Mulling Spice Blend
As the cooler months set in, nothing is more comforting than the aromatic scent of mulling spices wafting through your home. Whether you’re making a batch of soul-warming apple cider or planning a cozy night in with mulled wine, knowing how to make mulling spices will take your beverages to the next level. With this homemade mulling spices recipe, you can have a fresh, preservative-free spice blend that offers more taste and personalization than store-bought versions. It’s incredibly simple, economical, and trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it. Let’s dive into the world of mulling spices and discover how easy and rewarding it can be to create your very own spice blend at home!
This fragrant blend of mulling spices is a combination of whole allspice berries, cloves, star anise, dried orange and lemon peel, crushed nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and crystallized ginger. These ingredients bring warmth, depth, and a hint of sweetness to red wine, apple juice, hot or cold apple cider, and so much more!
Why you’ll love this mulling spice Blend
- Irresistible Aromas: Without a doubt, the best thing about this spice blend is its unique fragrance. The combination of whole allspice berries, cloves, star anise, and more creates an aroma that will instantly warm your heart and soul.
- Customizable Flavors: You can adjust the spice blend to your personal taste by tweaking the ratios of the ingredients. Add a little more ginger for a spicy kick or increase the citrusy notes with extra dried orange and lemon peel. Get creative and make it uniquely yours!
- Gift-Worthy: Prep a batch of this heavenly blend and package it in a tight seal jar or bag with a cute, simple ribbon. It makes a thoughtful and delightful gift for friends and loved ones who appreciate the joy of cozy drinks.
- Ease and Simplicity: With this easy-to-follow recipe, making your own mulling spices is a breeze. No complicated steps, just combine the ingredients, and you’re done. Plus, they can be stored for a long time, so you’re always prepared for a cozy night in!
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own mulling spices puts you in complete control. There are no preservatives or additives – just pure, whole, aromatic spices.
Ingredients to make mulling spices
- Whole allspice berries (1/4 cup): Allspice berries are small dried berries with a unique flavor that resembles a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. They add warmth and depth to the blend, enhancing the overall aromatic profile.
- Whole cloves (1/4 cup): These tiny, nail-shaped spice buds are known for their strong and intense flavor. With their rich, warm, and slightly sweet taste, cloves bring a delightful spiciness to your mulled creations.
- Whole star anise (1/2 cup): Shaped like a star, this unique spice is not only visually stunning but also packs a punch of sweetness and licorice-like flavor.
- Dried orange peel (1/4 cup): The dried peel of oranges contributes a vibrant citrusy aroma and flavor to the blend. It adds a refreshing and zesty note that beautifully balances the warm spices.
- Dried lemon peel (1/4 cup): Similar to dried orange peel, dried lemon peel infuses your blend with tangy and bright citrus notes. It brings a touch of freshness and adds a delightful citrusy twist.
- Whole nutmeg (2): Nutmeg is a versatile spice known for its warm, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. When freshly ground, it releases aromatic oils that enhance the overall complexity of your mulling spices.
- Cinnamon sticks (1/2 cup, pieces): Cinnamon sticks are simply iconic in mulled drinks. They are a beloved spice that adds a comforting warmth and sweet-spicy flavor.
- Crystallized ginger (1/2 cup chopped): Crystallized ginger is ginger that has been cooked in sugar syrup and coated in sugar. It offers a sweet and spicy flavor with a chewy texture. Adding it to the blend brings a subtle warmth and a hint of sweetness to any drink.
If you’re looking at this list and cringing, then you can skip buying all the ingredients separately and buy a 1lb bag of mulling spice mix from Amazon for under $15 that should last you the winter!
How to make mulling spices
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of spices.
- Store the Mulling Spices Blend in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat.
- To use the blend for making mulled wine or cider, add 2-3 tablespoons (16-24 g) of the spice mix to 1 quart (946 ml) of your preferred liquid (wine, apple cider, or juice) in a large pot. Gently heat the mixture on low heat for 20 minutes, making sure not to boil it. Strain the liquid and serve warm.
Tips for making the best mulling spices for cider
- Toast the Spices: For an extra depth of flavor, consider toasting the whole spices before combining them. Heat a dry pan over low heat and add the allspice berries, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Toast them for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their natural oils.
- Age the Blend: If you have the patience, allow your apple cider mulling spices to age for a few weeks before using them. As the spices meld and mingle over time, the flavors become even more complex and robust. Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and let time work its magic.
- Experiment with Quantities: While my recipe provides a well-balanced blend, feel free to get creative and adjust the quantities of the spices to suit your taste. If you enjoy a stronger ginger kick, add a bit more crystallized ginger. Want a more pronounced citrusy tang? Increase the amounts of dried orange and lemon peel.
- Source Quality Ingredients: The quality of your spices can significantly impact the final result. Whenever possible, opt for high-quality, organic spices. Seek out reputable spice suppliers or local markets that offer fresh and aromatic spices.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Allspice Powder: If you don’t have whole allspice berries on hand, you can substitute them with allspice powder. Use approximately half the amount of powder compared to the whole berries called for in the recipe. While the flavor may be slightly different, it will still contribute that signature allspice warmth to your blend. You’ll also want to make sure that you mix the blend well when you go to use it, as the powder will settle at the bottom.
