Aspen Mulling Spices Copycat Recipe: Cozy Holiday Aroma in Every Sip

Recreating the iconic Aspen Mulling Spices blend at home brings that signature holiday aroma to your kitchen without the store-bought price tag. This precise combination of whole spices—cinnamon sticks, cloves, and citrus peel—delivers the same warm, fragrant notes that make the original so beloved during the winter season.

The beauty of this homemade version lies in its simplicity and versatility. A single batch yields enough spice blend for multiple uses, whether you’re simmering wine, cider, or even adding depth to baked goods. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have that cozy holiday scent ready whenever inspiration strikes.

Ingredients for Aspen Mulling Spices Copycat

Nine whole spices capture that iconic Aspen holiday magic—warm, citrusy, and perfectly balanced for your mulling adventures.

The cinnamon and star anise are the power players here. Penzeys or Whole Foods bulk bins are my go-tos for freshness—you want sticks that snap, not bend (that means they’re old). Cardamom pods should be plump and green, not dried out and cracked. For the citrus peels, I grab organic oranges and lemons—you’re using the peel, so skip the waxy conventional ones. A microplane makes quick work of drying your own peels if you can’t find pre-dried (just spread on parchment, bake at 200°F for 1-2 hours).

No whole nutmeg? Pre-ground at half the amount works in a pinch, but fresh-grated is night and day. Missing allspice berries? Equal parts cinnamon + cloves + nutmeg gets you close. Star anise can be swapped for 1 tsp anise seeds, though the flavor won’t be as bold. If you’re out of dried peel, zest fresh citrus and tie it in cheesecloth—remove after 10 minutes to avoid bitterness. The peppercorns might seem odd, but they add a subtle warmth (don’t skip!).

Store this in a glass jar away from light—spices stay potent for 6-12 months, but the citrus peel will fade after about 3 months. I make double batches in December and keep half in the freezer (yes, really—it preserves the volatile oils). For mulling, use 2 tbsp blend per bottle of wine or 1 tbsp per 2 cups cider. Pro tip: Tie spices in cheesecloth for easy removal, or just strain when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Aspen Mulling Spices

Creating this aromatic blend is simpler than you think—just follow these easy steps for perfect holiday warmth.

Step 1: Prepare Your Whole Spices

Start by gathering the 4 whole cinnamon sticks, 6 whole star anise pods, and 10 whole cardamom pods. I like to lightly crush the cardamom pods with the side of a knife to release their aromatic seeds—this makes all the difference in flavor. Leave the cinnamon sticks and star anise whole; their bold flavors will infuse beautifully without needing to be broken.

The key here is keeping the spices as intact as possible. You want them to release their flavors slowly when simmered, not all at once. If you’re using fresh nutmeg, set it aside for now—we’ll handle that separately later in the process.

Step 2: Combine the Citrus and Pepper Elements

In a large mixing bowl, add the 0.25 cup dried orange peel and 2 tablespoons dried lemon peel. Use your fingers to gently break apart any clumps, ensuring the peels are evenly distributed. Then add the 1 tablespoon black peppercorns and 1.5 tablespoons allspice berries to the bowl.

Here’s the thing—citrus peels can sometimes stick together, especially if stored in humid conditions. Taking a moment to separate them ensures every sip of your mulled drink will have balanced citrus notes. The peppercorns and allspice will add warmth and subtle heat that complements the sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Final Aromatic Touches

Now it’s time for the powerhouse spices: add the 2 tablespoons whole cloves to your bowl. These little buds pack intense aroma, so there’s no need to crush them. Gently fold everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands, making sure all the ingredients are well mixed.

I’ve found that using my hands works best here—you can feel if any ingredients are clumping together and break them apart naturally. The blend should look colorful and fragrant, with all the spices evenly distributed throughout the citrus peels.

Step 4: Store for Maximum Freshness

Transfer your spice blend to an airtight container. For the best flavor, I recommend using a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place like your pantry—this will preserve the essential oils in the spices that give your mulled drinks their incredible aroma.

Real talk: this blend will keep for up to 6 months, but it’s so good you’ll probably use it all during the holiday season. When you’re ready to use it, simply add 2 tablespoons of the blend to 4 cups of your favorite wine, cider, or juice and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Use and Enjoy

When you’re ready to make your mulled beverage, add the desired amount of spice blend to your liquid in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat—you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that unmistakable holiday aroma and the liquid takes on a beautiful amber color.

Let it steep for at least 10 minutes before serving. I like to leave the spices in while serving so the flavors continue to develop, but you can strain them out if you prefer. Each sip should be warm, aromatic, and perfectly balanced—just like the cozy drinks from Aspen’s famous cafés.

Flavor Customization for This aspen mulling spices copycat

Citrus-Forward Twist

For a brighter, more refreshing version, double the dried orange peel to ½ cup and add 1 tbsp dried grapefruit peel. This variation works beautifully with white wine or apple cider. The extra citrus cuts through sweetness and adds a sunny note perfect for daytime gatherings. 🍊

Spiced Chai Variation

Add 1 tbsp coriander seeds and 5 green cardamom pods to create a chai-inspired blend. This version pairs wonderfully with black tea or chai latte bases. The coriander adds a subtle lemony warmth that complements the existing spices beautifully. I love this for cozy afternoon tea parties.

Smoky Depth Addition

For a more complex, earthy profile, include 1 tsp smoked paprika or ½ tsp chipotle powder. This works especially well with red wine or spiced rum drinks. The smokiness adds sophistication that’s perfect for evening gatherings by the fireplace. 🔥

Vanilla-Enhanced Blend

Split 1 vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and mix them with the other spices. Add the scraped pod too for extra flavor. This creates a luxurious vanilla-citrus aroma that’s divine in hot chocolate or cream-based drinks. The vanilla rounds out the spices beautifully.

Herbal Freshness Boost

Add 1 tbsp dried rosemary or 2 tsp dried thyme for an herbal dimension. These herbs pair exceptionally well with the citrus and spices, creating a more savory profile. I particularly love this variation with mulled white wine or sparkling cider.

Extra-Warm Spice Kick

For those who love bold flavors, increase the cloves to 3 tbsp and add 1 tsp ground ginger. This creates an intensely aromatic blend that’s perfect for cold winter nights. The ginger adds a pleasant zing that wakes up your taste buds. ✨