How to Make Mulling Spices for Wine, Cider and Non-Alcoholic Drinks?
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There are special drinks carry the character of the season. If pumpkin latte represents fall, mulled wine is the first one that comes to mind when you think of winter and Christmas. For centuries people used spices to add flavor and aroma to drinks. How to make mulling spices for wine, cider, brandy and non-alcoholic drinks? We shall give you different options that will let you enjoy a delicious drink not only at holidays but at any time of the year.
Now, what are mulling spices? How to combine them? Are they different for wine, fruit juices or cider? Generally, mulling spices is an assortment of spices added to fall and winter drinks. Preparing your own mix is not difficult. Actually, it is a fun project and winter months are the perfect time to try different mixes. Mulling spice mixes contain warm spices like cinnamon, clove, dried orange peel, star anise, pepper and offer a fantastic comforting flavor that we associate with winter holidays.
How to Use Mulling Spices?
Besides the obvious way to use mulling spices, people do not realize that they offer many health benefits. You can use them as a homemade air freshener and have the most festive holiday scent throughout your home. Simply boil 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade mix in water, instead of wine.
Mulling spices can be used to add flavor to tea, whiskey, bourbon, apple juice, etc. You can finely grind them and use for baking breads, muffins, cookies, etc.
Last, but not least, mulling spices are fantastic homemade gifts! Put them in nice jars with tight-fitting lids add a ribbon and give them to all of your friends and family.
Mulling spices have health benefits as well. For example, cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and is an antioxidant. Cloves are a great source of Vitamin K and potassium, they reduce inflammation and protect against stomach ulcers. Star Anise also has antioxidant properties, it fights viruses and may reduce respiratory congestion.
The general formula for using mulled spices in wine and cider is 2 tablespoons of spices for 750 ml wine and 4 tablespoons of spices for a gallon of cider. Let the spices simmer for 20-25 minutes, strain and serve.
How to Store Mulling Spices?
Mulling spices are stored like any other spices that you have. They do not go bad, but with time they may lose their flavor. Store your mix in an airtight container or a jar with a tight fitting lid. A cool and dry place like a kitchen cabinet or cupboard is ideal for storing your spices.
How long can you store your spice mix? The general rule of thumb is that you should not store whole spices for more than eight to ten months and ground spices for more than three months. Can you use ground spices for your mix? Well, it is not recommended due to the fact that ground spices are too fine and cannot be strained.
How to Make Mulling Spices for Wine?
Ingredients:
- 3 oz /85g cinnamon sticks
- ⅓ cup cardamom pods
- ¼ cup allspice berries
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- ¼ cup star anise pods
- ¼ cup black peppercorns
- ⅓ cup dried orange peel
Directions:
Place cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries, cloves and star anise in large resealable bag. Crush with rolling pin
Add orange peel and peppercorns to bag and toss to mix well.
Store in airtight container.
How to Make Mulling Spices for Cider?
Ingredients:
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ lemon, zested
Directions:
Combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg in an airtight container. Add lemon zest when making mulled cider.
Mulling Spice Mix for White Wine
Ingredients:
- 5-6 cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 Cardamom pods
- 2 star anise pods
Directions:
Combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom and star anise in an airtight container. Add lemon and orange zest when making mulled white wine.
Mulling Spices for Apple Juice or Herbal Teas
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 8 whole cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
Combine cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise and nutmeg in an airtight container. Add the zest of 1 orange and lemon when making mulled apple juice or tea.