Mulling spices are a blend of aromatic spices used to infuse warm flavor into apple cider, juice, and other beverages. To use them, simply add the spices to your liquid, simmer gently, and strain before serving. 

It's an easy way to turn everyday apple cider into a cozy, fragrant drink for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a quiet evening at home. 

Here's how to make mulled apple cider, adjust the recipe for a crowd, and get the best flavor from your spices. 

What Are Mulling Spices? 

Mulling spices are a combination of whole or coarsely cut spices traditionally used to flavor warm beverages. 

Common ingredients include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and citrus peel, although the exact combination varies by blend. 

Each ingredient contributes something different: 

Spice	Flavor Contribution
Cinnamon	Warm, sweet, and woody
Cloves	Bold, rich, and aromatic
Allspice	Warm notes reminiscent of several baking spices
Orange Peel	Bright, citrusy aroma
Nutmeg	Warm, nutty depth

Instead of adding ground spices directly to your drink, mulling blends allow the flavors to infuse into the liquid while keeping the finished beverage easier to strain. 

Starwest Organic Mulling Spices offer a convenient way to prepare a spiced beverage without measuring each spice individually. 

Editorial note: Confirm the exact ingredients in the current Starwest blend before publishing the ingredient descriptions as product-specific information. 

How Do You Use Mulling Spices? 

Using mulling spices is simple: 

Choose your base: Apple cider, apple juice, or another suitable beverage. 

Add the spices: Place the mulling spices directly into the liquid or in a reusable food-safe spice bag. 

Simmer gently: Warm over low heat to allow the flavors to infuse. 

Taste: Adjust the infusion time to your preference. 

Strain and serve: Remove the spices before pouring into mugs. 

Avoid boiling the beverage aggressively or leaving the spices simmering for too long. Strong spices, especially cloves, can become overpowering with extended infusion. 

Easy Mulled Apple Cider Recipe 

This simple recipe combines apple cider with aromatic mulling spices for a comforting seasonal drink. 

Ingredients 

4 cups apple cider 

2 tablespoons Starwest Original Organic Mulling Spices 

1 orange, sliced (optional) 

1 Starwest Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Stick, optional for additional cinnamon flavor 

Maple syrup or honey, optional, to taste 

Instructions 

Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan. 

Add the mulling spices, orange slices, and optional cinnamon stick. 

Warm over medium-low heat until the cider begins to gently simmer. 

Reduce the heat to low and allow the cider to infuse for approximately 15–20 minutes. 

Taste the cider. If you'd like a stronger spice flavor, continue infusing briefly. 

Strain out the mulling spices and remove the cinnamon stick and orange slices. 

Pour into mugs and serve warm. Add sweetener only if needed. 

Proposed yield: 4 cups before evaporation, approximately four 8-ounce servings. 

Estimated preparation time: 5 minutes 

Estimated cooking time: 15–20 minutes 

Recipe development note: The spice-to-cider ratio, infusion time, and finished yield are proposed starting points and require kitchen testing. 

Flavor tip: Apple cider is naturally sweet, so taste the finished drink before adding extra sweetener. 

How Much Mulling Spice Should You Use? 

The amount of mulling spice depends on the strength of the blend, the beverage, and your preferred flavor. 

Use the following table as a starting point for kitchen testing, not as a validated serving recommendation. 

Apple Cider	Proposed Mulling Spice Amount	Estimated Servings
2 cups	1 tablespoon	2
4 cups	2 tablespoons	4
8 cups	4 tablespoons	8
16 cups (1 gallon)	½ cup	16

The table scales the same proposed ratio of 1 tablespoon per 2 cups of cider. Final recommendations should be adjusted after tasting the actual Starwest blend. 

For larger batches, start with a shorter infusion and taste before extending the cooking time. 

Can You Make Mulled Apple Cider in a Slow Cooker? 

Yes! A slow cooker is a convenient option when preparing mulled cider for a gathering. 

Add the apple cider and mulling spices to the slow cooker. 

Add orange slices or an additional cinnamon stick if desired. 

Heat until the cider is hot, following the slow cooker's instructions. 

Allow the spices to infuse, tasting periodically. 

Remove the spices before serving or holding the cider warm. 

For serving at gatherings, follow appropriate hot-holding and food-safety guidance. Don't leave cider at room temperature for extended periods. 

