Mulling Spices for Cider (DIY Gift Jars) Recipe
Introduction
Mulling spices add a warm, fragrant touch to apple cider, making it perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday gifts. This simple DIY blend combines classic spices that infuse cider with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- ⅔ cup plus 2 tablespoons dried orange peel
- 1 cup crushed cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons whole cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Step 2: Store the spice blend in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Step 3: To serve, place 2 tablespoons of the mulling spices in a tea ball or spice infuser.
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan, gently simmer 4 cups of apple cider with the spice ball over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: For larger quantities, use ¼ cup of mulling spices per ½ gallon of cider, or ½ cup per gallon.
- Step 6: You can also warm the cider with the spices in a crockpot for 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.
- Step 7: Remove the spice ball before serving. Enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a few star anise or a piece of fresh ginger to the mix for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use whole spices for best flavor, but ground cinnamon can be added if crushed sticks are unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of orange peel according to your preference for citrus brightness.
Storage
Store the mulling spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Use as needed for cider or other warm beverages. Leftover mulled cider can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours and reheated gently before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the mulling spices ahead of time?
Yes! The spices can be mixed and stored weeks ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen over time.
What if I don’t have a tea ball or spice infuser?
You can tie the spices in a piece of cheesecloth or simply strain them out after simmering the cider.
PrintMulling Spices for Cider (DIY Gift Jars) Recipe
This DIY recipe for mulling spices is perfect for enhancing the flavor of apple cider, making it a cozy and aromatic treat ideal for cold weather. The blend of whole allspice berries, dried orange peel, crushed cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves combines to create a warm, spiced fragrance that pairs beautifully with cider. These mulling spices can be stored in airtight jars, making a thoughtful homemade gift or a convenient ready-to-use spice mix for gatherings and festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Enough mulling spice mix for multiple batches of cider; serves approximately 4 cups per batch
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Mulling Spice Blend
- 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- ⅔ cup plus 2 tablespoons dried orange peel
- 1 cup crushed cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare and Store the Spices: Combine the whole allspice berries, dried orange peel, crushed cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to blend the spices evenly, then transfer and store the mixture in an airtight container to preserve freshness and aroma.
- Measure Spices for Cider: To prepare to mull your cider, use 2 tablespoons of the mulling spice mix per 4 cups of apple cider. If mulling larger quantities, use ¼ cup of spices for every ½ gallon or ½ cup for every gallon of cider.
- Infuse the Cider: Place 2 tablespoons of the mulling spices into a tea ball or spice infuser. Add it to a medium saucepan containing 4 cups of apple cider. Gently simmer the cider over medium heat for 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse their flavors.
- Alternative Slow Warming: For larger batches, warm cider with the mulling spice ball in a crockpot: leave it on low for a minimum of 2 hours or on high for 1 hour. This slow warming method enhances the spice infusion and keeps the cider warm for serving.
- Serve: Remove the spice ball from the cider before serving to avoid over-extraction of spice flavors and to keep the cider smooth and enjoyable.
Notes
- Use a tea ball or spice infuser to easily remove the spices after mulling.
- Adjust spice quantities according to taste preference or the amount of cider being prepared.
- The mulling spice blend can be made in larger batches and gifted by storing in decorative airtight jars.
- Store the spice blend in a cool, dark place to maintain potency.
- Optional additions to the spice blend include star anise, nutmeg, or ginger for a personalized touch.
Keywords: mulling spices, apple cider, fall beverage, holiday drinks, spiced cider, DIY gift jars
