This Crockpot Wassail Recipe is simple to simmer in a slow cooker and will keep your guests warm all through the holiday season. With real apple cider, brewed tea, orange and lemon juice, a touch of honey, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks, it fills your home with the scent of Christmas.
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Originally posted December 6, 2016. Post updated November 30, 2022 with an improved recipe and fresh photos.
Crockpot Wassail
When I update old posts I often tighten the content and focus on the recipe more than the story. That said, some recipes are so rooted in family and memory that I keep the story intact. This wassail is one of those recipes. It’s part of holiday nights at my grandparents’ house, a warm, noisy kitchen full of relatives and the smell of spiced cider simmering for hours.
Over the years I adapted this family favorite to make it easier to prepare and more suited to modern tastes. I converted the original percolator method to a crockpot version, reduced the yield to make a smaller batch for most households, and replaced most of the granulated sugar with a bit of honey for a gentler sweetness. The core flavors—apple cider, brewed tea, citrus, cloves, and cinnamon—remain the same.
Serve the wassail nonalcoholic for children and family gatherings, or add a shot of rum or your preferred spirit to individual cups for adults. It’s an effortless way to make your home smell like the holidays and to create warm memories.
Original Post
The first snow started while I sat down to write this, and it felt like the perfect backdrop to share this favorite holiday drink. Growing up we always gathered at my grandparents’ house for Christmas Eve. Their kitchen was packed, loud, and warm, with a giant coffee percolator of wassail simmering on the counter. Kids filled tiny glass cups with the sweet, spiced drink—sometimes a little too enthusiastically.
This recipe keeps that nostalgic flavor but streamlines the process. If you want the original, larger family batch, you can double or triple the quantities. For most gatherings, this scaled crockpot version is just right.
2022 Update
I swapped in rooibos tea as an option for the brewed tea in 2022. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that resembles black tea. If you’re serving children or anyone sensitive to caffeine, rooibos or decaffeinated black tea are both excellent choices. Otherwise, regular black tea works fine.
ingredients
- 8 cups (1/2 gallon) real apple cider – This is the base; prefer cider over apple juice for a fresher taste.
- 2 cups prepared rooibos or black tea – Rooibos is caffeine-free and kid-friendly; decaf black tea also works.
- 2 cups orange juice – Use pulp-free orange juice for a smoother drink.
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice – Fresh lemons provide brightness. You’ll need about 2–3 lemons depending on size.
- 1/4 cup honey – Just enough to balance the tartness; stir well so it doesn’t settle.
- 1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves – For warm, aromatic spice.
- 2 cinnamon sticks – Use whole sticks to infuse a gentle cinnamon flavor.
For a concise ingredient list and measured amounts, see the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
If you want to prep ahead, combine all ingredients in a large container and refrigerate for a day or two. When ready, pour into the crockpot and heat. Use a wide container so the honey doesn’t settle at the bottom—an empty gallon jug works well.
instructions
1. Add the apple cider, prepared tea, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the crockpot. Stir to dissolve the honey and distribute the spices.
2. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 5–6 hours. Switch to warm or low before serving.
3. Garnish with orange and apple slices if desired and ladle into mugs. Offer rum or a spirit on the side for adult servings.
tips, tricks and questions
What’s the difference between mulled cider and wassail?
There’s no strict rule: both are spiced warm drinks. Mulled cider usually focuses on apple cider alone, while wassail often includes additional flavors like citrus and tea.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, in a pinch. Apple juice is usually sweeter and more filtered than cider, so you may want to reduce or skip the honey and taste before adding more sweetener.
Where does wassail come from?
Wassail has British origins and is tied to old winter and New Year traditions. Over time it became associated with Christmas and holiday gatherings.
If you like this Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe you might also like:
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Easy Tortellini Skewers
- Shrimp Guacamole Bites
- Christmas Tree Veggie Tray
Crockpot Christmas Wassail
Warm, spiced, and easy to make in a slow cooker—this wassail is perfect for holiday gatherings.
5 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add apple cider, brewed tea, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the crockpot. Stir well so the honey doesn’t settle on the bottom.
- Simmer on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 5–6 hours.
- Garnish with orange and apple slices before serving. Keep the crockpot on warm or low while serving.
Notes
You will need about 2–3 fresh lemons depending on size. Leftovers keep well refrigerated and can be reheated gently.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 12 | Serving size: ~1 cup | Calories per serving: 120
What to serve with this
Cranberry Brie Bites
Easy Tortellini Skewers
Shrimp Guacamole Bites
Christmas Tree Veggie Tray
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If you want more holiday ideas, try classic chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies, cutout sugar cookies, gingerbread marshmallows, homemade gingerbread spice, or orange zest sugared cranberries.
