Homemade Mulling Spices

Made with a blend of fragrant spices, including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and orange zest, homemade mulling spices are an easy way to add seasonal flavor to apple cider, mulled wine, and more!]

Mulling spices are synonymous with warmth and coziness. When the weather turns chilly or the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of mulled cider or wine. It’s a hug in a cup, providing a comforting sensation that soothes the soul.

One of the great joys of mulling spices is their versatility. Whether you prefer the tangy zing of apple cider, the deep richness of red wine, or even a non-alcoholic beverage like cranberry juice, mulling spices effortlessly elevate any drink to the next level of deliciousness.

I’m excited to show you how easy it is to blend your own! They taste much better than any premade blend I’ve ever tried. Plus, they’re super simple to make. I’m especially giddy because now is an opportune time to make mulling spices. 

As the temperatures decrease this fall and the holiday season starts, you’ll find so many uses for them, from hot apple cider to mulled wine to holiday baking. 

When you make mulling spices at home, you’re in control of the flavors and ingredients. Adjust the spice ratios to suit your taste, add a touch of peppercorn or a hint of nutmeg—this creative freedom allows you to craft a signature blend that reflects your unique palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why do you NEED to make these homemade mulling spices, you ask? Because they add a fragrant punch to any of your favorite recipes:

• Mulling spices make the perfect seasonal addition to a steaming cup of hot apple cider or mulled wine.
• You can pulverize your spices in a coffee grinder to use in baking. Try it in pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or Christmas morning pancakes!
• Mulling spices jazz up your morning tea or coffee for a burst of flavor. 
• You can even add these spices to the brine of a turkey or chicken for a holiday feast!
• They make a thoughtful, fabulous gift, especially with a hand-written recipe card, including all their wonderful uses. 

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this homemade spice blend. I think this recipe is best when you add each of these ingredients, you’ll find it’s perfectly balanced.

Here’s what you need and what they add to the flavor-profile of your mulling spices:

• 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

When you see all the notes of these spices, there’s no wonder why they pair so harmoniously together. They are perfect for all of your apple cider cocktail recipes.

I purchased all of my supplies (including storage jars) on Amazon. Everything is linked in the ingredient list above. You can find the jars here and here.

How to Make

I’ll walk you through the easy steps for making homemade mulling spices. For your convenience, I’ve provided a full ingredient list and recipe instructions at the bottom of this post. 

1. First, gather all of your seasonal spices and measure them out.
2. As you do, add them to a bowl.
3. Mix well until combined. 

That’s pretty much it!

Next, it’s as simple as storing your finished spice blend in an airtight container! They should keep well for a year, perfect for some holiday spice whenever you need it. 

Recipe Tips & Variations

Before making these homemade mulling spices, make sure to read my recommendations below. I’ve become a bit of an expert over the seasons!

• To break up the cinnamon sticks, place them in a large zipper-top plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy skillet.
• 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.
• I decided to put the mulling spices I made into small jars, so I could share them with friends and use them as holiday gifts. If you’re just making the spices for yourself, you can scale back the recipe to suit your needs.
• 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 of these 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. 

How to Use Mulling Spices

Using your homemade mulling spices is as easy as can be. Here’s are some delicious ideas for brewing up something delicious with your homemade mulling spices.

• 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.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing! The beauty of mulling spices lies in their adaptability, so feel free to explore and experiment to create your own delightful concoctions. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a festive gathering, mulling spices add a touch of magic to any occasion.

Homemade mulling spices are the key to creating moments of warmth and enchantment throughout the fall season. With just a few simple steps, you can infuse your favorite beverages and fall cocktails with the captivating aroma and taste of these delightful spices. So, gather around the fireplace, share the joy with loved ones, and let the magic of homemade mulling spices transform your cozy gatherings into cherished memories.

Cheers to delightful drinks and beautiful moments!

More Fall Drink Recipes

• Apple Cider Sidecar
• Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria
• Caramel Apple Moscow Mule
• Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate
• Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail
• Apple Cider Sangria

Ready to give this homemade mulling spices recipe a try? You’re going to LOVE them and be using them all fall and winter long! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Homemade Mulling Spices

Made with a blend of fragrant spices, including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and orange zest, mulling spices are an easy way to add seasonal flavor to apple cider and mulled wine.

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider, cinnamon, fall spices, mulled wine, mulling spices

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 15 (5-ounce) jars

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

Instructions

• Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and stir to combine.
• Divide evenly into sealable jars. Store sealed up to one year.

Notes

I divided my mulling spices into smaller jars so I can gift them to others. If you’re just making the spices for yourself, you can cut back the amounts to suit your needs.

For serving: 2 tablespoons of mulling spice per 1/2 gallon of apple cider or wine