DIY Gift Idea: Mulling Spice Bag

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

Here's a quick and easy gift idea that smells and tastes fantastic! I present to you the mulling spice bag:

Add the spice bag to a pot of heated red wine or apple cider and it becomes a festive holiday beverage. Steam in hot water and it will make your home smell divine! With all of the components found at grocery and craft stores, this is a fun project for a little gift.

What you'll need for one bag:
Card stock for the tags
Hole punch
Decorative string
Muslin bags (found in a local craft store or online by googling "bouquet garni bags."

Spice Contents
*one teaspoon whole cloves
*one teaspoon dried allspice berries
*two cardamom pods
*two whole star anise pods
*two small cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

On the card stock, print out or write:

"For Mulled Cider: Pour 1 gallon of cider in a large saucepan and immerse bag of mulling spices. Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Calvados to taste, if desired. Heat over medium until steaming and very hot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the spices mull until cider is fragrant and tastes well-spiced, about 25 minutes. Discard spice bag before serving. Serve hot or cold."

and/or

"For Mulled Wine: Add the mulling spice bag to a 750ml bottle of red wine, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 orange (sliced) OR 1/2 cup orange juice. You can also add 1/4 cup of brandy if you like. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for at least 15 minutes. Strain, and serve warm. Add cloves, allspice, cardamom and star anise to the little bags. Tie closed with string along with the cinnamon sticks and tag."

When the tags are cut out, punch a hole in each corner. Take your spices and add the cloves, allspice, cardamom, and star anise to the little bag. Tied closed with the string. Attach the tags and cinnamon with the same string or use a second one.

Voila! You have a lovely little gift item for a loved one (or just for yourself!).