disappoint.

This easy slow cooker Christmas wassail recipe is perfect for all ages, and the best part? You can customize it to suit your taste or even give it a little “adult” twist for those holiday parties. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: Everything goes into your slow cooker, and you can walk away while the magic happens.
Aromatic and Cozy: The warm spices and citrus notes create a festive atmosphere that fills your home with holiday cheer.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s Christmas morning, a holiday party, or a cozy night in, this wassail is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Add a splash of rum or bourbon for a grown-up version, or keep it kid-friendly with just the fruit juices and spices.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamin-rich apple cider, oranges, and warming spices, it’s a delicious way to feel good while indulging in holiday flavors.

Unlike store-bought drinks that are full of artificial flavors and sugar, this wassail is made from natural ingredients that blend beautifully to create a drink that’s both delicious and nourishing. Plus, using the slow cooker means you can focus on other holiday prep while your house fills with the most magical aroma.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses wholesome, simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local store. Here’s what you’ll need:

Apple cider: The star of the show! Go for fresh, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
Orange juice: Adds a citrusy brightness to balance the sweetness. Freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works too.
Cranberry juice: Optional, but it adds a lovely tartness and festive color.
Brown sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the juices.
Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that classic holiday spice warmth.
Whole cloves: Adds depth and a hint of spice. Don’t skip these!
Star anise: For a subtle licorice-like note that makes the flavor profile extra special.
Fresh ginger: A small piece of peeled ginger for a gentle kick.
Oranges: Slice them up to float in the wassail for added freshness and visual appeal.
Optional alcohol: Rum, brandy, or bourbon for a spirited twist.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spices to taste, and don’t forget to garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange slices for a festive touch.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker: The key to making this recipe effortless. Any size will work, but a 6-quart is ideal for larger batches.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy in your measurements.
Knife: For slicing fresh oranges and ginger.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
Ladle: Perfect for serving this delicious drink straight from the slow cooker.

If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop—just simmer the ingredients over low heat for a couple of hours. I’ve tried both methods, but the slow cooker wins for convenience and even heating.

Preparation Method

Prepare the ingredients: Slice the oranges into rounds and peel a small piece of fresh ginger.
Add liquids: Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Add spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and ginger. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the quantity slightly.
Add sweetener: Stir in the brown sugar. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
Set your slow cooker to low and let the wassail simmer for 3–4 hours. Your house will smell amazing!
Serve: Use a ladle to pour the wassail into mugs. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick for that extra holiday flair.

Pro tip: If you’re adding alcohol, wait until the wassail is done cooking and stir it in just before serving. Heating alcohol can cause it to evaporate, so you’ll want to add it at the end.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t rush the simmering: The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, so resist the urge to turn up the heat for a quicker cook time. Low and slow is the way to go!
Adjust to taste: Wassail is all about balance. If it’s too sweet, add more cranberry juice or a splash of lemon juice. If it’s too tart, a little extra brown sugar will do the trick.
Use fresh spices: Fresh cinnamon sticks and cloves make a world of difference in flavor. Skip the ground spices—they just don’t deliver the same depth.
Keep it warm: If you’re serving this at a party, keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting so guests can help themselves.

I’ve learned that the key to a perfect wassail is tasting as you go. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to match your preferences, whether that’s dialing up the spices or toning down the sweetness.

Variations & Adaptations

Alcoholic Version: Add a splash of spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon after cooking for an adult-friendly version. Be sure to serve responsibly!
Low-Sugar Option: Replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia, or skip it altogether if your juices are sweet enough.
Spice Adjustments: Not a fan of star anise? Leave it out. Love nutmeg? Add a pinch for extra warmth.
Fruit Variations: Swap the oranges for sliced lemons for a tangier flavor, or add a handful of fresh cranberries for a pop of color and tartness.

One time, I added a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to the mix, and it added a surprising herbal note that everyone loved. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Wassail is best served warm, straight from the slow cooker into your favorite festive mugs. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for a beautiful presentation. If you’re hosting a party, set up a small serving station with mugs, napkins, and a ladle so guests can help themselves.

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), let the wassail cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pour it back into the slow cooker or heat gently on the stovetop. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

For a big batch, you can freeze wassail in individual portions. Just thaw and heat when you’re in the mood for a cozy drink.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While wassail is traditionally a treat, this recipe uses natural ingredients that offer some health perks:

Apple cider: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Orange juice: Provides immune-boosting vitamin C.
Spices: Cinnamon and cloves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger: Aids digestion and adds a warming kick.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for other dietary needs. It’s comforting and nourishing, making it a great choice for holiday indulgence without overdoing it.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker Christmas wassail recipe is everything you want in a holiday drink—warm, comforting, and bursting with festive flavors. It’s so simple to make, yet it feels special enough to serve at any holiday gathering. Plus, the versatility means you can adjust it to suit your taste or occasion.

Let me know how yours turns out in the comments, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family. Cheers to a cozy and delicious holiday season!

FAQs

What is wassail?

Wassail is a traditional holiday drink made with apple cider, spices, and citrus. It’s often served warm and has roots in old English holiday traditions.

Can I make wassail without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can simmer the ingredients on low heat in a large pot on the stovetop for about 2–3 hours.

What alcohol pairs best with wassail?

Spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon are popular choices. Add them after cooking to preserve their flavor.

Can I make wassail ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked wassail in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Is wassail gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses only juices, spices, and fresh ingredients.

Pin This Recipe!