Simple Holiday Host Gift: DIY Mulled Wine Spice Jar
Holiday pet peeves. Whether it’s overcrowded shopping malls or in-laws that drive us bonkers, we all have one or two. For me, it’s my husband’s lack of awareness around host/hostess gifts.
It’s not uncommon for a host or hostess to turn down a gesture to bring something… I’ve asked friends and family on multiple occasions “can we bring something?” And the reply I receive 9 times out of 10 is, “no, it’s OK, we have everything we need!” Regardless of their response, I always bring something to thank them for their hospitality… a bottle of wine, an appetizer, or something that can otherwise contribute to the event.
My husband, on the other hand, takes the “we have everything we need” statement very literally, and will often show up empty-handed. Since he manages all events with his family, and I manage mine, half the time I don’t know we are showing up empty-handed until we arrive, after which, you can find me slinking away in embarrassment to the nearest corner. But now, after 9 years together, I’ve come to learn he will always take these statements literally, so if I want to save face in any way, it’s up to me to organize the host/hostess gift.
This simple holiday mulled wine spice blend comes together quickly & easily and can be kept on-hand for emergency situations. Oooops, you forgot you were invited to your friend’s ugly Christmas sweater party? Just grab one of these from the pantry! Embarrassment avoided!
What I love most about this simple gift is that you can give it all on its own or add it to a basket of mulled wine goodies! Include everything the host or hostess will need to enjoy this holiday beverage: wine, brandy, mugs, and the spices! I don’t know a single host or hostess who wouldn’t love to receive this unexpected gift!
So before you even think of heading out the door to your next holiday party, consider popping into Bulk Barn or your local supermarket to grab all the ingredients to pull together this simple DIY gift in a flash!
PrintMulled Wine Spice Jar
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
- Category: Beverages
Description
Beautiful aromatics like cloves, allspice, and star anise and packaged with sugar, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks in this DIY mulled wine spice blend. Download my free “Merry Mulled Wine” recipe card to give alongside this unique and thoughtful host/hostess gift.
Ingredients
Mulled Wine Spice Jar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp allspice
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 dried orange slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Garnish: 1 dried orange slice + 1 cinnamon stick
Mulled Wine
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Contents of mulled spice blend
- 1/4 cup brandy
Instructions
Mulled Wine Spice Jar
- To a small, sealable jar add sugar, allspice, cloves and star anise. Top with two dried orange slices. Close and seal.
- Using twine or ribbon, attach two cinnamon sticks to jar.
Mulled Wine
- Add wine, cider, orange juice, and contents of mulled spice blend plus one orange slice, one cinnamon stick to a large pot over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir in the brandy.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with one orange slice and one cinnamon stick.