3 Ways to Customize Your Mulled Apple Cider 

Once you've made the classic version, try experimenting with other flavors. 

1. Orange & Cinnamon Mulled Cider

Add orange slices and an extra cinnamon stick for a brighter, citrus-forward variation. 

The orange brings freshness, while cinnamon enhances the cider's warm apple flavor. 

2. Ginger-Spiced Apple Cider

Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the cider while it simmers. 

Ginger introduces a slightly peppery warmth that balances the sweetness of the apples. 

3. Cranberry Apple Cider

Replace a portion of the apple cider with unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart variation. 

Start with a smaller amount of cranberry juice and adjust to taste. 

Serving idea: Garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick for a festive presentation. Remove any simmered spices before drinking. 

Why Does Mulled Cider Sometimes Taste Bitter? 

Mulled cider can develop an overly strong or bitter flavor when the spices are infused for too long or used in excessive amounts. 

A few common causes include: 

Too many spices: Strong ingredients like cloves can overpower the apple flavor. 

Overly long infusion: Extended simmering can create a harsher, more concentrated spice flavor. 

Too much citrus peel: Prolonged cooking with citrus peel, especially the white pith, can introduce bitterness. 

Excessive reduction: Boiling away too much liquid concentrates the remaining flavors. 

How to Fix Overly Strong Mulled Cider 

If your cider tastes too intensely spiced: 

Remove the spices immediately. 

Add a little plain apple cider to dilute the flavor. 

Taste again before adding any sweetener. 

Next time, use fewer spices or shorten the infusion time. 

For a balanced drink, the apple flavor should remain noticeable alongside the spices. 

Mulling Spices vs. Ground Cinnamon: What's the Difference? 

Mulling spices are designed to infuse a beverage with a combination of flavors, while ground cinnamon adds a single spice flavor and disperses directly into the liquid. 

	Mulling Spices	Ground Cinnamon
Flavor	Blend of warm spices	Primarily cinnamon
Preparation	Simmer and strain	Stir into beverage
Texture	Whole or cut spices removed before serving	Fine particles remain
Best For	Mulled cider, warm juice, infused drinks	Baking, spice mixes, quick beverages

For a smoother beverage without suspended spice particles, mulling spices or whole cinnamon sticks are often a convenient choice. 

Explore more ideas in our 4 Cinnamon Stick Recipes for Fall. 

How to Store Mulling Spices and Mulled Cider 

Unopened or unused dry mulling spices: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry location away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. 

Prepared mulled cider: Remove the spices, cool the cider promptly, and refrigerate it in a covered container. Use within 3–4 days when prepared and stored under appropriate food-safety conditions. 

Reheat refrigerated cider until thoroughly hot before serving. 

For best quality, avoid repeatedly reheating the same batch. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you use mulling spices in apple juice instead of cider? 

Yes. Apple juice can be used as an alternative to nonalcoholic apple cider. The finished flavor may be lighter or sweeter depending on the juice. 

Do you have to boil mulling spices? 

No. A gentle simmer is sufficient to infuse the spices into the liquid. Vigorous boiling isn't necessary and can concentrate the flavor too much. 

How long should you simmer mulling spices? 

Approximately 15–20 minutes is a proposed starting point for apple cider. The ideal time depends on the blend and your preferred flavor, so taste periodically and adjust after testing. 

Can you reuse mulling spices? 

Spices lose flavor during infusion, so a second batch will usually be weaker. For consistent results, fresh spices are preferable. Avoid storing wet, used spices at room temperature for later use. 

Can you drink mulled apple cider cold? 

Yes! After preparing the cider, remove the spices, cool it promptly, and refrigerate. Serve chilled or over ice for a refreshing variation. 

Does mulled apple cider contain alcohol? 

Not when made with nonalcoholic apple cider and the ingredients in this recipe. Always check the beverage you use as your base. 

Make Your Next Gathering a Little Cozier 

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, homemade mulled apple cider is a simple way to bring seasonal flavor into your kitchen. 

With Starwest Original Organic Mulling Spices, you can create an aromatic drink with just a few ingredients and a little simmering time. 

Shop Organic Mulling Spices and discover your favorite way to enjoy this seasonal classic.