‘tis the season to drink frou-frou drinks!
Everyone talks so much about Pumpkin Spice in the fall (we even wrote about it here), and it really is an iconic flavor for the season. But what are the flavors of the season … for winter?
One flavor that everyone seems to identify with winter is Peppermint Mocha with the same Pinterest whipped-cream swirl.
…but is a little bittersweet with a cold aftertaste really the only flavor that fits with the winter weather? Not even slightly!
Mourning the passing of our 3-day fall season? Try our spiced coffee, spiced apple cider, or maple coffee. Ready to rock the winter blizzards? Enjoy a traditional hot cocoa with a twist.
Either way, here’s a list of 5 holiday-themed hot drinks that will toast your marshmallows, whether you’re on Team Leaf or Team Snow.
1. Spiced Coffee
- Sometimes it’s best to just run to the local coffee shop and get a specialty drink put together on the fly. But when you’re snowed in, it might be a bit of a slippery situation getting there. And if you’re into counting beans, sometimes it’s better to save a few pennies and make the drink yourself. Here’s one of our favorite ways to make coffee taste festive, while respecting Ye Olde Holiday Budget:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp cloves
Recipe:
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients.
Add 1 tsp (or to taste) to your favorite coffee grounds before brewing coffee.
Enjoy!
2. Spiced Apple Cider
- As simple as it sounds, one of my favorite winter drinks is a piping hot glass of apple juice. The best way to spruce up (get it—spruce?) the apple juice is to boil the apple juice with a cinnamon stick in it. The spice goes great with the apple juice, and something about a simple warm cider makes all the cold thoughts melt away. Add your favorite toppings—whipped cream and caramel, cookie crumble, or even get stir-crazy and put some nuts in there with the cinnamon stick—and you won’t be disappointed.
3. Maple Coffee
- Another way to bring a bit of comfort to your coffee is to add some pure maple syrup to the bottom of a coffee mug and pour piping hot coffee on top. The maple mixing into the coffee is truly a miracle in a cup. Add whipped cream and some maple on top if you want—it’s not necessary but brings some extra punch to the drink.
4. Classic Hot Cocoa
- What’s better than hot cocoa? Not much. The beauty of hot cocoa is that it is a perfect vehicle for SO MANY holiday snacks. Enter the battle of marshmallows vs. whipped cream on top. Go wild with a peppermint stick or candy cane to stir in a bit of holiday cheer, or double-down on the chocolate and add cocoa powder to the whipped cream or marshmallows.
5. Spice Your Own Drink
- Pick your favorite spices, and mix-and-match! Want it to be warm? Add some cayenne! Want it to be fresh and cool? Maybe try wintergreen or spearmint instead of peppermint. Don’t just stop with this list–get creative! Grab a handful of chocolate chips and let them melt while enjoying a simple black cup of coffee. If you’re snowbound for any length of time, try passing the time by mixing up the flavor profile. You never know what you might find!
Let us know what some of your favorites are! And if you are itching for a quiet place to enjoy your winter beverages in peace, take a look at our cabins–we would love to host you, any time of year!
~RRCabins
