If you’ve ever stood in the spice aisle wondering why you’re buying a tiny jar of pumpkin pie spice when you could make your own, this is for you. Homemade spice blends take a few minutes, a handful of spices, and one clean jar. When I was a barista, cinnamon and nutmeg were always within arm’s reach, because a good blend is what turns plain coffee into a fall drink. Below are 12 blends for coffee, lattes, hot chocolate and baking, each with exact measurements you can mix right in the jar.
For every blend: mix in a clean, dry jar with a tight lid, label with the name and date, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
1. Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp allspice
Use for: pumpkin pie, muffins, lattes, oatmeal, cookies, cakes.
2. Apple Pie Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cloves
Use for: apple pie, apple crisp, cider, coffee, muffins, cookies.
3. Gingerbread Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
Use for: gingerbread cookies, cakes, lattes, hot chocolate.
4. Chai Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp allspice (optional)
Use for: chai lattes, coffee, cookies, cakes, spiced treats.
5. Speculaas Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp white pepper (optional)
Use for: spiced cookies, cakes, coffee, hot chocolate.
6. Mulling Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp orange peel (dried)
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Use for: mulled cider, tea, punches, festive drinks.
7. Mixed Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp cardamom (optional)
Use for: cookies, cakes, breads, muffins, festive bakes.
8. Lebkuchen Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp cardamom
Use for: German Christmas cookies, cakes, breads, coffee.
9. Eggnog Spice
- 2 tbsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp allspice (optional)
Use for: eggnog, coffee, hot chocolate, custards, cakes.
10. Sweet Potato Pie Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ginger
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cloves
Use for: sweet potato pie, muffins, cakes, coffee.
11. Mexican Hot Chocolate Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
- ½ tsp cayenne (or chili powder)
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Use for: hot chocolate, mochas, brownies, cookies.
12. Cinnamon Roll Spice
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp vanilla (optional)
Use for: cinnamon rolls, coffee, creamer, muffins, baked goods.
A Pinch of Scripture
Spices only do their job when they’re added to something.
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. — Colossians 4:6
A little seasoning goes a long way, and everything is better for it. Paul tells us to let our words be seasoned, which means gracious, thoughtful and added in the right amount. So mix your jar, label it, and season your coffee, and your conversations, with grace and love.
So mix a jar, label it, and enjoy and bless your life.
Stay faithful, stay seasoned, and stay loyal.
With love and fire,
V.S. Beals
Servant. Disciple. Woman of the Word.
Looking to upgrade your Coffee Station, Read the checklist
