Mulling Spices

If you love mulled apple cider or wine in the fall then you are going to want to have a batch of these Mulling Spices on hand. Warm spices that offer a comforting flavor, plus makes your house smell wonderful.

Making your own mulling spices for drinks is not hard and it’s a really fun project for fall and winter! If you’ve never heard of mulling spices, basically it’s just a mix of spices that are typically used to make mulled wine and mulled apple cider, among other things.

The spices are used to flavor apple cider and wine giving them a wonderful flavor and aroma that is perfect for cold weather, especially around the holidays! You can buy mulled spices already prepared, but it’s so easy to make your own and you can easily customize the mix to suit your own tastes.

I like to make a big batch and then use it all through the cold weather months to make warm drinks for parties. Sometimes I package them up in bags and give mulling spices as gifts, too, along with a bottle of wine and a plate of cookies.

Once you see how easy it is, I know you’ll be giving it a try! No holiday season is complete without the scent of warm spices filling your house. I’m excited to show you how to make this spice mix!

Ingredients

The key to making the best mulled spices is to use whole spices instead of ones that are already ground. Whole spices have more concentrated flavor than ground ones.

There are many variations and this is the mix of spices I like to use. The nice thing about making your own is that you can easily adjust the ingredients however you like.

• Cinnamon sticks
• Cardamom pods
• Allspice berries
• Whole cloves
• Star anise pods
• Dried orange peel
• Black peppercorns

You can buy dried orange peel at the store or do it yourself. Peel the rind off of fresh oranges (leaving the white pith – you just want the peel) and then dry them in a low oven on a sheet pan until they are dry to the touch.

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How to Make Mulling Spices

• Take all of the spices (except the orange peels and peppercorns) and place them in a resealable bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them – you don’t have to pulverize them, just pound on them long enough until they break down into pieces.
• Add the peppercorns and orange peels to the bag and toss to incorporate them with the other spices.
• Store in an airtight container. Keep the container in a cool, dark place and the mulling spices will keep for up to a year. The less they are exposed to the air the better!

Different Ways to Use the Spice Mix!

Once you have a batch on hand there are several ways to use it!

• Warm your favorite bottle of wine (either red or white will work!) on the stove in a pot. Add the spices and simmer it all on low for 15 minutes or so. Strain and serve in mugs!
• Make a batch of my apple cider with some mulling spices! After you strain it, you can spike it with vodka, rum, or bourbon or keep it non-alcoholic.
• You can also use it to spice hot toddy! Just add the spices to the hot water, simmer on low, strain and then add whiskey, honey and lemon. It’s such a great way to warm up on a cold night.
• If you have a spice grinder, you can finely grind the spices and use them like you would pumpkin spice in muffins, pancakes, quick bread recipes!
• Sometimes I heat a pot of water on the stove and simmer the spices but instead of drinking it I just let the aroma fill the house.
• Give it away as gifts! Buy some cute jars with tight-fitting lids, tags, and ribbons and give mulling spices to all of your friends and family. They will love it!

More Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit!

• I love to make Sugared Cranberries every year – they’re an easy way to give all of your holiday drinks, dishes, and desserts a festive touch!
• If it’s cold and chilly outside you can warm-up with a rich Hot Buttered Rum inside! This is a classic warm cocktail that we love to make.
• My kids can hardly wait until I make a batch of Puppy Chow for the holidays. It’s a sweet and addictive sweet treat we look forward to every year!
• Treat yourself to a cozy Eggnog Latte for your afternoon coffee treat and you’ll skip going to the coffee shop!

Try it and love it? Rate it, please!? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day!

If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!