Homemade Mulling Spice Mix

Use this Mulling Spice Mix to flavor your favorite fall and winter beverages. From hot apple cider to mulled wine to Christmas wassail, this unique blend infuses any warm drink with a cozy spiced flavor. 

What Are Mulling Spices?  

Hot apple cider, mulled wine, wassail — these warming beverages are all made extra delicious by the addition of mulling spices. 

This special blend of spices transforms what would otherwise be hot apple juice or red wine into the more flavorful apple cider and mulled wine that we know and love. 

Everyone makes their mulling spice mixture with a different ratio of spices, but most recipes contain some combination of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. From there, you can layer in the flavors of cardamom, star anise, dried orange, and more! 

The recipe I’m sharing with you today makes 2 cups of mulling spice, which is perfect for gifting around the holidays or flavoring big batches of cider or mulled wine. 

Tools You’ll Need

You need very few kitchen tools to prepare this homemade spice blend: 

• Measuring Tablespoons — For measuring the smaller spices. 
• Small Mixing Bowl — For combining the spices. 
• Plastic Bag — Contains the spices when you crush them. 
• Rolling Pin — My tool of choice for breaking up the larger spices.  
• Cutting Board — Do not crush the spices directly on your countertop, otherwise you might damage it. Instead, do it on top of a cutting board. 
• Airtight Container with Lid — The spice blend needs to be stored airtight, in a cool place. 

Recipe Ingredients 

Here’s a list of the spices used in this mulling spice mixture. I’ve included links for the bulk spices below — buying in bulk will get you the best deals! 

• Allspice Berries 
• Whole Cloves 
• Cardamom Pods 
• Black Peppercorns 
• Star Anise 
• Cinnamon Sticks 
• Whole Nutmeg 
• Dried Orange Slices

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Mulling Spice Mix

Preparing the spice mix requires just 5 minutes, and you can easily customize this recipe by using more or less of certain spices to suit your taste. 

1. Measure the allspice berries, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and black peppercorn into a mixing bowl.
2. Break up the dried orange slices and star anise, then add both to the bowl. 
3. Place the whole cinnamon sticks and whole nutmeg into a plastic bag. Place the bag on top of a cutting board and pound using a rolling pin. 
4. Stir all of the spices together to combine.  

Making mulled wine or apple cider? Use ¼ – ½ cup of the mulling spices per gallon, according to preference.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

How to Use Mulling Spices 

Mulled wine and hot apple cider are the two most common recipes to make with mulling spices, but there are many more ways you can enjoy this mixture! 

• Use to make hot spiced apple cider
• Add to your favorite mulled wine recipe
• Add even more festive flavor to Christmas wassail
• Use in place of chai spice mix to make a uniquely flavored chai latte
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to a mug and brew to make an herbal tea (use a tea strainer for easy removal)
• Grind using a spice grinder or clean coffee bean grinder (the ground spice blend is great in pies, cookies, and more!) 
• Add a few tablespoons to a pot of simmering water to create a DIY simmer pot 

Tips for Making This Recipe 

• Use whole spices. Whole spices will deliver the most flavor and won’t leave any sediment on the bottom of your mugs as you’re drinking your cider or mulled wine. 
• Customize this recipe. Don’t like cardamom? Leave it out of the recipe! Prefer a stronger citrus flavor? Add extra dried orange slices! This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your taste preferences. 
• Don’t ladle whole spices into individual mugs. I do not recommend ladling the whole spices into anyone’s mug since they’re a potential choking hazard.
• To remove the spices from the saucepan, either fish them out with a slotted spoon, or add the desired amount of spices to a muslin spice bag or large tea bag before steeping. This lets you pluck the bag of spices straight out of the mulled wine or cider! 

Storage Instructions 

Transfer the mulling spice mix into an airtight container (I like to use glass jars, but any airtight container works). 

Whole spice blends like this one will last up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place. 

Try Making Mulling Spices at Home! 

Next time you’re craving a mug of hot apple cider or mulled wine, try making the mulling spice mixture yourself! 

Did you love the warming flavors of all the spices? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your mulling spices!

More Homemade Spice Blends:

Homemade Gingerbread Spice Blend is perfect for holiday baking projects, as a DIY gift idea, sprinkling atop oatmeal, and more. 

This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice substitute is perfect for using in pumpkin pie, giving as a DIY gift idea, and so much more. 

This Prime Rib Rub recipe is the perfect way to season your prime rib. With a simple dry rub, you can serve your friends and family a more flavorful roast! 

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