Mulling spices are a mix of dried herbs and spices used to seep flavor into warm drinks, like Mulled Red Wine or, in this case, warm apple cider. The spices used may vary depending on who’s doing the mulling, but cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are fairly standard. Nutmeg, allspice, star anise, orange zest, cardamom, and sometimes ginger are also common. Dried fruits like pears, apples, or raisins can also be added to the mix.

Mulling spices are simmered with the cider or wine to allow their flavor to infuse your drink, much like a tea bag adds flavor to hot water.

Recipe Ideas Using Mulling Spices and Cinnamon Sticks for Adults

MULLED MERLOT
A Delicious drink sure to warm your holiday guests!
2 Bottles (750 milliliters each) merlot, ½  cup sugar, ½  brandy,  ½ cup O.J. 1 med orange, thinly sliced, 6 bags of Olde tradition spices, In a 3-quart slow cooker add wine,suger, oranges, Juice, brandy, orange slices, and Olde tradition spices bags.

Cover and cook on high flame for 1 hour until heated through. Take out spices bags and an orange slice. Serve warm.
  
MULLED WINE RED CIDER

The perfect indoor drink on a snowy day when you can’t get out!
1-¾ cup apple cider juice, ½ cup suger (optional),3 cinnamon sticks, 4 bags Olde tradition spices, 1 bottle (750 milliliters) dry red wine

If desired, moisten the rims of seven mugs with water sprinkle cinnamon- suger on a plate; dip rims in cinnamon-suger and set mugs aside. In a large saucepan, combine the cider, sugar, cinnamon sticks and cook and stir over medium heat until the suger
is dissolved. Add wine and heat through. Remove from heat. Add old tradition beg and cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove spices bags. Serve in prepared mugs

MULLED WINE

This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavor to blend, don’t omit this essential step.
1 bottle(750 milliliters) fruity red wine,1cup brandy,1 medium orange sliced,1 medium lemon sliced, 1 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks (3”) ½ star anise, ½  tsp whole peppercorns, 6 bags Olde tradition spices

In a large saucepan combine the wine,  brandy, orange, lemon, sugar, and olde tradition spices back bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat cover
and simmer gently for 20 minutes cool; cover and refrigerate overnight. Take out
spice bags. Reheat wine; serve warm in mugs. Garnish with Cinnamon sticks stars
and orange twist