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

Published: · Modified: by Sarah Mock As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe

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.

Jump to:
  • 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:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 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.

More Holiday Recipes:

  • Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe With Bacon
  • Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies
  • Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin Recipe

See more Christmas Recipes →

📖 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

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

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? ›

    Some people may call Hot Mulled Cider “Mocked Mulled Wine” since it's an alcohol-free version of Mulled Wine. Mulled Wine is a hot red wine (use an entire bottle) that is infused with Mulling Spices. Typically, it includes orange and/or apples, sugar or honey, and liquors such as brandy, cognac, rum, and vodka.

    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.

    What wine is good for mulling spices? ›

    I recommend looking for a bottle of Zinfandel, Merlot, Grenache, Brandy: Similar to sangria, it's also traditional to spike your mulled wine with an extra bit of liqueur. Brandy is the traditional choice, but Cointreau (or another orange liqueur) or tawny port are also delicious alternatives.

    Which cider is best for mulled cider? ›

    Full-bodied, dry and cloudy ciders that thins out when heated, are often a popular choice to mull. A sweet cider with a strong apple flavour is preferable, but it's also important that there's a hint of acidity to cut through the syrupy richness that too sweet a cider can result in.

    What kind of wine is used for mulled wine? ›

    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.”

    Which wine is better 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.

    Can you use cheap wine for mulled wine? ›

    Just like with the best wines for sangria, the wines you choose for mulled wine don't need to be fancy (you'll be adding other ingredients to it anyway so there's no need to break the bank on an expensive bottle).

    Is nutmeg a mulling spice? ›

    Nothing says holiday like the smells and tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. My recipe for mulling spices has all these delicious rich warm spices and makes a thoughtful hostess or holiday gift. Use the spice packets to make hot apple cider or spiced mulled red wine.

    Do mulling spices go bad? ›

    Spices do not expire in the same way that milk does nor do they become moldy or rotten in the same way fresh produce does. It's better to think of spices as going “not good” rather than bad.

    Why is my mulled wine bitter? ›

    You need to infuse the wine long enough with the spices to take on their flavour but DON'T ON ANY ACCOUNT LET THE MIXTURE BOIL as you'll be left with a bitter taste. Slow and low is the way to go. And it shouldn't be served piping hot, just comfortably - and comfortingly - warm.

    How do you keep mulled wine from being bitter? ›

    Sugar or honey.

    Not all recipes call for it, but often you will need it to balance out bitterness and/or alcohol. My expert advice: do not add any sugar or honey until the very, very end. You want to add it to taste because depending on the random wine you're using and the spirit, you may not need much of it, if any.

    Can you use old wine for mulled wine? ›

    When you make mulled wine, the spices soften the acidity of the wine, and the result is a smooth, well-flavoured drink. You can use old wine to make this drink, and it will save you having to pop the cork on a new bottle.

    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.

    Why is my Mulled Cider bitter? ›

    We recommend only adding fruit peel later on into the the mulling process as it can give a bitter after taste if left in for too long. Try adding your fruit slices for the last 5 minutes before serving.

    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? ›

    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.

    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.

    Is mulled wine an American thing? ›

    Mulled Wine, sometimes referred to as Spiced Wine, refers to wine, most often of a red variety, infused with various fruits and spices then served warm. This traditional European drink is quite popular around the holidays and is synonymous with Christmas markets all around the world.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Errol Quitzon

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5712

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

    Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Errol Quitzon

    Birthday: 1993-04-02

    Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

    Phone: +9665282866296

    Job: Product Retail Agent

    Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

    Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.