Mulling spices make a wonderful hostess gift or addition to a holiday basket, and we love the idea of bottling a concentrated syrup version that can be easily added to wine or cider.

Mulling syrup contains sugar and water simmered with citrus and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cloves, and/or cardamom. Add a few glugs of the syrup to red wine, cider, or apple juice and you have a warming beverage perfect for winter gatherings.

To give mulling syrup as a gift, add a cinnamon stick for visual appeal and include a tag with instructions. You could also present it alongside a bottle of wine or cider. Or keep the syrup for yourself and use it to quickly make spiced drinks whenever the mood strikes.

→ Get recipes:
• Mulling Syrup at BBC Good Food
• Golden Mulling Syrup at Good Housekeeping UK

Related: Fall Project: DIY Cider Mulling Spices

(Images: BBC Good Food; Good Housekeeping UK)