Mulling Spices

Ingredients

• 2 cups cinnamon sticks, crushed
• 2 cups whole cloves
• 2 cups allspice berries
• 1 1/2 cups dried orange zest
• 1 cup cardamom pods
• 1/2 cup peppercorns

Directions

1. Place the cinnamon sticks in a large zipper-top plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy skillet.
2. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and stir to combine.
3. For storing: Divide evenly into sealable jars. Store sealed up to one year.
4. For serving: 2 tablespoons of mulling spice per 1/2 gallon of apple cider or wine

Notes

What each ingredient adds to the flavor profile:

• Cinnamon sticks – woodsy, sweet, warm, earthy
• Whole cloves – warm, intense, heat, aromatic
• Allspice berries – earthy, fruity, peppery, pungent, slightly bitter
• Dried orange zest – citrus, tangy, bitter
• Cardamom pods – floral, sweet, citrus, peppery
• Peppercorns – hot, rich, peppery

Tips & Variations

• The dried orange zest will tend to settle at the bottom of the bowl. As you portion out the mulling spices into containers, keep mixing the ingredients. If there is any orange zest left over in the bowl, divide it evenly among the jars.
• You can find all the details on how I make my Mulled Apple Cider, but generally speaking, you’ll want to add about 2 tablespoons of mulling spices per 1/2 gallon of apple cider. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. 
• I recommend picking up some muslin drawstring bags to hold the mulling spices when you add them to cider or wine. This will eliminate the need to later strain out the cloves, bits of cinnamon, and other ingredients. (It’s almost like having a mulling spice tea bag!)
• For even more flavor, add spicy additions like dried ginger, star anise, and crushed whole nutmeg to your mix.

Recipes to use

• Classic Mulled Apple Cider: Simmer apple cider with mulling spices for a comforting and aromatic drink. RECIPE: Mulled apple Cider
• Mulled Red Wine: Infuse red wine with mulling spices for a rich and flavorful adult beverage. RECIPE: Mulled Wine
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add mulling spices to hot chocolate for a unique and cozy twist. RECIPE: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
• Mulled Cranberry Juice: Create a non-alcoholic version by mulling cranberry juice with spices.
• Mulled White Wine: Experiment with white wine and mulling spices for a lighter, refreshing option.
• Mulled Lemonade: Surprise your guests with a spiced version of this classic summer drink.
• Spiced Tea: Mull your favorite tea blends for a soothing and aromatic cup.
• Spiced Sangria: Elevate your sangria game by mulling it with aromatic spices. RECIPE: Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria
• Spiced Coffee: Add a dash of mulling spices to your morning coffee for a delightful start to the day.
• Mulled Hot Apple Cider Float: Top mulled apple cider with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Mulled Hot Toddy: Combine mulling spices with whiskey, honey, and hot water for a comforting nightcap. RECIPE: Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy
• Spiced Lemon Iced Tea: Chill mulling-spiced lemonade and serve over ice for a refreshing summer beverage.
• Mulled Hot Buttered Rum: Enhance traditional hot buttered rum with mulling spices.
• Mulled Spiced Lemonade: Infuse mulling spices into a zesty lemonade for a tangy delight.