Cozy Slow Cooker Wassail: Easy Spiced Apple Cranberry Punch
A warm, comforting spiced apple cranberry punch made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, this wassail is a forgiving and delicious crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on LOW) or 2 hours (on HIGH)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on LOW) or 2 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 oz (about 1.9 liters) apple cider
- 32 oz (about 950 ml) cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
- 1 cup (about 100 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large orange, washed and sliced into rounds
- 1 large apple, washed, cored, and sliced into rounds
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) whole allspice berries
- 2-inch piece (about 5 cm) fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 ml) maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) rum or brandy (optional, for adult version)
Instructions
- Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Optionally, stud the orange slices with the whole cloves by poking them into the peel.
- Pour the apple cider and cranberry juice into a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the sliced orange and apple rounds, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, sliced ginger, and fresh or frozen cranberries to the slow cooker.
- Stir the mixture. Taste and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey if desired for extra sweetness. Stir again.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the fruit is soft and the liquid is fragrant and deeply colored.
- Turn the slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting. If using, stir in the rum or brandy. Ladle the wassail into mugs, including some cooked cranberries and a slice of fruit in each cup for garnish.
Notes
Don’t skip the ginger—it adds a subtle warmth. For a clearer punch, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. The ‘Warm’ setting keeps it perfect for hours. If using an Instant Pot, use the ‘Slow Cook’ function. For stovetop, simmer all ingredients in a large pot on low for 30-45 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: wassail, slow cooker, apple cider, cranberry, punch, spiced, holiday, cozy, winter, non-alcoholic, vegan, gluten-free