Some Like it Hot! Warm Drinks for Cold Days
Introduction
When the temperature drops, warm things up with a tempting cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Also an alcoholic hot drink can be a real nice winter warmer, such as traditional spiced cider and mulled wine, Swedish Glogg, or Hot Buttered Rum.
Holiday gatherings and winter celebrations just aren't complete without a special beverage. Hot chocolate, eggnog and punches often have lots of calories but one of the best things about coming home from a cold winter activity is warming up with a steaming hot drink. A hot drink can take away those winter blues and make us feel toasty warm again.
Hot Chocolate
Naturally, hot chocolate is always a big hit wherever you go. Topped with marshmallows or whipped cream it is a classic and a favourite for all age groups. Another idea is to put a bar of chocolate into your glass, pour hot milk over it, and then gently stir it into a chocolaty mix.
Going fruity
If you're not a big chocolate person, how about going with something from the fruit family? A hot apple cider is one of the best winter drinks. Most people like to add natural spices to the mix too and if you have a sweet tooth, you can also consider adding some caramel.
Hot tea & Punches
Tea is a drink consumed all year round but during the colder days it is the perfect drink to enjoy when relaxing on a cold winter evening. A hot tea punch contains tea as its base, to which lemon sugar and rum is often added. Some people also enjoy infusing vodka with tea.
Coffee
Coffee drinkers can make a more dessert based drink by adding a spoonful of Nutella to their brew. Hazelnut coffee is already widely consumed, and the combination of chocolate and Nutella to some fresh brewed coffee is a surprising winner.
Spirits that go well with coffee
Hot coffee drinks are a welcome treat in the winter, and they will warm you twice if you spike them with alcohol. The flavours of some liquers just go better with coffee than others. Here is a list of some that go very well with your coffee.
Frangelico
It has a mellow but nutty flavour. A little bit like hazelnut with a wee bit of vanilla added.
Kahlua
Since it already tastes like coffee, the added flavour isn't all that strong. But it does add a touch of sweetness and an extra bit of roasted flavour to your coffee.
Amaretto
Another nutty liqueur that goes very nicely with a cup of hot coffee. The almond flavour is subtle and may get lost if your coffee is too strong.
Grand Marnier
The flavour here is most definitely orange. You can turn a plain cup of coffee into an after-dinner treat with a shot of Grand Marnier, and a sprinkling of orange zest.
Irish Cream
A classic in coffee. The creamy texture of Irish Cream blends well with coffee, and has the smooth taste of whiskey.
Butterscotch Schnapps
This one might not be to everyone's taste, as it adds a bit of sweetness to your coffee. And it can also add some real flavour to a cup of hot cocoa.
Tips for serving hot coffee drinks
- The choice of whole milk, two percent, one percent, or skim milk (fat free) can make a big difference in the flavour and texture of coffee drinks. The more fat in the milk, the creamier the coffee drink.
- Bowls of cream, skim milk, sugar, and artificial sweetener can be placed on a small decorative tray so guests can help themselves.
- For optimal results, use fresh ground coffee or beans, fresh milk or cream, and fresh cinnamon sticks or other extras. One stale ingredient could ruin the taste.
- Serve hot coffee as soon as it's finished brewing for the best flavour. Making coffee ahead of time may be more convenient, but it will adversely affect the flavour.
Recipes
From elegant cocktails to creamy hot chocolate, there's something for everyone all winter long. Click on the links to find out more!