Mulling spices are used by steeping whole spice pieces or a filled spice bag in hot cider, wine, or tea, then removing the spices when the flavor is balanced. For one gallon of cider, use 1 ounce by weight of whole mulling spice pieces and warm gently for 20–30 minutes without boiling. For one mug, use one mulling spice tea bag and steep for 5–7 minutes. Taste before adding sweetener.
What Are Mulling Spices?
Mulling spices are blends of aromatic whole or coarse-cut spices used to infuse cider, wine, tea, and other warm drinks. Exact recipes vary, but common ingredients include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and citrus peel. For a more detailed ingredient guide, read what mulling spices are.
Olde Tradition’s Original Blend contains cinnamon chips, cloves, allspice, orange peel, and pure orange oil. The blend has no added sugar or preservatives and is naturally caffeine-free. This does not make cider or juice sugar-free; those drinks contain naturally occurring sugar. Taste the finished beverage before deciding whether it needs honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener.
How to Use Mulling Spices - The Basic Method
The method is simple, but the correct amount depends on whether you are preparing a gallon batch with whole spice pieces or a single mug with a tea bag.
1. Measure the cider, wine, or tea.
2. Place whole spice pieces in a muslin bag, or use an individual mulling spice tea bag.
3. Warm the drink gently without allowing it to boil.
4. Taste as the spices infuse, then remove the bag when the flavor reaches the strength you prefer.
5. Add sweetener only after tasting.
How Much Mulling Spice Should You Use?
|
Drink and batch size |
Best format |
Amount |
Heating or steeping time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Apple cider, 1 gallon |
Whole pieces in a muslin bag |
1 ounce by weight |
20–30 minutes over gentle stovetop heat |
|
Cider or wine, 1 cup |
Individual tea bag |
1 tea bag |
5–7 minutes |
|
Black or herbal tea, 1 cup |
Individual tea bag |
1 tea bag |
5–7 minutes, followed by the tea’s own brewing directions |
These quantities apply to Olde Tradition products. Other blends can differ in strength and particle size, so follow the directions for the specific product you are using. For a full bottle of wine, use the quantity provided in a tested mulled-wine recipe instead of estimating with tablespoons.
How to Use Mulling Spices according to Richard, founder of Olde Tradition Spice
Recipe #1 — Classic Mulled Apple Cider
Ingredients + Preparation
Place 1 ounce by weight of Olde Tradition Whole Mulling Spice Pieces in the included reusable muslin brewing bag. Add it to 1 gallon of pasteurized apple cider and warm over gentle heat for 20–30 minutes without boiling.
Taste the cider near the end of the infusion. Remove the bag when the flavor reaches the strength you prefer. Add orange slices or cinnamon sticks if desired, and taste before adding honey or maple syrup.
When serving a group, choose pasteurized or otherwise treated cider. The FDA’s juice-safety guidance explains that untreated juice and cider can contain harmful bacteria.
Tips for Hosting & Make-Ahead Serving
For a party-size batch, follow our slow cooker mulled cider recipe for a crowd. Slow cookers vary, so check the cider with a food thermometer. Once fully heated, keep it at 140°F or above during service, following the USDA’s slow-cooker safety guidance.
Recipe #2 — Cozy Mulled Wine (European-Style)
Best Types of Wine to Use
Choose a dry red wine with a soft finish. Merlot, cabernet franc, or a mild blend works well. You don’t need anything fancy. The spices bring most of the character.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pour one 750 ml bottle of dry red wine into a pot. Add the spice format and quantity specified in our classic mulled wine recipe.
Heat the wine over low heat until it is steaming, but do not let it boil. Allow the spices to infuse until the flavor is balanced, then remove the spice bag before serving. Add honey or another sweetener only after tasting.
Optional Sweeteners & Garnishes
If you like a sweeter drink, add honey or a spoonful of maple syrup. Orange slices, cranberries, or a star anise pod make the drink look beautiful for holiday gatherings.
Recipe #3 — Spiced Tea (Herbal or Black)
A No-Added-Sugar, Nonalcoholic Option
Mulled tea is light, comforting, and perfect for people who want something warm without added sugar. Black tea creates a chai-like taste, while herbal teas pair well with citrus.
Simmering Method + Variations
Heat four cups of water with one tablespoon of mulling spices. After 10 minutes, add your tea bags and let them steep. For a stronger chai flavor, use black tea and add a small piece of fresh ginger. For a calming night version, choose chamomile and a slice of lemon.
How to Use Mulling Spices Beyond Drinks
You can simmer the spices in a pot of water to make your home smell like the holidays. The fragrance spreads slowly and fills every corner, creating a warm atmosphere even on an ordinary afternoon. It’s a simple way to bring comfort into your kitchen without lighting a candle.
Creative Ways to Use Mulling Spices
Many people pack the blend into small jars as DIY gifts or tuck it into holiday baskets. It feels personal and thoughtful, and the scent makes the gift memorable. This kind of small gesture works beautifully for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who loves cozy winter rituals. For home fragrance, follow our holiday simmer pot recipe. Keep the pot attended, add water as needed, and never allow it to boil dry.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Reusability
Store unused, dry mulling spices in a tightly sealed package or container in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Aroma and flavor gradually fade, so follow the package’s best-by date and check the blend’s aroma before brewing.
The muslin brewing bag can be washed, dried thoroughly, and reused. That does not mean previously brewed spices should automatically be used for another batch. Follow the product directions for the spices themselves.
Why Choose an All-Natural, Sugar-Free Spice Blend?
A blend with no added sugar lets you decide whether the finished drink needs additional sweetness. This is especially useful with cider, juice, and wine because their sweetness varies.
Whole or coarse-cut spice pieces can be contained inside a muslin bag and removed when the flavor is balanced. This keeps loose cloves, cinnamon chips, allspice, and orange peel out of the finished drink and makes cleanup easier.
Choose whole spice pieces for gallon batches or tea bags for individual mugs. Shop all mulling spices to compare both formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use mulling spices in cider?
We recommend containing whole spice pieces in a muslin bag, adding the bag to the cider, and warming everything gently without boiling. Taste the cider as it infuses and remove the spice bag when the flavor is balanced. Add sweetener only after you have tasted the finished cider.
How much mulling spice should you use for one gallon?
For Olde Tradition Whole Mulling Spice Pieces, we recommend 1 ounce by weight for 1 gallon of cider. Measure by weight rather than tablespoons because the sizes of cinnamon chips, cloves, and orange peel can make volume measurements inconsistent. Quantities for other products may differ.
Can you use mulling spices in a slow cooker?
Yes. We recommend keeping the spices contained in a muslin bag so you can remove them when the flavor is strong enough. Once the cider is fully heated, verify that it remains at 140°F or above during service. Slow-cooker heating times vary by appliance.
Can you use the same mulling spices for cider, wine, and tea?
Yes, but we recommend adjusting the product format and infusion method. Whole spice pieces are convenient for gallon batches, while individual tea bags work better for single mugs. Wine, cider, and tea extract spice flavors differently, so taste during the infusion instead of relying only on time.
Do mulling spices contain sugar?
Some commercial blends contain added sugar, so we recommend checking the ingredient list. Olde Tradition’s blend has no added sugar, but that does not make the finished drink sugar-free. Apple cider, apple juice, wine, and some prepared teas contain their own naturally occurring sugars.
How long can you keep mulled cider in the refrigerator?
We recommend removing the spices and fruit, refrigerating leftover cider within two hours, and using it within three to four days. Reheat it promptly on the stovetop or in the microwave rather than reheating it from cold in a slow cooker. Follow the USDA’s leftover-storage guidance.
