Blog

When the southern winds start to whisper and the nights grow long and crisp, there’s a special kind of magic in the air — the perfect time to embrace Christmas in July. Here at The Herbal Connection, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate than with the comforting, nostalgic flavours of festive herbs and spices that warm the body and lift the spirit.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the classic ingredients that bring the holiday spirit to life — Clove, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Orange Peel, and Star Anise — and share ideas for weaving these beloved botanicals into your winter celebrations.

Why Celebrate Christmas in July?

For those of us in Australia, the traditional December Christmas often falls during sunny summer days. Christmas in July offers a chance to experience the wintery, cosy Christmas traditions — think mulled drinks, spiced desserts, and hearty, aromatic meals shared with loved ones. It’s a perfect excuse to gather around the table, savour slow-cooked feasts, and indulge in the familiar and festive flavours of the season.

And what better way to create that magical atmosphere than by reaching for the herbs and spices that have symbolised celebration and warmth for centuries?

Five Festive Flavours for Christmas in July

1. Clove – The Bold and Warming Spice

Few scents evoke Christmas quite like the sweet, spicy aroma of cloves. Traditionally used in everything from mulled wine to spiced cakes, cloves are the tiny buds that pack a powerful punch.

Health benefits:

• Natural antimicrobial properties

• Aiding digestion

• Warming the body from the inside out, perfect for cooler days

How to use:

• Simmer a few cloves in your favourite winter teas or mulled cider

• Add ground clove to festive baking like gingerbread, fruit cake, or spiced biscuits

• Stud oranges with whole cloves to create beautiful, aromatic decorations that naturally perfume your home

At The Herbal Connection, our premium whole cloves are perfect for culinary use, blending, or even creating traditional spiced sachets for gifts.

2. Nutmeg – Comfort in a Pinch

Softly sweet with a slightly nutty flavour, nutmeg brings depth and warmth to holiday dishes. Just a little freshly ground nutmeg can transform a simple recipe into something spectacular.

Health benefits:

• Supporting healthy digestion

• Calming properties that help with relaxation and sleep

• Rich in antioxidants

How to use:

• Grate fresh nutmeg over creamy beverages like eggnog, hot chocolate, or chai

• Add to hearty casseroles, spiced puddings, or even roast vegetables for a surprising twist

• Stir into rice pudding or custard for a traditional winter dessert

Fresh, aromatic nutmeg from The Herbal Connection adds that authentic, heartwarming note your Christmas in July table deserves.

3. Cinnamon – The Heart of the Season

Cinnamon is the undeniable star of festive cooking — sweet, spicy, and so familiar that even the scent alone feels like a hug. Our high-quality Ceylon Cinnamon is known for its soft, complex flavour and is perfect for both sweet and savoury recipes.

Health benefits:

• Helping balance blood sugar levels

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Promoting warmth and circulation

How to use:

• Stir a cinnamon stick into your morning coffee, tea, or mulled wine

• Add ground cinnamon to cookies, spiced breads, or pancake batters

• Simmer cinnamon sticks in a pot of cider or wine with cloves and orange peel for a festive mulled drink

At The Herbal Connection, we proudly offer both organic ground cinnamon and true Ceylon cinnamon sticks, so you can bring a gentle, wholesome sweetness to every winter moment.

4. Orange Peel – A Bright Burst of Joy

Orange peel brings a bright, slightly bitter, and fragrant zest to Christmas blends. It’s often overlooked, but when dried and used thoughtfully, it adds a sunny complexity that lifts winter flavours beautifully.

Health benefits:

• High in vitamin C and antioxidants

• Supporting immune function during the colder months

• Aiding digestion

How to use:

• Steep dried orange peel in teas or mulled drinks

• Add to spice blends for baking, especially fruit cakes and festive loaves

• Combine with cinnamon, clove, and star anise for fragrant stovetop potpourri

Our dried orange peel at The Herbal Connection is vibrant and full of natural citrus oils, ready to brighten your Christmas in July creations.

5. Star Anise – A Touch of Exotic Magic

Shaped like a beautiful star and packed with a rich, sweet licorice-like flavour, star anise brings an exotic note to festive recipes. It’s a key player in mulled wine and spiced punches, but it’s just as wonderful in desserts and savoury dishes.

Health benefits:

• Traditionally used to soothe colds and coughs

• Supporting digestion

• Warming and comforting on chilly days

How to use:

• Add a whole star anise to mulled wine, herbal infusions, or poached fruits

• Infuse in syrups and drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or cakes

• Use sparingly in slow-cooked meats for a subtle sweet-spicy twist

At The Herbal Connection, our whole star anise is beautiful in appearance and exceptional in flavour — ideal for creating that magical Christmas feeling.

Bringing It All Together

There’s something truly special about taking a moment during the midwinter months to slow down, savour the cosy beauty of the season, and gather loved ones around. Using these classic, organic ingredients not only fills your home with incredible aromas but also weaves healthful, supportive botanicals into your celebrations.

Whether you’re crafting mulled wine for a family gathering, baking a spiced cake, or simply making a cosy winter tea, our herbs and spices are here to help you celebrate with warmth, heart, and flavour.

At The Herbal Connection, we are passionate about providing the highest quality, certified organic botanicals that support your wellbeing — and add a little extra magic to every season.

Browse our range of festive herbs and spices here and create your most delicious, nourishing Christmas in July yet.