Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (2024)

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The Williams Sonoma mulling spices make the most delicious mulled cider. These DIY homemade holiday mulling spices are a great gift idea for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, or just keeping on hand to spice up apple cider and wine during the winter season.

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (1)

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I have a free printable instruction tag for you to print and add to the jar. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the free downloadable printable.

Simple ingredients including cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, and dried orange peel will put this spice blend on your holiday menu each year.

Jump to:
  • What are homemade mulling spices made of?
  • How to make mulling spices
  • How do you make a large batch of mulled apple cider for a crowd?
  • What are the benefits of mulling?
  • How much mulling spices for a bottle of wine?
  • Giving mulling spice as a gift
  • More Holiday Recipes:
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  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
  • Comments

What are homemade mulling spices made of?

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (2)

This recipe for homemade mulling spices is a combination of crushed cinnamon sicks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries along with dried orange rind.

How to make mulling spices

  1. Combine all the spices together and mix until thoroughly combined.
  2. Store in an air-tight container until ready to use.
Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (3)

This is a copycat recipe of the Williams Sonoma mulling spice and I have done my best to literally deconstruct a sample size of the mulling spices you can purchase at W&S. I am not using the exact variety of spices called out on the label but ones I had in my kitchen cabinet. Also I am not including the oils that care called out on the ingredient list on the label. It is not exact for these reasons.

1 cup of Williams Sonoma mulling spices:

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (4)

How do you make a large batch of mulled apple cider for a crowd?

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (5)

I like to make mulled cider for a crowd in a large crock pot or slow cooker. For every ½ gallon of cider you are going to need ¼ cup of mulling spices. For every gallon of cider you are going to need ½ cup of mulling spices.

Add your homemade mulling spices to a reusable spice ball, muslin tea bag or double layer of cheesecloth. Warm in the crockpot for a minimum of 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high. Remove the spice ball or spice bag before serving your hot mulled cider or wine.

What are the benefits of mulling?

The process of mulling infuses drinks hot apple cider and red wine with aromatic spices that provide a complex, robust flavor profile. Common mulling spices can include; cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, and orange peel.

You could also add ginger, lemon peel, cardamom pods, star anise or whole peppercorn to the spice bag or tea bag. When these spices are added to heated cider or wine, they impart a delicious warmth and aroma that is perfectly cozy for cold weather.

Top Tip

Strain the whole spices out before serving.

Breathing in the fragrant steam from a mulled drink can be relaxing thanks to the aromatherapy benefits. Additionally, mulling is an easy way to create a tasty, festive drink using common ingredients that most people have on hand already.

The scents and presentation make mulled beverages ideal for holiday gatherings and evoke a spirit of community and celebration.

How much mulling spices for a bottle of wine?

To make mulled wine the amount of spice mix can vary based on personal taste, but 3-4 tablespoons of mulling spice is a starting point for a well-balanced mulled wine with a 750ml bottle. For stronger spice flavor, use the full 4 tablespoons per bottle. For more subtle spice notes, stick to around 3 tablespoons.

I like to select a dry red wine when I am making spiced holiday wine. Allow the wine to steep with the spice mixture for at least 20 minutes, up to a few hours to fully infuse.

Strain the whole spices out before serving if you don't want floating bits in the mulled wine.

Want to give this as a gift?

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (6)

I have made a free printable tag for you to add to your jar. Instructions are on the tag and directions on where to go to make a refill of this recipe.

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (7)

Printable tag tips:

  • Download the PDF.
  • Make sure to print the tags in a landscape or horizontal orientation.
  • Print on card stock (110 lb)
  • Use the guide marks to help cut apart the tags.

Giving mulling spice as a gift

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (8)
  1. Make a batch of mulling spices.
  2. Print and cut out the tags.
  3. Fill a 8 ounce canning jar with 1 ½ cups of mulling spices.
  4. Close with a lid and a ring.
  5. Cut 27 inches of twine or string.
  6. Punch holes in the top of the tag.
  7. Lace the twine or string through the holes and tie around the neck of the jar.
  8. Optional: include a spice ball with the jar, tying the chain under the twine.

Free Printable Tag:

Click here to download the printable

I don't have a tea ball? What else can I use?

Not a problem if you don't have a tea ball for the mulling spices! Use a square of cheese cloth, tied up with string instead of the tea diffuser. Alternatively, you can use a paper coffee filter, tied with string as well.

How do you make a small batch of mulled cider?

Fill a large tea ball infuser with 2 tablespoons of these mulling spices and in a medium sauce pan, gently simmer 4 cups of apple cider over medium heat for 20 minutes. After the simmer time is up, gently remove the infuser ball and serve the mulled cider in a mug with a garnish of a whole cinnamon stick and a grate of fresh nutmeg.

What's the best cider for mulled cider?

I am a big fan of using a local, unfiltered apple cider. By it being un-filtered or partially filtered, it is going to have more body to the drink and contain more nutrients than a filtered cider. You can change up your flavors by switching out part of the cider for apple juice, pear juice, cranberry juice or cherry juice.

How many times can you use the spices?

I recommend using fresh spices for each batch of mulling. Once the spices have infused the drink for a few hours, they have done their job.
That being said, during a party I have been known to add a heavy splash of wine or cider to the pot or slow cooker just to 'stretch' the drink. The longer the drink mulls, the stronger it gets. By adding fresh liquid to the end of a batch it can brighten it up and mellow out any strong, concentrated flavors.
If I see that the drink container is empty, I will start the process of mulling over with fresh spices. The choice is up to you but this is what I do in my home.

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📖 Recipe

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (13)

Mulling Spices Recipe

Sarah Mock

The William Sonoma mulling spices make the most delicious mulled cider. These DIY homemade holiday mulling spices are a great gift idea for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, or just keeping on hand to spice up cider and wine during the winter season.

