How to Make Homemade Mulling Spice Bags

by Sarah - Craft Invaders

DIY Mulling Spice Bags make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and can be adapted to suit the taste of the recipient.

 DIY Mulling Spice Bags make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and can be adapted to suit the taste of the recipient. Any edible, dry herbs, spices and flowers can be added; here we have gone for Warming Christmas flavours, but combinations such as Mint and Chamomile, or Rosehip and Orange are equally delightful. Post includes lovely apple juice recipe.

 

Mulling is the process of heating wine or beer with added sugar and spices as a warming, fragrant drink. Traditionally served in winter, mulled drinks can take both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms. Any edible, dry herbs, spices and flowers can be added. We have gone for Warming Christmas flavours, but combinations such as Mint and Chamomile, or Rosehip and Orange are equally delightful.

A word of caution. Many herbs have medicinal properties and may not be suitable for everyone. Sticking to flavour combinations that are commonplace, for example, ones you might see in the supermarket, would be my suggestion unless you are knowledgeable in the use of dried herbs. I also recommend that you provide an ingredient list with any homemade items that you give away as gifts. That way the recipient can make an informed choice to whether or not it is suitable for them.

 

 DIY Mulling Spice Bags make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and can be adapted to suit the taste of the recipient. Any edible, dry herbs, spices and flowers can be added; here we have gone for Warming Christmas flavours, but combinations such as Mint and Chamomile, or Rosehip and Orange are equally delightful. Post includes lovely apple juice recipe.

 

What we used to Make our Homemade Mulling Spice Bags

Stick of cinnamon
2 Star Anise
3-4 Pieces of Mace
6 Allspice Berries
A teaspoon of dried Orange Rind
Muslin Spice Bags (Amazon Affiliate link)

 DIY Mulling Spice Bags make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and can be adapted to suit the taste of the recipient. Any edible, dry herbs, spices and flowers can be added; here we have gone for Warming Christmas flavours, but combinations such as Mint and Chamomile, or Rosehip and Orange are equally delightful. Post includes lovely apple juice recipe.

 

Just pop all of the spices into a Muslin Bag and tied it securely. Alternatively, you can tie everything up in a piece of muslin and tie with some kitchen string (bear in mind the blue string soup in Bridget Jone’s Diary!) If giving as a gift, add a pretty tag with a recipe written on it.

 

Add it to a litre of Apple Juice and heat it slowly, leaving to infuse for an hour or so for the flavours to develop well. Serve piping hot. This makes a lovely warming drink for both kids and adults, and can, of course, be adapted to taste.

In the US, apple juice is called cider, and what we refer to here in the UK as cider, would be hard cider. Happily, both would work equally well in this recipe. We used our own dried orange rind for this recipe, you can find the instructions in our Drying Orange Slices and Peel tutorial. Our Spiced apple juice is also rather yummy with the addition of a tot of Rum, I am sure many other additions would work equally as well


DIY Mulling Spice Bags make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and can be adapted to suit the taste of the recipient. Any edible, dry herbs, spices and flowers can be added; here we have gone for Warming Christmas flavours, but combinations such as Mint and Chamomile, or Rosehip and Orange are equally delightful. Post includes lovely apple juice recipe.

 

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

36 comments

Nikki Frank-Hamilton November 19, 2016 - 11:21 pm

These are so pretty! And I bet they make the house smell incredible. I love the scent of spice and orange in the winter, it certainly lifts my mood and I don’t have to bake to get the lift! LOL What a great gift these would be!

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 23, 2016 - 9:20 am

They are wonderful smells aren’t they, and they make a perfect little gift :)

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 10, 2016 - 9:38 am

It’s gone much colder here in the UK (apparently we’re being affected by a polar vortex!) so we’ve already enjoyed a couple of mulled drinks in front of the fire – it’s bliss :)

Reply
Michelle November 8, 2016 - 7:28 am

Stunning Sarah, we always enjoy a glass of Glühwein in winter and now I don’t have to buy the spice bags, I can try and make our own. Thank you so much

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 10, 2016 - 9:30 am

They are the simplest thing to make Michelle, and they make a great little hostess gift too :)

Reply
Leanna November 7, 2016 - 8:22 pm

Isn’t star anise the neatest of all spices. I love the stuff. Pinned.

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 10, 2016 - 9:28 am

It is a wonderful spice Leanna, such a little work of art – thanks for pinning :)

Reply
Debbie November 7, 2016 - 9:39 am

Hi Sarah, that herb combination is perfect for Christmas. I come from cider country and we used to get proper scrumpy from the farms, but never once have I had spiced cider! It does sound warming.

xx

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 7, 2016 - 9:56 am

We love spiced Cider Debbie, it is very moreish, and makes a great alternative to mulled wine – plus its nice to be able to serve the non-alcoholic version alongside :)

Reply
Becky, Cuddle Fairy January 1, 2016 - 5:59 pm

Oh lovely! This would be a fab gift. I love making mulled wine & a spice bag would come in handy for that! x

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders January 1, 2016 - 6:18 pm

We did give lots away over Christmas – they are perfect for when you just want a little gesture without going over the top. I’m going to try some herb ones next and adapt them as the seasons change :)

Reply
International Elf Service December 15, 2015 - 10:51 pm

Another post of gorgeous Christmassyness! I’m completely drawn to dried orange slices and cinnamon – a terrible weakness of mine!

