Crockpot Wassail – Traditional Holiday Spiced Apple Cider

The moment you walk into a home where wassail is simmering, you’re transported into the heart of the holiday season. This ancient beverage, with roots dating back to medieval England, has been gracing tables for centuries. Even Shakespeare himself enjoyed this warming brew. The gentle bubbling in your crockpot releases an intoxicating blend of apples, cranberries, and warming spices that signals celebration, comfort, and the magic of Christmas and the entire holiday season.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why this homemade wassail recipe is so good

The slow, gentle heat of a crockpot allows the spices to infuse gradually, creating complex layers of flavor that can’t be rushed. Unlike stovetop methods that require constant attention, the crockpot maintains a perfect temperature while you focus on other holiday preparations. The combination of apple and cranberry juices creates the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, while whole spices provide aromatic depth without bitterness. This flavor is soon to become part of your holiday tradition.

Wassail recipe ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Apple juice or apple cider – Forms the traditional foundation with natural sweetness and authentic apple flavor that defines wassail
• Cranberry juice – Adds beautiful color and tart complexity that balances the apple’s sweetness perfectly
• Granulated sugar – Enhances natural fruit flavors and provides additional sweetness to balance tart cranberry notes
• Cinnamon sticks – Contribute a warm, woody spice that releases slowly during long cooking for deep flavor
• Whole allspice berries – Provide complex warmth with hints of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon for authentic medieval flavor
• Fresh orange – Acts as an aromatic vessel for cloves while adding citrus brightness and festive appearance
• Whole cloves – Deliver intense, warming spice that infuses the orange and entire beverage with holiday essence

How to make wassail in a crockpot

1. In a large crockpot or a large slow cooker, combine apple juice or apple cider, cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and allspice.

2. Poke cloves into the orange. Add the orange to the mixture.

3. Cook on high for 1 hour, then on low or simmer for 4 to 8 hours.
4. Serve hot.

How to store leftover wassail

You may not be able to consume this entire recipe at once. First, strain out all of the fruit, then place it in an airtight container. You can store this for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.

I hope you give this recipe for hot wassail a try! This is perfect for your next winter festivity.

Make-Ahead instructions

Wassail is perfect for entertaining as it improves with time. Prepare up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in crockpot on low for 2-3 hours before serving. The spices continue to develop flavor even when cold.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Strain out all spices and fruit, store in airtight containers for up to 7 days in the refrigerator
• Reheating Method: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in a crockpot on the low setting. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months after straining. Thaw overnight and reheat gently

More holiday drink recipes

• Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream
• Eggnog Latte
• Eggnog Milkshake
• Milk Punch
• Hot Buttered Rum Mix
• Peppermint Mocha
• Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
• Spiked Eggnog

Favorite holiday treat recipes

• Almond Brittle
• Peppermint Bark
• Rocky Road Candy
• Spiced Pecans

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best Crockpot recipes here on CopyKat!