The right kind of wine has some major health benefits, but what if I told you it could be even more delicious? This homemade mulling spice blend makes for a great mulled wine or cider. Mulled spices are warming, flavorful, and make the house smell amazing!
Not only do mulling spices taste delicious, but they also add some impressive health benefits. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are warming and help bring blood to the body’s surface for better circulation.
What Are Mulling Spices?
To “mull something over” means to think hard and ponder on it for a while. But when we’re talking about a mulled drink, it means to simmer fragrant spices in liquid for a while.
There are a lot of fragrant options for the spices used in a mulling spice mix.
I use whole dried spices (with the exception of the fresh ginger) to make them easy to strain out afterward. I tend to change up the exact spices I use based on what I have on hand, but here are the ones I’ve tried:
- cinnamon sticks
- nutmeg
- dried orange peel (here’s a tutorial on how to easily make it)
- dried lemon peel
- allspice
- whole cloves
- sliced fresh ginger
- cardamom pods
- star anise
- black peppercorns
The list above may look intimidating, but there really is no right or wrong way to make homemade mulling spices. You can add both lemon and orange peel, add just one, or skip them both.
Throw in some cardamom and pepper for an extra kick, or leave it out. Strong flavors like clove can be a little overwhelming in the final product if there’s too much though.
Use this mulling spices recipe as a template and go with your nose!
Creative Ways to Use Your Mulled Spice Mix
Mulling spices aren’t a one-trick pony. Small bowls of mulling spices around the house make for a beautiful and fragrant decoration. They also make nice scent sachets, like these drawer fresheners.
To make a scented sachet, or to package your mulling spices as a gift, you only need a few simple supplies. These bags can be dropped straight into wine or cider and make for easy storage and cleanup.
You can buy organic cotton mulling spice bags here. For the craftier types, they’re easy to make from rectangular pieces of fabric.
How to Make Mulled Spices for Gifts
If you don’t want to purchase cotton mulling spice bags, then here’s an easy, no-sew way to make some.
- Take a few layers of cheesecloth (2-4 depending on how tight the weave is) and lay the mulling spices in the middle. You can also use a coffee filter instead.
- Gather the edges of the bundle up and tie the top securely with a piece of string or kitchen twine. Don’t use anything that will get fuzzy fabric pieces in the simmering drink, like yarn.
With this many delicious and fragrant ways to use mulling spices, you’ve gotta give it a try! Here’s the recipe:
Homemade Mulling Spices Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP cloves
- 1 TBSP dried orange peel
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- 3 star anise
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cardamom pods
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
To Use:
- Pour about one gallon of apple cider or red wine into a large saucepan, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- If using a saucepan or slow cooker heat on low heat for two hours or until fragrant.
- If using an Instant Pot, pressure cook for 5 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.
Notes
More Spice Blends
In the mood to make more spice blends? These are frugal, healthy, tasty, and make great gifts too!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
- Asian Five Spice Seasoning
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Ragin’ Cajun Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Ranch Dressing Mix
- Herbs de Provence
- Chili Seasoning Mix
- Adobo Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
How would you use these mulling spices? Let us know in the comments below!
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