DIY Mulling Spice Bags make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and can be adapted to suit the taste of the recipient.
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.
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)
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
36 comments
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!
They are wonderful smells aren’t they, and they make a perfect little gift :)
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 :)
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
They are the simplest thing to make Michelle, and they make a great little hostess gift too :)
Isn’t star anise the neatest of all spices. I love the stuff. Pinned.
It is a wonderful spice Leanna, such a little work of art – thanks for pinning :)
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
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 :)
Oh lovely! This would be a fab gift. I love making mulled wine & a spice bag would come in handy for that! x
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 :)
Another post of gorgeous Christmassyness! I’m completely drawn to dried orange slices and cinnamon – a terrible weakness of mine!
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!
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.
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.
They are so simple to make, and you can tailor them to your own taste :)
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
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 :)
What a lovely idea for a gift.
They make a lovely, simple (and cheap) gift
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)
They are a cute, easy gift. Thanks for the invite, I checked out your lovely linky and have linked up :)
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!
Thanks for having us and pinning :)
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!
Thanks so much for featuring us – we are thrilled to be included!
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So excited to be featured on the TOTS100 be Inspired in a winter wonderland linky with so many other fabulous ideas!
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
Thank you Licia, they do make a lovely gift :)
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!!!
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
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!!
We give everyone food and drink gifts now – I think people prefer something lovely to eat, rather than a random store gift :)
What a stunning gift, loved this festive post. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays x
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 :)