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 15, 2015 - 11:07 pm

Its the perfect Christmas combination – we’re putting both of them in everything at the moment, and everyone is getting one of these bags at Christmas. I’ve just been making marmalade so am definitely going though an orange stage!

Reply
Julie December 10, 2015 - 7:30 pm

Sound lovely, I like the spiced apple thing they did at Costa’s last year (don;t know if they are doing it this year) but it was a bit too sweet. Making my own sounds good.

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 10, 2015 - 10:43 pm

It’s perfect because you can have it just how you want, and if you don’t want to bother with the bags at home you can just throw it all in.

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 8, 2015 - 10:04 pm

They are so simple to make, and you can tailor them to your own taste :)

Reply
Julia @ Rainbeaubelle December 8, 2015 - 4:56 pm

Oh I am so glad I found this and your blog! This sounds so yummy and what a great gift, I think I might just have to have a go! #twinklytuesday

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 8, 2015 - 5:54 pm

They make a lovely little gift and you can adapt them easily – you could do a similar thing with bath salts or milk powder and dried herbs and flowers :)

Reply
My Bored Toddler December 8, 2015 - 11:25 am

What a lovely idea for a gift.

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 8, 2015 - 5:58 pm

They make a lovely, simple (and cheap) gift

Reply
Teresa December 7, 2015 - 12:32 pm

Oh, I love these! I’ve been looking for a gift for my mother and your spice bags are the perfect solution!
If you have time, I would love for you to share this post over at the Holidays Celebration link party that is live right now! It’s such a neat idea, I’m sure our readers would love it too! (http://keepingitrreal.blogspot.pt/2015/12/holidays-celebration-link-party-4.html)

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 8, 2015 - 9:36 am

They are a cute, easy gift. Thanks for the invite, I checked out your lovely linky and have linked up :)

Reply
Teresa December 8, 2015 - 1:28 pm

Thank you for linking up! Your post has been pinned to the party’s Pinterest board Feel free to link up other posts too, and stay tuned for the features on Friday!

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 9, 2015 - 8:36 am

Thanks for having us and pinning :)

Reply
teresa December 11, 2015 - 5:44 pm

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ve featured this post today on the Holidays Celebration Link Party Features. Come and grab an “I was featured” button and browse around for the other features here: http://keepingitrreal.blogspot.com.es/2015/12/holidays-celebration-link-party-4_11.html
Congratulations!

Sarah - Craft Invaders December 12, 2015 - 3:03 pm

Thanks so much for featuring us – we are thrilled to be included!

Be Inspired in a winter wonderland linky | Tots 100 December 7, 2015 - 9:40 am

[…] those who love cooking.  Finally making Christmas decorations like a rag wreath for under £5 and spice bags from Craft Invaders give a real vintage homemade feel to Christmas.  However you spent the time, […]

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 7, 2015 - 11:01 am

So excited to be featured on the TOTS100 be Inspired in a winter wonderland linky with so many other fabulous ideas!

Reply
Licia November 30, 2015 - 9:22 pm

I feel the fragrance of these herbs. This is a perfect gift for so many of my friends who love special teas. Thanks for sharing.
Licia

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders December 3, 2015 - 4:46 pm

Thank you Licia, they do make a lovely gift :)

Reply
Nikki Frank-Hamilton November 27, 2015 - 7:32 pm

Sarah, Not only does this look like a great way to warm up on a cold winter’s night, the gift itself is so pretty! The colors, shapes and textures of the spices are delightful. And I bet the whole house smells like the Holidays as you cook! What a great gift!!!

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 29, 2015 - 10:01 am

The spices are lovely to look at aren’t they – the kids love the spiciness of the juice, it’s perfect for this time of year v

Reply
chellie November 25, 2015 - 11:27 am

what a beautiful gift! I’ll be honest–I love consumable gifts, trying to keep life simple. It has never occurred to me to dry my own orange peels! duh! I need to try that!!

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 25, 2015 - 11:49 am

We give everyone food and drink gifts now – I think people prefer something lovely to eat, rather than a random store gift :)

Reply
Honest mum November 24, 2015 - 11:00 pm

What a stunning gift, loved this festive post. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays x

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders November 25, 2015 - 11:55 am

Thank you, it makes a perfect little gift for when you want to just give a little something – would be great for end of term teacher presents :)

Reply