Mulling spices, a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and allspice, first appeared as a flavoring for wine in 2nd century Ancient Rome. Mulled beverages became especially popular in the Middle Ages to help warm cold winter nights. In Germany and England, a type of mulled beverage known as wassail became a staple of harvest drinking rituals and is still enjoyed around the world today during the winter holiday season.