4.50 from 46 votes

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Note From Sarah

There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card. Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Prep time for the recipePrep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook time for the recipeCook Time 0 minutes mins

total time to prep and cook the recipe.Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Drinks - Non Alcoholic

Cuisine American

Makes 2 cups

Per Serving 75 kcal

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container.

To serve:

  • 2 tablespoons of these mulling spices in a tea ball and in a medium sauce pan, gently simmer 4 cups of apple cider over medium heat for 20 minutes.

  • For every ½ gallon of cider you are going to need ¼ cup of mulling spices.

  • For every gallon of cider you are going to need ½ cup of mulling spices. Warm in the crockpot for a minimum of 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.

  • Remove the spice ball from the cider before serving.

Notes

  • crush cinnamon sticks in a zip top bag with a rolling pin.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 1g

Nutrition Disclosure

Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (14)

👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

    Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine (2024)

    FAQs

    Mulling Spices Recipe ☕ for Mulled Cider, Apple Cider or Wine? ›

    Mulled wine, popularized in the Middle Ages, is an ancient drink dating back to the time of Hippocrates who used it as medicine. The more familiar cider is a similar but non alchoholic hot beverage made using the juice of apples (unless you use hard cider).

    What's the difference between mulled wine and mulled cider? ›

    Mulled wine, popularized in the Middle Ages, is an ancient drink dating back to the time of Hippocrates who used it as medicine. The more familiar cider is a similar but non alchoholic hot beverage made using the juice of apples (unless you use hard cider).

    What is mulled cider made of? ›

    Mulled apple cider is unfiltered apple juice that's been heated and flavored with mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples.

    How much mulling spice per bottle of wine? ›

    Mulling Spices

    Each recommended using about a tablespoon of mulling spice per 750 ml bottle of wine, which I toasted briefly in a skillet before adding to the wine.

    What do you do with mulling spices? ›

    You can get creative and add water-infused mulling spice to pumpkin recipes as a substitute for pumpkin spice. Add it to cheesecakes, spice cookies, apple cakes or even hot cocoa. And if you love the scent as much as we do, a simple bowl of mulling spice potpourri will add the aroma of holiday spirit anywhere you wish.

    Does mulling cider remove alcohol? ›

    With the goal of consuming the alcohol, any evaporated alcohol is a small affront to the holiday season. But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process.

    Does making mulled wine burn off the alcohol? ›

    Does the alcohol cook out when making mulled wine? In short, yes, some of the alcohol burns off when boiling mulled wine, but you should only be gently bringing up to the boil and simmering for around 15-30 minutes which isn't enough time to completely remove all alcohol traces.

    Is mulled cider good for you? ›

    Mulled apple cider contains nutrients found in apples, including antioxidants like polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress to keep cells healthy. Apples are also rich in quercetin, pectin, vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber.

    Is mulled wine very alcoholic? ›

    The heat used in mulling encourages greater flavours from the citrus and the spices but also reduces the alcohol content, hence the common addition of a slug of spirit or liqueur just before serving.

    Is mulled wine only for Christmas? ›

    Mulled wine is very popular and traditional in the United Kingdom at Christmas, and less commonly throughout winter. Mulled cider (and sometimes mulled ale, traditional yet no longer common) is also served, with a mulled apple juice as a non-alcoholic alternative.

    What is the best wine for mulling spice? ›

    The best red wine to use for mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache). These wines are dark, fruity and full bodied, which means they can support all of the flavors we'll be adding. Look for labels that describe the wine as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla.”

    Can you use cheap wine for mulled wine? ›

    If you wouldn't drink the wine on its own, then you shouldn't use it for any of the above methods. But absolutely feel free to use a “cheap” wine if you enjoy the way it tastes.

    How do you keep the alcohol content in mulled wine? ›

    First, you just want to heat it up enough to have the spices integrate with the flavor of the wine so keep it on low whether you are using the stove or a crockpot. Second, use the lid. The alcohol will escape as steam so if the steam can escape, the alcohol will remain.

    How long will mulled cider keep? ›

    Leftover Mulled Cider can be stored in the fridge for upto 3 days. If you are making this recipe on the hob it will need gently simmering over a low heat for about one hour.

    What do you eat with mulled cider? ›

    The Ultimate Food & Cider Pairing Guide
    • Squeeze. Tomato Based Dishes, Spinach Salad. ...
    • Raspberry. Sweets, Chocolates. ...
    • Berries. Soft Cheese, Crackers. ...
    • Caramel Apple. Apple Slices, Ice Cream. ...
    • Cranberry Orange. Grilled Meat, Pecan Pie. ...
    • Original. Nuts, Sharp Cheese, Grilled Brats. ...
    • Porch Sittin' Cinnamon. Donuts, Pear Slices.
    Aug 5, 2022

    Is mulling spice healthy? ›

    Health Benefits of Mulling Spice

    Saffron, ginger, and cinnamon are known for their high antioxidant content, which helps combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. Anti-inflammatory Effects: The ginger, black peppercorn, and clove in mulling spice have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

    What is special about mulled wine? ›

    Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic drink usually made with red wine, along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins, served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.

    Why is mulled wine drunk at Christmas? ›

    It soon became a festive staple as people used to make this flavourful drink during winter months only. They used to prepare this drink, especially during Christmas, while enjoying the festival with their friends and family. Soon this became a tradition and is being followed till date.

    Is mulled wine meant to be hot? ›

    Most do enjoy this festive drink as a winter warmer, but drinking it chilled is always an option too if that's your preference. Or you can even use your mulled wine to make a mulled wine co*cktail … which is said to be a great party drink (here's a simple recipe for a mulled wine co*cktail from BBC Good Food).

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