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
Scale
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.
