Cozy Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider Wassail
A warm, spiced apple cider drink made in a slow cooker with fresh fruit and whole spices. This non-alcoholic winter beverage is easy to prepare, gluten-free, and perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon apple cider (fresh-pressed or high-quality cloudy juice)
- 1 large orange (juiced and zested)
- 1 large tart apple (such as Granny Smith), sliced into wedges
- 3 large cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2–3 pieces star anise
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or 1 whole nut)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds and the apple into thin wedges, leaving peels on.
- Place the orange slices, apple wedges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour in the gallon of apple cider. If using, add the brown sugar and stir gently to distribute.
- Zest the orange directly into the pot, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Do not cook on HIGH to prevent bitterness.
- After cooking, turn off the slow cooker. Strain the wassail into mugs to remove solid spices and fruit.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Do not boil the spices, as this releases tannins and makes the drink bitter. For best flavor, use fresh-pressed cider and whole spices rather than ground. Let the wassail rest in the turned-off slow cooker for an hour after cooking to allow flavors to meld. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: mulled cider, wassail, slow cooker recipe, winter drink, non-alcoholic, gluten-free, holiday beverage, cozy recipes