This crockpot wassail is the perfect warm drink to serve for the holidays. Filled with flavors of apples, oranges, cinnamon and cloves, it’s easy to make in the slow cooker.
If you love warm drink recipes made in the slow cooker, try crockpot hot chocolate and homemade apple cider, too!
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Recipe for Wassail
Now that winter is here, the air is crisp and I can’t help but want something warm to drink. I love this traditional recipe for wassail made in the crock pot, homemade hot chocolate and caramel apple cider.
The best part about this crockpot wassail recipe is that it only takes 5 ingredients to make then simmers in your slow cooker. It not only tastes like Christmas, but fills your home with amazing aromas and has become a holiday tradition!
Ingredient Notes
- Apple juice: The base of this homemade wassail recipe starts with a half gallon of apple juice.
- Orange juice: Then 2 cups of orange juice is added in for some fresh citrus flavor.
- Cinnamon sticks: Throw in 2 cinnamon sticks to add some warmth and spice.
- Cloves: This is a quintessential holiday spice. A little goes a long way, so stick with about 1 teaspoon whole cloves in this holiday drink.
- Cranberries: I love adding in 1/2 cup fresh cranberries mostly for presentation. The bright pop of red makes the crock pot wassail super festive!
How to Make Wassail
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker. You can also add in a few orange and apple slices. You could also add to a pot on the stove and simmer.
- Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Once finished, turn crockpot to warm until ready to serve.
- Ladle into cups and add favorite toppings. Then serve while warm!
Wassail Serving Tips
The best part about this wassail punch is that you can serve it straight from your crockpot. Use a ladle to scoop out the drink and pour into glasses.
- Add fresh apple and orange slices into the crockpot for more holiday flare and flavor.
- For a sweeter variation, add up to 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar. More fruit juices like cranberry juice, pineapple juice or lemon juice are all delicious!
- Serve in clear glasses or mugs so that your guests can see all of the beautiful colors.
- Add a cinnamon stick for garnish in each glass for more decoration.
- To make this more kid-friendly add some homemade whipped cream and caramel sauce for the ultimate treat.
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of the hot wassail before serving.
Looking for a punch recipe to serve chilled? Try this Thanksgiving punch recipe or for something fruity my pink punch!
More Holiday Drinks
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Crockpot Wassail
Video
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- freshly sliced oranges and apples (optional)
Optional: Whipped cream and caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 gallon apple juice, 2 cups orange juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves and 1/2 cup fresh cranberries into a large slow cooker. Add a few orange and apple slices if desired. Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Turn to the warm setting.
- Ladle into cups and top with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
This warm drink is often associated with Christmas and is a traditional Yuletide beverage. The word ‘wassail’ comes from an English Anglo-Saxon phrase and translates to mean ‘good health’. As the story goes, carolers at Christmas and New Years would go door to door singing and offering a drink from their bowl of wassail.
I recommended only 2-3 hours, although I have kept it warm up to 4 hours during holiday parties. The spices in the beverage get stronger and more ‘spicy’ the longer it simmers.
Yes, just add all ingredients to a large pot and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
Store in large pitcher in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze in a freezer safe bag up to 3 months. To reheat, add to a pot on the stove, reheat in microwave or reheat in the crockpot.
Categorized as: American, Beverages, Christmas, Crockpot, Dairy-Free, Thanksgiving
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is perfect! Such a amazing drink for the holidays!!
Yummy! My kids and husband are going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
A mug full of this makes any holiday feel more special! With only 5 ingredients, it couldn’t be easier!
I made this for a family gathering and everyone loved it! Beautiful, delicious and easy! And it smells sooo good. Thanks for sharing! I love it when I find recipes like this that are simple and lovely.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
I love that this is so festive and tasty! It’s perfect for our parties and gatherings this time of year when I want it to look like I went to a lot of trouble for these tasty recipes ;)
The perfect holiday drink!
Perfect easy and festive holiday drink! Love the fresh cranberries!
I’ve heard of wassail but have never tried it! It sounds amazing!
I love this classic punch and what a perfect thing to come home to on a cold night!
All I want to do is starting singing “A wassailing along…”
This sounds absolutely perfect for a chilly day! I wish I was sipping on this right now!
I have never tried wassail but it sounds fabulous!
Sure looks like an amazing holiday drink!