Quick Slow Cooker Wassail with Cinnamon Sticks – Easy 4-Ingredient Drink
This Quick Slow Cooker Wassail with Cinnamon Sticks is the easiest, most forgiving holiday drink you’ll ever make. With just 5 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, it delivers a warm, spiced, and crowd-pleasing beverage perfect for weeknights or parties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 oz (1.9 liters) apple cider
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
- 4–5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 20 cloves)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) dark rum or brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker: rinse and dry it. Place on a stable surface.
- Combine the liquids: pour apple cider and orange juice into the slow cooker. Add honey or maple syrup if using, and stir.
- Add the spices: drop in cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Optionally, tie cloves in cheesecloth or use a spice tea ball.
- Set the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. Do not let it boil.
- Check the flavor after about 2 hours on LOW. Adjust spice strength by cooking longer if desired, then switch to WARM setting.
- If using alcohol, stir in rum or brandy about 15 minutes before serving.
- Ladle into mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, orange slice, or star anise if desired. Strain out cloves if preferred.
Notes
Do not boil the wassail; it makes flavors flat and bitter. For deeper flavor, toast cinnamon sticks and cloves in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds before adding. This wassail tastes even better the next day. For parties, strain out spices before serving. Keep on WARM setting for up to 4 hours; stir occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 120140
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: wassail, slow cooker wassail, apple cider drink, holiday drink, cinnamon sticks, easy wassail, 4-ingredient wassail