Have you ever thought about brewing wine or beer? It’s not as difficult as it seems. In fact, if you have the basic ingredients, it’s fairly easy. Once you become more familiar with the process, you can even experiment with different spices and herbs.

Brewing spices are elements you can add to wine, beer or cocktails that really kick things up a notch.

Below we have provided 6 mulling spices that will really shake things up.

6 Spices and Herbs for your Brewing Repertoire

Coriander and Sea Salt

Coriander and sea salt have been staples in beer-making for a long time. The style is sometimes called “Gose”, which is a pale German beer.

Coriander lends a tangy, citrusy-lemon aroma, while the salt gives the flavor an extra pop. All you need to do is add an ounce of crushed coriander and sea salt in the last five minutes of boiling.

Hibiscus Flowers

While it might seem odd to pair flowers with homebrews, trust us, this works. Hibiscus flowers have a wonderful sweet aroma and flavor. Add 1-2 ounces during the last ten minutes of the boil for a fruity, dark berry flavor, with the right combination of sweet and bitter.

Juniper Berries

Experienced Beermasters know that juniper berries have been used in beer making for centuries. They help balance the maltiness of beer and the bitterness of hops.

The berries are sweet and crisp and carry the faint aroma of pine, which makes them ideal for holiday brews. Add 1 ounce of juniper berries in the last ten minutes of the boil.

Cardamom

Brewing with spices opens up your homemade adventures to whole new worlds. Cardamom is part of the ginger family, so it has a spicy flavor that pairs well with soda, beer, and wine.

It’s a bold spice so you don’t need much. A ½ ounce will do the trick. Combine cardamom with orange peel, cumin, and coriander for a delicious holiday beverage.

Cacao

Yes…chocolate. Cacao nibs lend a smooth, malty flavor to beer, especially stout or porter. Pair with dark berries like raspberries, blueberries, and cherries for an extra kick of fruity deliciousness. Also try adding extracts such as vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut for a more earthy flavor.

Add 1 ounce of cacao at the end of your boil or 2 ounces during the second phase.

Rosemary

The zesty, aromatic flavor of rosemary can help create a savory punch or citrus-based cocktail.

Has a bonus, here’s a delicious vodka lemonade recipe that is perfect for a summer barbecue. Combine 3 cups of soda, ½ cup of lemon juice, ½ cup of vodka, ½ cup of sugar, and 6 sprigs of rosemary in a large pitcher. Stir and let chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Spice Up Your Homebrews 

Making your own homebrew gives you the opportunity to experiment with new flavors. Adding these spices and herbs to your beer, wine and liquor recipes will open you up to entire new worlds.

For more inspiration, check out our beer and wine making kits, which give you all the tools you need. If you want to get started, contact us today. We’ll help you find the right kit to start brewing today.