Crockpot Hot Apple Cider (Wassail)

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/29/22
Tested by
Carrie Parente
Carrie Parente
Tested by Carrie Parente
Carrie is a freelance food stylist and culinary producer who loves having a table full of guests.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Crockpot Hot Apple Cider (Wassail)

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 8 to 12 Servings
Yield: 12 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
189 Calories
1g Fat
47g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 12
Amount per serving
Calories 189
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 13mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 47g 17%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 38g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 157mg 784%
Calcium 74mg 6%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 447mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This delicious recipe for crock pot hot apple cider is a traditional beverage, sometimes called wassail, that usually consists of spiced wine or beer flavored with roasted apples. This nonalcoholic apple cider version can be enjoyed by everyone.

It's perfect for a cold winter day after you have come into your warm cozy house from sledding or skating. This drink is also delicious for entertaining. If you have a pretty crock pot, you can serve the beverage right out of that appliance. Be sure you supply a heatproof ladle and sturdy mugs with handles.

You can add other spices to this recipe if you'd like. Some star anise would be delicious, and the star-shaped spice is also gorgeous floating on the surface of the drink.

Serve this beverage with some easy appetizers such as a cheese ball or hot artichoke dip. It's also great with a raw vegetable dip or with cheese fondue.

"I was excited to try this drink because I love the spiced apple cider sold at cider mills in the fall. It was easy to put together and used spices I already had in my pantry. I let it simmer in the crock pot while we shoveled and sled. Everyone loved this, even the picky kids." —Carrie Parente

Crockpot Hot Apple Cider Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Crockpot Hot Apple Cider (Wassail) ingredients

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  2. Combine apple cider, brown sugar, ground cloves, ground allspice, cinnamon sticks, orange, orange, and cloves in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker.

    apple cider in a slow cooker, brown sugar, ground cloves, ground allspice, cinnamon sticks, and the orange studded with 5 whole cloves

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  3. Cover crock pot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

    Hot Apple Cider (Wassail) cooking in a slow cooker

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  4. Serve in mugs, garnished with star anise, if using, and enjoy.

    Crockpot Hot Apple Cider (Wassail) in a glass mug

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Tip

  • You can keep this beverage warm for about 2 hours after it is done cooking. Just turn the slow cooker to "keep warm." This recipe can be cut in half for a smaller gathering.