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)

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.

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  • Want To Save This Recipe?
  • 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
  • Want To Save This Recipe?
  • More Holiday Recipes:
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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

    Is mulled wine the same as mulled cider? ›

    When the weather gets cold, that means it's the best time of year to make your favorite warm drinks! Mulled wine is a hot beverage that's made by mixing wine with various spices and letting it simmer before serving warm. Mulled cider is the same concept, just with cider instead of wine!

    What is mulling spices made of? ›

    The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom. It also usually includes dried fruit, such as raisins, apples, or orange rind. Mulling spices can be bought prepackaged.

    How much mulling spices for a gallon of cider? ›

    ingredients
    1. 1 gallon apple cider.
    2. 2 tablespoons whole allspice.
    3. 2 tablespoons whole cloves.
    4. 5 -6 cinnamon sticks.
    5. orange slice.
    6. additional cinnamon stick (optional)

    Which cider is best for mulled cider? ›

    One with a hint of acidity.

    You need just a touch of acidity to balance out the sugar and give it a well-balanced flavour. Note: You can use tart ciders, but just make sure to add more sugar.

    What wines are best for mulled cider? ›

    The best wine for mulled wine is dry and full-bodied, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Syrah. These will stand up to the other flavors and ensure the spiced wine won't be too sweet.

    What kind of wine is used for mulled wine? ›

    The best wines for mulled wine are richly fruity, medium-bodied ones with little oak aging, because these stand up to the bold sweetness and spice of the hot drink without tasting too tannic. For example, try a Chilean Merlot, a Zinfandel from California or a Grenache from Spain.

    What warming aromatic spice is used in mulled wine? ›

    Mulled wine is heated with sugar and spices. These spices are generally cinnamon, cloves and occasionally a little star anise. Some people add orange zest or even whole orange segments. It is generally served around the Christmas season in Europe / North America.

    Can you use cheap wine for mulled wine? ›

    Some red wines that you might enjoy at room temperature will not taste so nice when heated. Do not use expensive wine for mulled wine, since we're adding so much to it. Just choose a quality wine (say, 10 to 20 dollars per bottle) and select the varietal carefully.

    What are the English mulling spices? ›

    Cinnamon, Orange Peel, Whole Star Anise, Lemon Peel, Whole Allspice, Whole Cloves, Vanilla Extract, Orange Oil.

    Why is my mulled cider bitter? ›

    Between day 9 and 12 of active fermentation the cider loses all apple flavor and becomes bitter.

    How long will mulled cider keep? ›

    Storage: Mulled cider can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just bring it to a simmer before serving. Garnish: Orange wheels, a curled orange peel, thin apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or nothing at all.

    What can I use instead of mulling spices? ›

    Mulling spices are pretty simple to substitute. Because a lot of the ingredients are pretty common, you'll find a lot of DIY mulling spice recipes. The base of the recipe should include cinnamon, cloves, and allspice - try a simple 3-2-1 ratio of those ingredients (by weight) in a pinch.

    What is the difference between apple cider and spiced apple cider? ›

    The process for making apple cider and spiced apple cider is the same. The main difference is that spiced apple cider is, well, spiced! It typically has been infused with flavors of different warm spices (like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg) versus regular apple cider which gets its flavor solely from the apples.

    What is the best alcohol to add to apple cider? ›

    Brown liquors are a traditional pairing with apple cider. It's hard to deny that the warm flavors of whiskey or spiced rum mingle beautifully with the tart sweetness of apple cider. But, if you're looking for a simple way to spike your cider while allowing its natural flavors to shine, you may want to turn to vodka.

    Can you just heat up apple cider? ›

    1. Combine apple juice or apple cider with cloves and cinnamon in a microwaveable mug, cup or glass. 2. Heat in the microwave oven, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes.

    What is another name for mulled cider? ›

    Wassail (/ˈwɒsəl/, /-eɪl/ WOSS-əl, -⁠ayl, most likely from Old Norse "ves heill") is a beverage made from hot mulled cider, ale, or wine and spices, drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and salutation either involved in door-to-door charity-giving or used to ...

    What is another name for mulled wine? ›

    This traditional homemade mulled wine recipe is incredibly easy to make and always SO cozy and delicious. Also known as glühwein, vino caliente, glögg, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, vin chaud, candola, vinho quente…or literally a hundred other names, depending on where in the world life may find you.

    What is the difference between cider and mulled cider? ›

    Here's the difference between apple cider and apple juice: Apple cider is just unfiltered apple juice that can be served hot or cold. 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.

    What is similar to mulled wine? ›

    Just as warming as mulled wine, mulled cider is a less sweet alternative. Made using a similar technique, mulled cider is packed with spices to create a harmonious taste that can be served in mugs or fancy glasses.

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