Hot Drinks to keep You Warm This Winter

Share the wonders of winter, and Christmas cheer with your family and friends with a mug of hot beverages, infused with aromatic herbs and spices that will not only lift your spirits, and lend a heartwarming welcome to the holidays but also keep you feeling warm and toasty for hours.

Spicy Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa

¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

2 cups of water

2 tablespoons of honey

Instructions

Thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate saucepan, add in water with the cocoa mixture with the honey. Put the flame on medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture turns velvety and smooth in texture. For garnishing, place a large cinnamon stick in each mug before serving the warm beverage. This will make 1-2 servings. 

Lavender-Lemon Hot Toddy

Ingredients

Fresh juice of one lemon

2 tablespoons of lavender flower buds

1 teaspoon ginger

2 regular green tea bags OR 2 tablespoons of loose green tea

1-2 raw and crushed cloves of garlic (optional)

Instructions

This non-alcoholic variation of the hot toddy combines the calming effects of lavender, with the healing properties of honey and lemon. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then remove from heat. Let it steep for 5 minutes, strain the brew and pour into teacups or mugs.  This will make 1-2 servings.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

1 cup water

¼ cup dried peppermint

2 tablespoons honey

½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa

1 cup unsweetened soymilk OR water

Instructions

Winters without hot chocolate are no fun, and this peppermint hot chocolate concoction is an all time favorite, which can be made for the summers as well. Boil water in a small saucepan, adding in the dried peppermint and honey. Remove the pan from heat, and let the mixture steep for 5 or more minutes. 

In another saucepan, combine cocoa, soymilk or water with the mint mixture and place over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly, until the texture turns smooth and velvety. You can also use fresh peppermint leaves in place of dried peppermint, and use chocolate chips for a chocolatier flavor.

Elderberry-Ginger Tea

Ingredients

2 cups water

2 regular teabags (either green or black)

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

2 tablespoons dried elderberries

Instruction

Why bring berry flavored green tea from the store when you can make an equally, if not more delicious one right at home. This tea infused with elderberries contains many medicinal properties to boot which makes it a perfect winter drink. In a medium sized saucepan, add all the ingredients and bring to a boil. 

Remove the pan from heat, and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the warm tea into mugs or teacups and serve. 

Do try these warm and soothing winter drinks and let us how much your guests or loved ones like them.