Buzz
As autumn arrives, it's easy to find elegant little packets of mulling spices in upscale grocery stores. These pre-made blends are convenient, especially if you frequently indulge in mulled wine or cider. However, they can feel unnecessary, especially if you already have a well-stocked spice cabinet at home.
The reality is, you don’t need an extensive range of spices to create a perfect mulling blend. Chances are, you already have most of what you need in your spice drawer. If you’re uncertain, check if you have any of the following ingredients (quantities listed are for an 8-cup batch of mulled wine or cider):
Cinnamon sticks (1-2 sticks)
Star anise (1 pod)
Whole cloves (6-8)
Whole nutmeg (about 1/4 of one nut)
Allspice berries (1/2 teaspoon)
Juniper berries (1/2 teaspoon)
Peppercorns (1/2 teaspoon)
Coriander Seeds (1/2 teaspoon)
Cardamom pods (1/2 teaspoon crushed pods)
With just three or four of these ingredients, you can easily create your own mulling spice blend. All you’ll need beyond that are a few strips of lemon or orange zest or a couple of slices of fresh ginger. Once you’ve got your spices ready, break your cinnamon stick(s) into smaller pieces and add them to your mulling pot. Then, toss in two or three spices, seeds, berries, or pods from the list above. Toast the spices over medium heat for about 1-3 minutes until they become aromatic. Next, pour in 8 cups of wine or cider, and add 3 or 4 strips of zest or a couple of slices of fresh ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain out the solids, then return the mulled wine or cider to the pot, keeping it warm on low heat. (For mulled cider, use a sieve lined with a coffee filter to remove cider solids, as these can cause the drink to feel gritty and affect its smoothness.) Serve your mulled beverage with a cinnamon stick or additional strips of orange zest with cloves pushed through as a garnish. If you have leftovers, mulled drinks can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and easily reheated whenever you’re ready for more.
