This homemade mulling spice is one of my favourite ways to fill the house with warm, cozy holiday aromas using simple ingredients and a gentle simmer on the stove.
A scoop of this blend transforms a pot of dutch oven apple cider into something extra special, and it’s similar to the mix I use in my simmer pot kit for those slow winter mornings when I want the whole home to smell comforting and bright. The dried citrus adds a beautiful pop of colour and flavour, especially if you’ve made your own dried oranges this season. It’s effortless to put together, stores beautifully, and makes a thoughtful handmade gift for neighbours, teachers, or anyone who loves a cozy kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It turns the simplest winter moments into something warm and comforting. A pot of cider simmering with these spices fills the whole house with the smell of citrus, cinnamon, and ginger, the kind of scent that makes the season feel slower and sweeter.
- This quick recipe is incredibly versatile. Use it for mulled cider, mulled wine, stovetop simmer pots, gifting, or even tucking into drawers for a natural seasonal scent.
- The flavour is deeper and richer than anything store-bought because you’re using whole, high-quality spices that release their aroma slowly. Every batch feels handcrafted and special.
- It stores beautifully and keeps its fragrance for months, making it a perfect pantry staple for the entire winter.
- This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but takes just minutes to put together. A beautiful way to create something thoughtful without adding stress to an already busy season.
- Mulling spice makes the sweetest handmade gift. Packaged in a little jar with a ribbon, dried orange, or cinnamon stick, it feels personal and heartfelt, a simple gesture that brings warmth to anyone who receives it.
Ingredients
Variations & Add-Ins
- Citrus-Forward Blend: Add more dried oranges or mix in dried lemon or dried apple slices for a brighter, fruitier aroma. Lovely for mulled cider.
- Vanilla Spice: Tuck a split dried vanilla bean into the blend. It adds a soft, sweet warmth that makes the house smell like a holiday bakery.
- Chai-Inspired Blend: Add cardamom pods and a small piece of dried ginger root (in addition to the crystallized ginger). Creates a cozy chai-like flavour profile.
- Apple Orchard Version: Add dried apple pieces for a soft sweetness that pairs beautifully with cider.
- Holiday Hearth Blend: Add a few broken bay leaves and juniper berries for an earthy, woodsy aroma — perfect for simmer pots.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a few dried peppermint leaves for a refreshing, uplifting spin on classic mulled spices.
- Smoky Campfire Blend: Add one small dried chipotle pepper (left whole). It gives mulled wine or cider a gentle smoky depth without overpowering it.
- Star Anise-Free Version: For those who don’t enjoy licorice notes, remove star anise and replace with an extra cinnamon stick and a few cloves.
- Sweeter Ginger Blend: Double the crystallized ginger for extra warmth and a lightly sweet finish.
Recipe Tips
Use high-quality whole spices: Because this blend relies entirely on aroma, fresh, whole spices make a world of difference. Old spices lose their potency, so starting with vibrant, fragrant ones will give your blend a stronger, longer-lasting scent.
Crack the nutmeg for deeper flavour: You can leave the nutmeg whole, but lightly tapping each one with the back of a spoon helps release more warmth during simmering.
Cut the dried oranges small: Small cubes release more citrus oils and distribute more evenly through the mix. They also look beautiful in the jar, adding a handmade, rustic touch.
Don’t skip the crystallized ginger: It adds a softly spicy sweetness that gives the blend a comforting, layered flavor, especially lovely for mulled cider.
Use a reusable tea bag or infuser: When gifting, include a tea infuser or muslin bag. This makes it easy for the recipient to simmer the spices without straining.
Make it pretty: Add a whole cinnamon stick, star anise, or a slice of dried orange on top of the jar before sealing. It instantly gives the gift a warm, artisanal feel.
Customize to your taste: This recipe is forgiving. If you love cinnamon, add an extra stick. If you prefer citrus-forward flavours, add more dried orange. If you like a bit more heat, include extra peppercorns.
Use it for more than drinks: This blend is lovely for stovetop simmer pots, adding a cozy scent to your home before gatherings or quiet evenings.
Make extra: Once you smell it simmering, you’ll wish you had another jar tucked away. It also makes an easy last-minute hostess gift.
Instructions
- Mix the spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, star anise, cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, dried oranges, and crystallized ginger to a medium bowl. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Store the blend: Transfer the mixture to an airtight glass jar. Seal and keep in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. The longer it sits, the more the flavours deepen.
- To use: Add 2–4 tablespoons of the mulling spice blend to a pot of cider or wine. Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, strain, and serve warm.
Storage
- Store in an airtight jar: Keep your mulling spice in a glass jar or sealed container to preserve the aroma and freshness. Whole spices hold their flavour much longer than ground spices, making this blend ideal for long-term storage.
- Keep in a cool, dark place: A pantry or cupboard is perfect. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity, which can dull the spices over time.
- Shelf life: Your mulling spice blend will stay fragrant and flavourful for up to 12 months. The dried oranges and crystallized ginger help maintain the blend’s aroma without adding moisture.
How to Gift Homemade Mulling Spice
- Use small glass jars: Scoop the mulling spice into mini mason jars or airtight glass spice jars. Add a ribbon, a dried orange slice, or a cinnamon stick under the twine for a rustic farmhouse touch. Include a little tag with instructions for how to use it.
- Kraft paper bags: Line small kraft bags with parchment and fill with the spice blend. Fold over the top, hole-punch, and tie with twine. Add a sprig of greenery for a sweet, natural finishing touch.
- With a bottle of apple cider or wine: Pair a jar of the spices with a bottle of apple cider or red wine for a complete mulled drink gift. Wrap them together with a festive tea towel.
- In a simmer pot kit: Add the spice blend to a small bag or jar and place it inside a mini dutch oven or small saucepan. This makes a lovely hostess gift and can double as a simmer pot blend.
- As part of a cozy gift basket: Tuck a jar of the spice blend into a basket with items like a candle, a tea towel, baked goods, or homemade jam. It adds a warm, fragrant touch to any holiday bundle.
- With a reusable tea infuser: Add a muslin bag or stainless-steel tea infuser. It makes it even easier for the recipient to simmer the spices without straining.
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Similar Recipes
Homemade Mulling Spice
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Airtight jar
- Cutting board + knife
Ingredients
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 5 whole nutmeg
- 5 whole star anise
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- ¼ cup whole allspice berries
- ½ cup whole peppercorns
- ⅓ cup dried oranges cut into small cubes
- 3 tbsp crystallized ginger cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Mix the spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, star anise, cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, dried oranges, and crystallized ginger to a medium bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Store the blend: Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar and seal well. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months.
- Use: Add 2–4 tablespoons to cider or wine and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm. This blend also works beautifully for stovetop simmer pots.
Notes
- Use fresh whole spices for the richest flavour.
- Crack nutmeg slightly to release more aroma.
- Cut dried oranges small for even distribution.
- Include a tea infuser in gifts for easy simmering.
- Perfect for simmer pots as well as mulled drinks.
