Whole Spice Mulling Mix for Wine or Cider

Double cheese cloth & cut 14 5-inch squares. Cut 14 10-inch pieces of string.

Place cinnamon sticks and nutmeg into a plastic bag & crush until approximately the size of the smaller spices using a meat mallet or heavy pan.

Place in a bowl & mix with remaining smaller spices.

Divide the mixture evenly among the 14 cheesecloth squares, about three heaping teaspoons each. Tie each square with string.

For mulled wine - Create a simple syrup by dissolving 1/3 cup sugar into 1/2 cup water over low heat. Add 3-1/4 cups wine & spice bag. Cover and bring to just below a boil. Remove spice bag & discard.

For mulled cider - Add spice bag to 8 cups apple cider (I prefer fresh, refridgerated cider). Bring to just below a boil and simmer 30 - 25 minutes. Remove spice bag & discard.

Serving suggestion - Serve in a warmed mug. Footed looks really neat. I also serve with a cinnamon stick standing in for a swizzle stick.