Easy Homemade Mulling Spices

Mulling Spices are fragrant and perfect for making mulled wine and mulled apple cider to keep you warm in the cool weather months!

Before we start talking about the individual mulling spices, we have to understand the meaning of term “mulled.”

What does mulled mean?

Mulled, or to mull, means to heat, sweeten, and add flavor into something. Items that are usually “mulled” are drinks like wine or cider.

Think of all the delicious beverages you have over the holidays.

I love a warm, buttered rum, a hot toddy, Wassail, cider, or herbal tea to help me stay warm in the cold weather.

If you are already dreaming of what will be your signature seasonal beverage, you need to have the mulling spices available.

I beg you to skip the boxes and jars of mulling spice mixes you find at the store and make your own. And please…

NO POWDERED MIX! UGH!

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Before we get started making the spice blend, you have to know what spices are involved.

This is a great time to go through your spice cabinet and pantry, throw out any expired herbs and spices, and take inventory of what you have left.

Then, after reading the list of ingredients below, you will see what you still need to buy.

What are Mulling Spices?

• cinnamon sticks
• cardamom pods
• allspice
• whole cloves
• star anise pods
• black peppercorns
• dried orange peel

Can’t find dried orange rind? Make it!

Start by placing thinly sliced oranges on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour until dry.

Cool completely and chop fine in a food process or spice grinder.

Making a spice mix is easy! The hard part is gathering everything together. If you still need to purchase a spice or two, I recommend buying in bulk.

Plus then you will have extra available to give as gifts:)

How to make Mulling Spices

1. Place cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries, cloves and star anise in large zip top bag.
2. Crush with rolling pin a few times to break larger spices and release the oils.
3. Add dried orange peel and peppercorns to the bag and toss to mix well. Store until ready to use.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Uses for mulling spices

To “mull” your beverage of choice with the mulling spice mix, you need to steep or add them to your drink and let them infuse their flavors into the liquid.

1. Use 3 tablespoons of spice mix per gallon of apple cider.
2. Use 1 tablespoon of spice mix per bottle of wine.

How long do you steep mulling spices?

Add your spices to your beverage and heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10-20 minutes. The longer you keep the mulling spices in the liquid, the stronger the flavors.

If you are using a crock pot or slow cooker, heat it on low and keep the spices in until ready to serve.

Do they go bad?

These spices will last for 6 months if stored in a cool, dry, dark, place, in an air tight container.

What can I do with mulling spices?

• Besides mulled cider and wine, you can tea, infuse all types of spirits/alcohol like tequila and vodka, tea, or add to sangria.
• Great table favors for Thanksgiving!
• Give in a gift basket complete with some cheese, sausage, crackers, jam spread, apple cider, or a bottle of red wine!
• Great with a cheese board, spiced nuts, fondue, mince pies.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• use whole spices
• toast them for more flavor
• add dehydrated orange slices for garnish/look
• add crystallized ginger for a little kick
• lemon peel adds a little brightness
• grind them to a powder and use as a substitute for pie spices, add to cookies and cakes, pancakes and waffles.
• slice or crush the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces.
• mix constantly when portioning or all the smaller spices will fall to the bottom.
• add a bit of brandy to your cider or wine to make it extra special.
• use spice muslin bags so they are already portioned out.
• homemade has more flavor and is less expensive.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This aromatic mulling spice recipe makes a great edible gift for coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and anyone else you like to exchange gifts with. Take a picture and post it on social media and tell me how great your house smells after using them!

Want more seasoning recipes? I have a delicious Seasoning for chicken or Steak Seasoning recipe that you will love. Check them out along with this amazing list of homemade seasoning recipes and tips and trick on how to store them.

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