It’s beginning to SMELL a lot like Christmas! We’ve got cookies in the oven, a fresh tree in the living room, a fire burning in the fireplace, and mulled drinks on the stove.
If you only make one thing this holiday season, make this mulling spice mix!
Just think of all the things you could be mulling—wine, cider, wassail, cranberry juice…well any kind of juice, even beer! A hot mulled drink is an excellent way to warm yourself from the inside, especially after being out in the chilly, winter air.
It’s a perfect and somewhat lighter alternative to traditional dairy-based cocoas. I can’t wait curl up on the couch in my pajamas, set up a fire in the fireplace, and watch a holiday movie while sipping a cozy mulled drink! What I’m trying to say is that for the next couple months, you’ll know where to find me.
MULLING SPICE MIX
Ingredients
For Mix:
- 2 tbsp dried orange zest
- 2 tbsp dried lemon zest
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 1/2 - 2 tbsp whole allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks (broken in half)
- Dash of ground nutmeg
*This combination ends up being pretty spicy, but if you prefer a more subtle version use less cloves and allspice.
Directions
To Make:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a vegetable peeler, carefully strip the orange zest, leaving the white pith on the fruit as it has a bitter flavor.
- Repeat process with a lemon.
- Spread the zest in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 20-30 minutes or until the ends curl.
- Allow to cool completely.
- In the meantime, mix remaining ingredients in a bowl.
- When zest is cooled, add to spice bowl.
- Toss gently to combine.
To Use In Drinks:
- Divide mixture between two spice bags or cheesecloth bundles. Store on in an airtight container in the fridge.
- One spice bag/bundle per 750 ml of choice liquid.
- Simmer in covered pot for at least 40 minutes before removing spice bag/bundle or straining. Careful to not bring to boil.
- Serve warm!
- Store remaining liquid in covered pitcher in fridge.
To Use For Scent:
- Simmer 2 tbsp of spice mix in small pot of water and you’re home will smell like Christmas in no time.