- Cardamom Pods: For a touch of exotic warmth, substitute or add crushed cardamom pods to the spice blend. These small pods contain aromatic seeds with hints of citrus and mint, lending a unique and delightful flavor to your mulled beverages.
- Citrus Fruits: While the recipe calls for dried orange and lemon peel, feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits. Try adding dried grapefruit or lime peel for a unique twist. Each citrus variation will bring its own character to the blend, adding a delightful citrusy note to your mulled creations.
- Black Peppercorns: If you enjoy a more pronounced hint of spiciness, consider adding a few black peppercorns to the blend. They provide a subtle kick that balances out the sweetness and adds an extra layer of warmth.
What to Make with mulling spices
From classic favorites like apple cider and mulled red wine to exciting twists like spiced hot chocolate and mulled apple juice, these drink options will showcase the flavors and versatility of my aromatic spice blend:
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Take your hot chocolate to the next level by infusing it with the Mulling Spice Blend. Prepare your favorite hot chocolate recipe, and before serving, sprinkle a small amount of the spice blend on top or steep it in the hot chocolate for a few minutes. The blend of chocolate and spices will create a cozy and indulgent treat.
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider: Pair your blend with my comforting and fragrant slow cooker apple cider. Simply add the spice blend to a slow cooker filled with apple cider, and let it simmer on low for a few hours. The result is a deliciously spiced and aromatic apple cider that will warm you from the inside out. This is one of the best mulling spices for cider!
- Mulled Red Wine: Embrace a classic choice by using this blend to make mulled red wine. Choose a robust red wine, pour it into a pot, add the spice blend, and warm it gently over low heat. The spices will complement the rich flavors of the wine, creating a boozy and aromatic treat for wine lovers.
- Hot Spiced Mulled Apple Juice: Create a non-alcoholic alternative by using the mulling spices to infuse flavor into hot spiced mulled apple juice. The result is a kid-friendly and equally delightful beverage that captures the essence of the holiday season.
How to store mulling spices
To ensure your Mulling Spice Blend remains fresh and potent, store it in an airtight container placed in a cool, dry, and dark spot. Sunlight and heat can degrade the flavors and potency of the spices over time, so find that perfect storage spot in your pantry or cupboard, seal it up tight, and let the spices stay protected until the moment calls for their warm touch.
How long will mulling spices last?
When stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark cupboard, your spice blend can maintain its flavors and aromatic qualities for up to six months. Over time, spices may gradually lose their potency, which can affect the overall taste of your mulled drinks.
If you notice any changes in aroma or flavor, it might be time to refresh your blend and create a new batch.
Can i freeze mulling spices for cider?
When it comes to preserving the freshness and flavors of your apple cider mulling spices, the freezer might seem like a tempting option. However, storing spices in the freezer, in general, is not recommended. Spices can absorb moisture and odors from the freezer, affecting their quality and potency.
Instead, opt for storing your blend in a cool, dry, and dark spot like your cupboard or pantry.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use mulling spices?
To use mulling spices, simply add the desired amount to your preferred drink, such as wine, cider, or juice, in a pot. Gently heat the mixture on low heat for a specific duration, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors without boiling. Then, strain the liquid to remove the spices, and serve. Easy peasy!
Are spice blends only used for hot beverages?
While mulling spices are commonly used to enhance the flavors of hot beverages like mulled wine or cider, they can also be used in other culinary creations. You can sprinkle a pinch of ground mulling spices into baked goods like pies, cakes, or cookies for a cozy and fragrant twist.
Where to Buy Mulling Spices?
They can be purchased in various places. You can find them at specialty spice stores, gourmet food stores, online retailers, or even in your local grocery store. Plus, some grocery stores may carry pre-packaged mulling spice blends, especially during the holiday season. However, I highly suggest you create your own blend using individual spices.
Now that you know how to make mulling spices, the world of warm and aromatic beverages is yours to explore! Get ready to impress your family and friends with boozy mulled wine, cider, or even non-alcoholic drinks infused with your homemade blend.
BTW, I want to hear all about your mulling spice creations – so share your favorite mulled beverage recipes, creative twists on using mulling spices, or any unique flavor combinations you’ve discovered along the way in the comments section below!
Mulling Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup whole allspice berries
- 1/4 cup whole cloves
- 1/2 cup whole star anise
- 1/4 cup dried orange peel
- 1/4 cup dried lemon peel
- 2 whole nutmegs crushed
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sticks broken into small pieces
- 1/2 cup crystallized ginger chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of spices.
- Store the Heavenly Mulling Spices Blend in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- To use the blend for making mulled wine or cider, add 2-3 tablespoons (16-24 g) of the spice mix to 1 quart (946 ml) of your preferred liquid (wine, apple cider, or juice) in a large pot. Gently heat the mixture on low heat for 20 minutes, making sure not to boil it. Strain the liquid and serve warm.
Equipment
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, gently toast the spices in a dry pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes before combining them. This will release their natural oils and enhance the taste of your mulled beverage.
- Feel free to adjust the spice quantities to your preference. If you like a particular spice more than others, simply increase its amount in the blend.
- The Heavenly Mulling Spices Blend also makes a great gift. Package it in decorative jars or pouches and include instructions for making a delicious mulled beverage.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
