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Light & Cozy Slow Cooker Wassail Punch – Easy Spiced Cider Recipe

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This Light & Cozy Slow Cooker Wassail Spiced Cider Punch is a warm, spiced, and cozy drink that feels like a hug in a mug. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but special enough for a holiday gathering, with a perfect balance of citrus and spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (48 oz) apple cider, unfiltered
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 large oranges)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Toast the spices (optional but recommended): Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise in your slow cooker. Turn it to high and let them warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring once, until you can smell them. Be careful not to burn them.
  2. Add the liquids: Pour in the apple cider, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Give everything a gentle stir.
  3. Add the fresh aromatics: Drop in the sliced ginger rounds and the orange slices.
  4. Sweeten to taste: Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons and stir. Taste after the punch has simmered for a bit, and add more if needed.
  5. Set it and forget it: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it simmer for 3-4 hours. If you’re in a rush, high for 1.5-2 hours works, but the flavors won’t meld quite as deeply.
  6. Taste and adjust: After 2 hours, give it a taste. Is it citrusy enough? Add a squeeze more lemon. Too spicy? Fish out a cinnamon stick or some cloves.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle the punch into mugs, making sure to include an orange slice in each cup for visual appeal. If you used whole spices, you can leave them in the pot or strain them out for a cleaner look.
  8. Keep warm: Switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting for serving. The punch will stay perfect for hours. If it starts to reduce too much, add a splash of water or extra apple cider to thin it out.

Notes

Toast spices gently for 2-3 minutes to awaken oils without burning. Don’t overdo cloves—1 tablespoon max. Use a mesh strainer for serving to avoid biting into whole cloves. Keep on low simmer, not boiling, to prevent bitterness. Leftover punch can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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