Winter Drinks

Hello Strangers!

When I was about eleven, I went outside to play in the snow. At some point I took my gloves off, and probably my jacket, although I kept my hat on. It was during the rush of the holidays; people in and out, our pets running around and barking, et cetera. So, when I found the front door locked, I knocked. And then I rang the doorbell. When that didn’t work, I did what any child would do: I pretended I was a wolf and went to take a nap in the snow. I didn’t think much of my hands turning purple until it was too late. Oh, childhood. I am now a proud owner of Raynaud’s syndrome!

Every winter my appendages turn gray and refuse to heat through. I can’t get warm without the aid of hot water or a heating pad. Socks, mittens, and blankets do nothing; I can take them off and the gloves will still be cold. Honestly, although my favorite weather is chill, damp, and gray, the cold bothers me like little else. It just so happens that every winter, I make myself a new hot drink. These are my favorites so far:

Mabel’s Maple Hot Chocolate

This recipe is hot and comforting. It has a smooth velvety texture and a rich flavor. My absolute favorite recipe for hot chocolate that I have come up with. To make, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to a mug. Optionally, add a dash of vanilla flavoring. Heat 8 ounces of milk and combine. Serve with whipped cream. (Tell me in the comments whether you prefer whipped cream or marshmallows.)

Honey Black Hot cocoa. 

If you find the last recipe too rich, this may be the one for you. I make it with black tea, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and honey. You can either steep the tea in hot milk, or you may use water. In a mug, combine cocoa powder, honey, and ground cinnamon. Alternatively, you may add a cinnamon stick. Once combined, pour over your tea mixture and stir until smooth. It’s earthy and sweet with dark chocolate undertones. You can make it thinner or creamier depending on your preferences. Serve with whipped cream. 

Berlin Haze 

A play on the London fog, we begin by making a chai tea. To this you add a packet of instant apple cider, and either caramel or cinnamon coffee syrup to your liking, and again, I recommend whipped cream. Be wary of adding milk or milk foam to this drink however, because it will curdle. If you want a real treat, steep your tea in real apple cider. This is without a doubt my favorite tea drink. 

Black Tea with Cranberry

Brew a cup of black tea, and add a splash of cranberry juice and a tablespoon of cinnamon syrup. The cranberry juice brightens up the heavy flavor of the tea and plays well with the cinnamon. 

Vanilla Milk

This is the simplest drink to prepare. In a mug, heat 8 ounces of milk and add either 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup, or a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring or extract. It’s so comforting and easy. After a long day, this is my favorite to sip on with no lights lit and no phone at hand, but maybe a fire lit.

That’s them!

These are my favorites. They warm up my hands and my stomach, and I always wish I had more people to make them for. Now, hopefully you’ll make some of these throughout the winter. Knowing how to make good food and drink is a joy, and it’s my goal to learn that.

Tell me what you think of the recipes! Tell me some of your favorites too, I’d like to try them. 

–Mabel