You want a simple way to make cider, wine, or holiday punches smell and taste like the season, and the right mulling spice makes that easy. I’ll walk you through five top blends for 2026—each reliable for home mulling or small gatherings—and what to pick based on flavor and prep time. Keep going to find the one that fits your favorites and routine.
| Crown Mulling Spice |
| Best for Entertaining | Package Size: 6 oz | Primary Use: Mulling beverages (juice-based) | Core Spices / Flavor Profile: Traditional mulling spice blend (implied warm/holiday spices) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Raven’s Nest Mulling Spices for Apple Cider (6oz) |
| Most Versatile | Package Size: 6 oz (pack of 3) | Primary Use: Mulling apple cider and beverages | Core Spices / Flavor Profile: Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, orange, lemon, sugar | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Aspen Original Mulling Spice Blend (5.65 oz) |
| Classic Favorite | Package Size: 5.65 oz | Primary Use: Mulling cider and wine | Core Spices / Flavor Profile: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Aspen Mulling Spice Blend for Cider & Wine |
| Best Gift Set | Package Size: 5.65 oz (pack of 2) | Primary Use: Mulling cider & wine | Core Spices / Flavor Profile: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Aspen Original Mulling Spice Blend (4-Pack 5.65 oz) |
| Bulk Value Pick | Package Size: 5.65 oz (pack of 4) | Primary Use: Mulling cider & wine | Core Spices / Flavor Profile: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Crown Mulling Spice
Should you’re serving noncoffee drinkers or hosting a family get-together, Crown Mulling Spice is made to shine—one 6‑ounce pouch easily flavors a gallon of hot, juice‑based mulled beverage, and it comes with a simple recipe sheet so you can mix, heat, and serve in minutes. You’ll find it ideal for meetings, parties, or a quiet night in whenever you want something special. The spice delivers bold, classic mulling notes and claims to be the very best you’ll ever taste. You can also make single cups; one package per unit keeps serving straightforward. See more details should you require them.
- Package Size:6 oz
- Primary Use:Mulling beverages (juice-based)
- Core Spices / Flavor Profile:Traditional mulling spice blend (implied warm/holiday spices)
- Beverage Applications:Juice-based mulled beverages (heat and serve)
- Cooking/Baking Uses:Not specifically listed (implied culinary use)
- Occasion / Giftability:Family gatherings, meetings, parties
- Additional Feature:Makes one gallon
- Additional Feature:Quick single-cup option
- Additional Feature:Recipe sheet included
Raven’s Nest Mulling Spices for Apple Cider (6oz)
Should you want an all-in-one, instant mulled cider solution that’s ready for both home entertaining and recipe experiments, Raven’s Nest Mulling Spices (6 oz, pack of 3) is a great pick — its award-winning, all-natural blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, orange, lemon, and sugar dissolves instantly in hot or cold drinks and flavors at least a gallon per packet. You’ll find it fat- and gluten-free with no cholesterol, caffeine, or sodium. Use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz (or 1/2 teaspoon for coffee). Try it in cider, mulled wine, spiced tea, sangria, or baking; shelf life is three years.
