Mulling spice mix is a perfect hostess gift and I love that it is also very easy to make with children. I make them in November and always have a stash on hand so I can bring them as holiday and thank you gifts all winter. Paired them with a bottle of Beaujolais and a handmade mug, or use them as a place setting for a dinner party.
I use beautiful spices that are unexpected and less common, such as cardamon pods, whole star anise, whole nutmeg seeds and dried orange slices. I also add fragrant whole cloves and cinnamon sticks.
To make mulling spice, all you need to do is mix all of the smaller ingredients (equal parts) in a large bowl and stir well. Divide the ingredients into small muslin bags and then add the larger pieces such as dried orange and cinnamon sticks to each bag. Take a decorative piece of thin string or ribbon and tie the top shut.
You can include a handwritten card with instructions for brewing. Such as: “Brew sachet with a bottle of fruity red wine or apple cider. Simmer over medium heat and serve when bubbling and fragrant.”
