Hot Drinks

One of the best ways to enjoy a cold evening is to cuddle up on your couch with a nice, warm drink. During the cooler months, there are a variety of hot drinks you can try, and it’s a fun way to explore new recipes. Here are a few hot drink favorites that will warm your body and soul on a chilly day.

Hot Chocolate

A cup of cocoa is a holiday classic, and if you’re looking for a warm drink to satisfy your sweet tooth, then this one is perfect for you! Using milk instead of water helps to make a thicker, creamier drink.

To spice things up, cocoa is perfect for adding new flavors. A peppermint stick will give a minty taste, while cinnamon spice adds more of a holiday flavor. For the chocolate fiend, try adding a chunk of your favorite milk or dark chocolate to your cup, then once you pour in the hot water or milk, it will melt and make a bold, chocolate impact! Throw in some marshmallows for festive flair or top it off with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Coffee

This classic pick-me-up is not only warm, but packed full of caffeine to get you moving. Perfect for an evening in, a hot cup of coffee hits the spot after a nice dinner when paired with dessert.

When it’s cold outside, it’s hard to want to get out of the house, so staying in and having friends and family over to enjoy some coffee is a great way to entertain when the weather is not in your favor. Whether you like it black, with cream and sugar, or flavored, coffee can be made in a variety of ways to suit your taste.

Chai Tea

Creamy and spicy, Chai tea is a unique taste of its own. A chai tea is a combination of black tea, sweetener, spices, and milk, and its authentic flavor is soothing on a chilly day. If you’re not into the classic recipe, chai tea can be made in many different ways to fit your personal preferences.

Try changing the tea type using different black teas, or red teas like rooibos. Spices can completely alter the taste of chai tea, depending on which kind you use. Experiment with bold flavors such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, or even fennel.

Specialty Teas

Cold weather makes it easy to try new hot beverages, and specialty teas are the perfect way to experiment with new tastes and flavors. Teas come in many different flavors and varieties, and some are more rare and complex than others.

The ancient practice of cultivating Pu-erh tea leaves come from the mountains of China and take time and dedication to harvest.

Specialty teas like Pu-erh have distinct tastes, and some companies take the time to perfect Pu-erh tea. When brewing tea, make sure to set a timer so that you will get the perfect cup each time—not too strong and not too light. Monitoring brewing times will also help to make sure the tea is as close to the true taste as you can get it.

Hot Cider

The sweet taste of warm apples and cinnamon flavors is what makes hot cider unique. This delightful hot drink has been a favorite when a cold front blows in. Hot cider is non-alcoholic, and made with apple juice, spices, and zests, such as lemon or orange rinds. There’s no exact recipe for hot apple cider, as you can mix and match ingredients for your personal taste and preference, but common spices include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.

Warm some over your stove, and your house will be filled with soothing and inviting aromas. Not only will this drink make you feel all warm and cozy inside, but your home will feel the same as well.

Hot drinks are an easy way to stay warm, and since there are so many different options to try, why not spend some time finding your favorite? Each of these hot drinks has their own recipes, but there’s no right or wrong way of making them. Take some time to try new spices, ingredients, and flavors to find the best one for the chilliest of days!

Images: Pixabay

About Author: Carolyn Clarke is a freelance writer, fitness coach, and a dedicated self-defense systems enthusiast. Committed to exploring healthy and organic ways to stay fit, warm, and healthy, she enjoys helping her clients reach their optimal health and publishing informative articles on news and media outlets around the world.

SelfWeightLoss

Here at Selfweightloss, we show you how to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle with tips and articles on Weight Loss, Fitness, Diet, Nutrition and Food, updated daily by our community of authors and editors.