- Package Size:6 oz (pack of 3)
- Primary Use:Mulling apple cider and beverages
- Core Spices / Flavor Profile:Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, orange, lemon, sugar
- Beverage Applications:Juice, cider, wine, tea, coffee; hot or cold
- Cooking/Baking Uses:Yes — baking and cooking (cakes, sauces, compotes)
- Occasion / Giftability:Holiday/entertaining use (award-winning blend for guests)
- Additional Feature:Pack of three
- Additional Feature:All‑natural blend
- Additional Feature:3‑year shelf life
Aspen Original Mulling Spice Blend (5.65 oz)
Choose Aspen’s Original Mulling Spice Blend provided you want a ready-made, classic holiday mix that turns cider or wine into a warm, spiced drink in minutes. You’ll get 5.65 oz of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg that immediately lift apple cider, red wine, tea, juices, brandy, or hot toddies. It’s great for baking—gingerbread, pumpkin bread, cookies, muffins, cakes, scones—and for savory uses like baked squash, roast chicken, sloppy joes, and cider glazes. Aspen includes recipes for sweet and savory applications, and the blend makes a practical stocking stuffer or hostess gift for Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Package Size:5.65 oz
- Primary Use:Mulling cider and wine
- Core Spices / Flavor Profile:Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg
- Beverage Applications:Apple cider, red wine, tea, juices, brandy, hot toddies
- Cooking/Baking Uses:Yes — wide baking & savory uses (cookies, breads, glazes)
- Occasion / Giftability:Holidays — Christmas, Thanksgiving, giftable
- Additional Feature:Includes sweet+savory recipes
- Additional Feature:Holiday giftable item
- Additional Feature:Multi‑drink friendly
Aspen Mulling Spice Blend for Cider & Wine
Assuming you want a ready-to-use, classic holiday mulling blend that works equally well in cider and mulled wine, Aspen’s Original Mulling Cider Spices delivers warm cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg in a compact pack (5.65 oz, two per set) that makes cozy seasonal drinks in minutes. You’ll find it ideal for mulling apple cider, mulled red wine, or a hot toddy, and it mixes easily with juices, tea, or brandy for smooth, sweet spiced beverages. Keep a set for baking and savory glazes, and use it as a thoughtful stocking stuffer or hostess gift.
- Package Size:5.65 oz (pack of 2)
- Primary Use:Mulling cider & wine
- Core Spices / Flavor Profile:Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg
- Beverage Applications:Apple cider, mulled red wine, tea, juices, brandy
- Cooking/Baking Uses:Yes — sweet & savory recipes listed
- Occasion / Giftability:Holiday occasions, hostess gift, stocking stuffer
- Additional Feature:Pack of two
- Additional Feature:Holiday occasion focus
- Additional Feature:Comes with recipe ideas
Aspen Original Mulling Spice Blend (4-Pack 5.65 oz)
Should you want a compact, crowd-ready spice kit that turns everyday drinks and dishes into cozy, holiday-ready treats, Aspen’s Original Mulling Cider Spices (4-pack, 5.65 oz) is ideal. You get four 5.65 oz cartons of a classic cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg blend that smells comforting and warms any room. Use it to mull apple cider or red wine, spike tea or hot toddies, or add to juices for quick seasonal drinks. In baking, it livens pumpkin bread, cookies, and glazes; in savory dishes, it brightens roast chicken or cider-glazed squash. It’s also gift-ready for holidays.
- Package Size:5.65 oz (pack of 4)
- Primary Use:Mulling cider & wine
- Core Spices / Flavor Profile:Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg
- Beverage Applications:Apple cider, mulled red wine, tea, juices, hot toddies
- Cooking/Baking Uses:Yes — sweet & savory recipe uses listed
- Occasion / Giftability:Holiday occasions, stocking stuffer, hostess gift
- Additional Feature:Four‑pack value
- Additional Feature:Suitable for gift baskets
- Additional Feature:Consistent pantry staple
Factors to Consider When Choosing Mulling Spices
Whenever you pick a mulling spice, check the blend composition so you know which warm notes lead the mix. Consider flavor intensity and ingredient transparency to match strength and avoid surprises. Reflect on the intended beverage and preparation convenience to make certain it fits your routine and recipe.
Spice Blend Composition
Although you’ll always start with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a reliable base, choose additional elements—citrus peel for brightness, whole versus ground spices for extraction speed and clarity, and aromatics like cardamom, star anise, or ginger for perfume or heat—based on how bold, clear, or sweet you want the final mulled drink to. Use whole spices (sticks, whole cloves, crushed nutmeg) whenever you desire slow, controllable release and easy straining. Use ground spices for rapid infusion but expect cloudiness and faster intensification. Add citrus peel sparingly to cut sweetness and lift aroma. Include allspice, star anise, cardamom, or fresh ginger in small ratios to expand complexity and add peppery or warming notes without overpowering the classic backbone.
