Mulling 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
Scale
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
