Hot Winter Drinks to Take the Chill Off
Hot Chocolate, Hot Mulled Cider and Hot Lemonade
Dec 3, 2008
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in some liquid comfort of the non-alcoholic kind. Sit in front of a cozy fire or cuddle on the couch with your kids with a cup of hot chocolate, hot mulled cider or hot lemonade.
Hot Chocolate
There is nothing as warming and comforting for a child that’s been playing in the snow as a cup of hot chocolate. Treat your kids to this winter-time tradition by making hot chocolate from scratch. This simple, money-saving recipe can be mixed and stored ahead of time.
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups dry milk powder
- ¾ cup cocoa
- 1 ½ cups sugar
Directions for Making a Mug of Hot Chocolate
- Scoop 2-3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix into a mug.
- Mix with hot water.
If you prefer not to make it yourself, try one of the premium brands of instant hot cocoa. Read labels and look for one that does not contain artificial colors and flavors. Ghirardelli makes premium hot cocoa that is delicious and tastes infinitely better than its artificially flavored counterparts.
To dress up hot chocolate and make it an extra special treat, add some toppings. Rich, creamy hot cocoa tastes decadent when you add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to the top. Serve with an all-natural candy can, such as those made in Canada by Pure Fun. These candy cans are available on-line at the Natural Candy Store.
If you don’t have any whipping cream on hand, a scoop of vanilla ice cream tastes just as good. Or, you can go traditional and float a few mini marshmallows in the hot cocoa.
Hot Mulled Cider
For an alternative to hot chocolate, serve hot mulled cider when you need a warm winter beverage.
Ingredients for Hot Mulled Cider
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Cloves
- Cider
Directions for Hot Mulled Cider
- Simmering cider and mulling spices together on the stove top.
- Season to taste by experimenting with the ratios. Some people like a strongly spiced mulled cider and others like just a hint of flavor.
- Strain the cider before serving.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin slices of fresh oranges.
Not only does the end result taste delicious, it smells wonderful as it simmers.
Hot Lemonade
On those winter days when the chill seems like it will never end, sip some hot lemonade.
Ingredients for Hot Lemonade
- Water
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 3-4 teaspoons honey
Directions for Hot Lemonade
- Boil the water.
- Add fresh lemon juice and a honey.
- Start with the lesser amount of honey. Add more, if you need it.
If you don’t have any lemons, real lemon juice out of a bottle works as well.
This drink may be particularly soothing when you have a sore throat or cough. According to the Mayo Clinic website, honey is an effective cough suppressant and has earned a reputation for easing sore throats. Remember that honey should never be given to an infant under one year of age.
Chase the chill away by enjoying hot chocolate, hot mulled cider or hot lemonade this winter.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic website, Ask an Infectious Disease Specialist, Honey: An Effective Cough Remedy? Website accessed December 3, 2008.