Flavor Intensity Level
You’ve chosen the components of your blend; now decide how bold you want the final mull to be. Consider the concentration of dominant spices—more cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg creates an assertive, aromatic drink that can overwhelm delicate juices or teas. Check whether the mix uses whole spices, ground, or both: whole spices release flavor slowly for a milder, longer infusion, while ground spices hit immediately and strongly. Note added sweeteners or citrus peels, which amplify perceived sweetness and brightness and effectively raise total intensity. Follow recommended dosage or serving guidelines; teaspoons per cup or ounces per gallon tell you the intended strength and make scaling predictable. Finally, control infusion time and temperature—longer simmering and higher heat extract more oils for a much bolder profile.
Ingredient Transparency
Because what’s listed on the label tells you exactly what’s going into your mug, look for mulling blends that name each spice and additive instead of vague terms like “spices” or “natural flavors.” Check for declared allergens and cross‑contact warnings, and observe whether sugar, salt, preservatives, or citrus peels are specified and where they appear on the ingredient order. You’ll also want to verify claims like “all‑natural,” “gluten‑free,” or “fat‑free” against the actual ingredients, not marketing copy. Prefer packages that list preservative usage, best‑by date, or storage recommendations (cool, dry place) so you can gauge freshness. Clear labeling helps you avoid allergens, control sweetness, and know exactly what aroma and tone you’ll get.
Intended Beverage Use
Now that you know how to read labels, consider about what you’ll be spicing: the base liquid changes everything. Choose spice intensity to match the drink—apple cider and fruit juices suit sweeter, fruit-forward blends; red wine or brandy need bolder, tannic-friendly clove and cinnamon. Match spices to sugar and acidity: tart cranberry or grapefruit benefit from sweeter or citrusy notes, while already sweet bases call for subtler additions. Temperature and service affect extraction—hot drinks pull flavor fast, so cut spice or steep less; cold punches and sangrias tolerate longer contact. Follow dosing guidelines (teaspoons per 8 oz or per gallon) to keep delicate teas or coffees balanced. With alcohol, reduce spice or steep time; alcohol extracts oils more strongly.
Preparation Convenience
Whenever planning for fuss-free mulled drinks, pick a spice mix that matches how you’ll serve and prepare them: check package yield and serving guidance so you know teaspoons-per-cup versus gallons, favor instant‑dissolve or finely ground blends for quick cups without long simmering or straining, and look for formulas that include clear recipes and single‑serve/coffee dosing (teaspoon per 8 oz or half‑teaspoon for coffee) to keep results consistent whenever you’re making a hot mug or a chilled punch. You’ll also want shelf‑stable pre‑mixed blends that dissolve in hot or cold liquids provided you switch between warm and iced selections. Clear prep instructions reduce guesswork on steeping time, sweetener amounts, and heat level, so you get repeatable flavor with minimal effort.
Packaging Size Options
Having the right spice blend is only part of the equation — how it’s packaged will shape how you use it. Choose small 4–6 oz bags provided that you mull occasionally; they’re perfect for one to several gallons and cut down on stale leftovers. In the event that you entertain often, pick multi-packs or larger bags to save money and keep enough on hand for multiple batches. Single-serving sachets or clear teaspoons-per-cup guidance make portioning effortless and prevent waste whenever you flavor individual drinks. Resealable pouches protect against air and moisture, helping aroma and potency last through the season. Match size to your frequency: buy less in case you mull rarely, or larger, well-sealed options in the event that you’ll be brewing weekly.
Shelf Life Stability
Because spice oils evaporate and decompose over time, you should factor shelf life into every mulling-spice purchase. Choose whole spices—cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole nutmeg—when you want long-lasting aroma; kept airtight and cool, they stay sturdy for 2–3 years. Ground blends lose volatile oils faster, often noticeably within 6–12 months, so check manufacture or best-by dates and rotate stock for peak flavor. Avoid moisture, air, light, and heat: store blends in airtight, opaque containers away from ovens and windows to prevent clumping, mold, and breakdown of essential oils and color. Look for explicit shelf-life guidance on labels (commonly 1–3 years) and replace blends past that timeframe to keep your mulled drinks tasting their best.
