Nothing captures the warm, festive spirit of the holidays quite like a mug of hot, spiced punch, which is why this Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe has quickly become a beloved tradition. It’s a cozy, fragrant blend of apple cider, tea, citrus, and fragrant spices, all slowly simmered to create a soothing drink that fills your kitchen with the aroma of Christmas cheer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to savor a comforting cup by the fire, this easy crockpot recipe brings joy, warmth, and a touch of holiday magic in every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe is how its simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. Each item has a purpose, from bright citrus juices lending freshness to warming spices that evoke cozy winter nights.
- Apple cider: The heart of the drink, providing a sweet and tangy base that’s naturally festive and comforting.
- Prepared rooibos or black tea: Adds depth and a subtle tannin bitterness to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Orange juice: Brings vibrant citrus notes and a lively juiciness to the blend.
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the overall flavor and keeps it lively.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that warms and rounds out the flavors without overpowering.
- Whole cloves: A powerful spice that infuses your wassail with aromatic warmth and a bit of floral complexity.
- Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that classic spicy-sweet fragrance that defines holiday drinks.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe
Step 1: Combine All the Ingredients
Start by pouring 8 cups of apple cider into your crockpot, then add 2 cups of prepared rooibos or black tea, followed by 2 cups of bright orange juice. Fresh lemon juice (half a cup) joins the mix next for a vibrant zing. Drizzle in a quarter cup of honey, which will gently melt and sweeten the blend as it simmers. Finally, toss in a heaping teaspoon of whole cloves and two cinnamon sticks for that instantly recognizable Christmas warmth. Give everything a good stir to make sure the honey doesn’t settle at the bottom and all the flavors begin mingling right away.
Step 2: Let the Magic Happen
Set your crockpot to high and let the wassail simmer for 2 to 3 hours. If you prefer a slower, gentler infusion of flavors, cook it on low for 5 to 6 hours instead. Slow cooking helps all the spices and citrus aromas deepen while keeping the drink perfectly warm and ready for your holiday celebrations. During this time, your kitchen will be filled with something truly special, setting the perfect mood for the season.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve Warm
Just before serving, add an extra festive touch by floating slices of fresh orange and apple directly into the crockpot. This not only adds visual appeal but also intensifies the fruity notes in every cup. Serve it straight from the crockpot on the warm or low setting so guests can enjoy refills without losing any heat.
How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a wonderful way to take your Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe up a notch. Slices of fresh orange and apple bring a pop of color and fresh flavor, while a cinnamon stick in each mug doubles as a stirrer and a charming decoration. For a bit of holiday sparkle, consider a few whole cloves gently pressed into orange rounds as festive garnishes. These little touches turn every cup into a mini celebration.
Side Dishes
This spiced punch pairs beautifully with classic holiday treats. Think buttery shortbread cookies or gingerbread for dipping, or savory bites like spiced nuts and cheese platters. The warm citrus and spice notes of the wassail complement sweet and salty snacks alike, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser at any party or cozy night in.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe in festive mugs or clear glass mugs to showcase the glowing amber color and floating fruit slices. For a special touch, rim glasses with cinnamon sugar before pouring. If you’re hosting a bigger gathering, place the crockpot on a decorated table surround with pine branches, Christmas ornaments, and fairy lights to make your wassail station the heart of holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover wassail (not that it’s likely), transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before drinking, give it a good stir as spices might settle to the bottom while chilling.
Freezing
The wassail freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or back in the crockpot.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the crockpot on the warm setting. Stir occasionally to redistribute the flavors and avoid scorching. Adding a fresh cinnamon stick or a few fresh clove pods during reheating can help refresh the spice notes if they have mellowed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea for this wassail?
Absolutely! While rooibos or black tea bring rich flavors and color, you can experiment with other herbal teas that complement the spices, such as chai or spiced apple teas, for a unique twist.
Is it okay to substitute honey with sugar?
Yes, you can use brown or white sugar instead of honey, though honey adds a floral richness that balances the tart citrus beautifully. Adjust sweetness to taste if making substitutions.
Can I make this wassail without alcohol?
This recipe is naturally non-alcoholic and perfect for all ages, making it a great choice for family-friendly holiday parties.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s gently spiced to evoke warmth without overwhelming heat. If you prefer stronger spice notes, you can increase the cinnamon sticks or add some star anise for a bolder flavor.
Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Definitely! Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil, as that can reduce the delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe is more than a drink — it’s a celebration in a cup that brings warmth, flavor, and a festive spirit to any holiday moment. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with love and cozy cheer. You’ll want to make this a new holiday tradition!
Print
Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Crockpot Christmas Wassail is a warm, spiced holiday drink perfect for festive gatherings. Combining apple cider, rooibos or black tea, citrus juices, and aromatic spices, this comforting beverage simmers slowly to develop rich flavors. Easy to prepare and serve, it keeps your guests cozy and merry throughout the season.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 8 cups (1/2 gallon) apple cider
- 2 cups prepared rooibos or black tea
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
Spices
- 1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add apple cider, prepared rooibos or black tea, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks into the crockpot. Stir well to ensure the honey is evenly distributed and not settled at the bottom.
- Simmer the Wassail: Set the crockpot to high and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or alternatively set it to low and cook for 5 to 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without boiling.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally add orange and apple slices as a garnish for a festive and flavorful touch. Keep the crockpot on the low or warm setting while serving to maintain the ideal temperature.
Notes
- For a caffeine-free version, use rooibos tea instead of black tea.
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Ensure the crockpot is not set to boil to prevent bitterness from the spices.
- Wassail can be prepared ahead and reheated gently as needed.
- Serve in heatproof mugs or glasses to enjoy safely.
