What Are Corn Nuts, and Where Did They Come From?
For Meat Lovers, Under-the-Radar Lamb Neck Is Truly a Cut Above
+

Slow Cooker Spiked Wassail

Slow Cooking Brandy Apples Cocktails Holidays Christmas Thanksgiving British Slow Cookers Fruit Brandy Punch Make Ahead Fall Winter Comfort Food Cocktail Party Easy
Slow Cooking Brandy Apples Cocktails Holidays Christmas Thanksgiving British Slow Cookers Fruit Brandy Punch Make Ahead Fall Winter Comfort Food Cocktail Party Easy
Sign up to save this recipe to your profile Sign Up Now ›
Slow Cooker Spiked Wassail
18 drinks Easy
(2) Total: Active:
PREVIOUS: Slow Cooker Shrimp Gumbo NEXT: Slow Cooker Pork Ramen

Ingredients (10)

  • 2 quarts unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
  • 1 quart cranberry juice cocktail
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 27 whole cloves
  • 15 allspice berries
  • 4 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks
  • 5 small firm cooking apples of your choice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 medium orange
  • 2 cups Calvados
Nutritional Information
  • Calories186
  • Fat0.47g
  • Saturated fat0.1g
  • Trans fat0.0g
  • Carbs32.64g
  • Fiber2.33g
  • Sugar26.19g
  • Protein0.45g
  • Cholesterol
  • Sodium9.3mg
  • Nutritional Analysis per serving (18 servings) Powered by
Tip
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?
There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.
Read More
1 of 3
Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Tip
What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.
Read More
2 of 3
Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?
Tip
How Can We Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.
Read More
3 of 3
Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Wassail was traditionally a hot drink made of ale, sherry, sugar, and spices, with pieces of toast and roasted apples floating in it. It is the legendary drink served on the Feast of the Three Kings with an oversized, decorated sweet yeast bread. The word wassail is derived from the Anglo-Saxon toast waes haeil, or “be whole.” On Christmas or Twelfth Night, revelers would carry a large bowl from door to door, asking for it to be filled, a custom known as wassailing. There are now many versions of wassail, and the palate for hot strong beer is limited, so it has evolved into a spiked juice toddy. The antique French Api apple was probably the apple of choice of the day. It is now called a Lady apple; look for it at Christmas, but any apple will do.

This recipe was featured as part of our Hot Boozy Drinks photo gallery.

Adapted from "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining" by Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann

Instructions

  1. 1Combine the apple juice, cranberry juice, and brown sugar in a 6-quart slow cooker. Place 12 of the cloves, the allspice berries, and the cinnamon sticks in a small piece of cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine to make a bag. Add to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
  2. 2Meanwhile, heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Stud each apple with 3 of the remaining cloves and place in an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Add the water and bake until the apples are just a bit tender when pierced with a knife, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  3. 3After the juices have stewed for 4 to 5 hours, add the apples to the slow cooker. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the orange peel in wide strips, making sure to avoid the white pith, and add the peels to the slow cooker.
  4. 4Remove the spice bag and stir in the Calvados. Serve hot (leave the slow cooker on to keep the cocktail warm).
Load Comments

Recommended from Chowhound

Slow Cooker Hacks
(00:48)
Presented by Cooking Light
Follow
S Whether you’re pressed for time, or wanting to spend your night with your friends and family and not around the stove, the slow cooker is the best way to get dinner on the table with minimal effort. See our some of our favorite tips.
Photo Gallery

Christmas Cocktail and Punch Recipes
50 Photos
Christmas Punch Holidays
Photo Gallery

Make-Ahead Recipes for Thanksgiving
40 Photos
Thanksgiving Make Ahead
Up Next
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
(00:51)

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest tips, tricks, recipes and more, sent twice a week.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Pork Ramen
Recipe
Slow Cooker Hot Wings
Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Goulash