Easy Holiday Wassail Cozy (Ready-to-Print Version)

A cozy winter drink mixing apple cider, citrus juices, and whole spices for festive warmth and zest.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Liquids

01 - 8 cups apple cider
02 - 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
03 - 1 cup pineapple juice

→ Sweeteners

04 - ½ cup brown sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Spices

06 - 3 whole cinnamon sticks
07 - 1 teaspoon whole cloves
08 - 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
09 - 4 whole star anise (optional)
10 - Pinch ground nutmeg

→ Fresh fruit

11 - 1 orange, sliced into ¼ inch rounds, seeds removed
12 - 1 apple, sliced into ¼ inch rounds
13 - 1 lemon, sliced into ¼ inch rounds

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh cranberries (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Slice the orange, apple, and lemon into quarter-inch rounds, removing seeds from citrus. Arrange all spices and ingredients. Prepare a slow cooker on low or a large stovetop pot.
02 - Pour apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice into the slow cooker or pot. Stir to blend the fruity base evenly.
03 - Add brown sugar to the liquid mixture and stir until fully dissolved. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise if using, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg, ensuring whole spices remain intact for clarity.
04 - Submerge the orange, apple, and lemon slices into the mixture. They will infuse flavor and create a festive presentation while simmering.
05 - Cover and cook on low in a slow cooker for 2 hours, or bring to just below simmer on stovetop then reduce heat and gently warm for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Avoid boiling to maintain smooth, balanced flavor development.
06 - Taste after at least one hour. If needed, adjust sweetness with additional brown sugar or honey and spice with extra cinnamon or cloves. Continue heating to meld adjustments.
07 - Ladle hot wassail into mugs including fruit slices. Optionally, remove whole spices before serving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and fresh cranberries for visual appeal. Keep warm for refills.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Use fresh apple cider for authentic flavor. Whole spices maintain clarity and texture. Adjust sweetness and spice levels to personal preference.
02 - Serve warm and consider garnishing with holiday cookies or spiced nuts for a full festive experience.

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