Stories Behind the Blend: Mulling Spices

There is something about the smell of warm spices that makes the holiday season feel like it has truly arrived. Maybe it's the cinnamon and cloves drifting from the kitchen, the familiar scent of apples and oranges, or the anticipation of gathering with family and friends. Whatever it is, those aromas have a way of bringing back memories of holidays past and reminding us of the simple traditions that make this time of year so special. 

For both of our families, those traditions began with our moms. Growing up, we were blessed with mothers who loved making the holidays feel magical. They had a way of turning ordinary days into something worth remembering, filling our homes with little touches that made autumn and Christmas feel different from every other season. One of those touches was a pot of mulled cider, slowly warming on the stove and filling the house with the unmistakable fragrance of the holidays. 

Years later, when we began creating seasonal blends at Piper & Leaf, those memories were part of what inspired our own Mulling Spices. We wanted to bring a little of that tradition into our own seasonal blends.  

A Tradition That Goes Back Generations 

Of course, the tradition of warming drinks with fragrant spices is much older than our childhood memories. People have been enjoying mulled beverages for centuries, with roots stretching back to ancient Rome, where wine was often warmed and flavored with spices. Over time, variations of mulled wine and cider became popular throughout Europe, particularly during the colder months. 

In England, the tradition of wassailing became closely associated with the Christmas season. Families and neighbors would gather to share warm, spiced drinks, sing songs, and celebrate together. Some wassailing customs even involved visiting orchards to bless the apple trees in hopes of a plentiful harvest the following year. 

Although the traditions have changed over the centuries, the heart of mulling spices has remained much the same. There is something wonderfully inviting about a warm drink shared with good company, especially when the weather outside begins to turn cold. 

Our Take on a Holiday Classic 

When we created our Mulling Spices, we wanted something that went beyond the familiar cinnamon-and-clove combination. Those classic spices are certainly part of what makes mulled cider so delicious, but we also wanted to bring in the bright, fruity flavors that have always been at the heart of Piper & Leaf. 

Our seasonal Mulling Spice Mix combines oranges, apples, cinnamon, ginger, lemon rind, star anise, cloves, hibiscus, and raspberry leaf. Together, these ingredients create a beautiful balance of sweet fruit, warming spice, and a little tartness that makes the finished cider especially flavorful. 

The apples and oranges bring a natural fruitiness, while cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and star anise provide the comforting warmth we associate with the holidays. Lemon rind and hibiscus add a bright, tangy note that keeps the flavor lively rather than overwhelmingly sweet. It's our own little twist on a timeless tradition, inspired by the flavors we love and the memories that helped shape our family business. 

And because we know how busy the holiday season can become, we wanted to make the process simple. One 45-gram bag of our Mulling Spices can flavor up to two gallons of cider or wine, making it a wonderful option for everything from quiet evenings at home to larger holiday gatherings. 

A Pot of Cider for Every Occasion 

One of the things we love most about our Mulling Spices is how simple they are to prepare. Just add the spices to your favorite apple juice and let them steep for at least 15 minutes. Before long, the kitchen will be filled with the familiar scents of cinnamon, cloves, and fruit, and you'll have a delicious seasonal drink ready to enjoy! 

Whether you're coming home from the pumpkin patch, decorating the Christmas tree, or hosting a holiday gathering, a pot of mulled cider is an easy addition to the occasion. And with one bag making up to two gallons, there's plenty to go around, whether you're serving a houseful of guests or enjoying a quiet evening with family. 

A Tradition Worth Keeping 

Looking back, we realize that our mothers were doing much more than making a delicious seasonal drink. The sights, sounds, and especially the smells of those holidays became part of what made those seasons feel so special. 

Now, as we carry those traditions into our own families, we appreciate them even more. We hope our Mulling Spices can become a small part of the memories being made in your home, whether you're continuing a tradition from your own childhood or beginning something entirely new.