Who doesn’t love sipping a warm, homemade drink when it’s cold outside? _ Having something warm helps your body--and mind--relax, even when the weather outside is chilling. If you’re looking for a delicious warm drink that will keep you toasty during the winter months, consider the following homemade drinks.
This decadent drink is warm, rich and perfect for days when you want something smooth and creamy. Heat up filtered water or fresh milk, then toss in a few handfuls of chocolate chips; stir until melted, then top with whipped cream, marshmallows or your favorite toppings. If you want to make this extra creamy, add in some heavy cream or--if you’re fresh out--stir in melted ice cream.
Hot cider is perfect for any cold winter days. You can adjust the ingredients in this recipe as your wish, depending on your personal taste. Combine several cups of apple cider with 1/4 cup maple syrup in a pot and place it on heat; while it's warming up, adding2 cinnamon sticks with lemon and orange peel zest and fold into a cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle and drop it into your heating cider. Remove the cider from heat before it starts to boil, then toss out the spice bundle before serving.
Lemonade is a traditionally summer drink, but this winter variation is perfect when the temperature outside is low. First, heat up your filtered water until it is close to boiling. Then slice up one or two lemons and add them into the water, then stir for at least 5 minutes. Add in 1 Tbsp. or more of honey for sugary taste. If you want more of a lemon flavor, you can also add in the fresh juice in addition to steeping the slices.
Chai Tea is a perfect treat on any cold days. To make this simple recipe, combine milk, ginger to taste, crushed spices to taste, and cinnamon sticks; bring them to a boil, then add in your favorite tea bags and steep for about 8 minutes. This is a caffeine-free recipe, but feel free to add in some espresso if you’d like to give it a kick.
Mulled wine is a popular winter beverage with an alcoholic kick that makes it perfect for a winter evening after dinner. To make this recipe, combine your favorite dry red wine, several peeled orange slices; cinnamon to taste; mulling spices such as cloves and star anise to taste; and add something sweet, such as sugar or honey. Heat them on the stove until the wine just begins to simmer, then reduce the heat to low for at least 3 minutes--ideally, though, you can simmer for longer. Once you're ready, strain your mixture until only the wine remains.
No matter how cold it gets outside, remember: you can always warm up with a nice hot winter drink to keep yourself cozy.