Cloves are characterised by a special aroma, a mild spiciness and a sweet, balmy note. Cloves are one of the spices with the highest proportion of essential oil. Crush whole cloves in a mortar before use. For delicious hot drinks, such as punch or mulled wine, immerse a quarter of an orange skewered with three cloves per litre. Cloves are the main ingredient in typical mixtures of spices such as Moroccan ras el hanout, garam masala mixture or curry mix.