The Midwest winter has officially arrived and the cold touch of a never-ending polar vortex is in full effect. Although winter seems to have just started, one thing is clear: we’re already tired of being freezing. Luckily, there are still little things to look forward to during the winter months, like getting cozy by the fire and being with friends & family. These not-so-basic hot drink recipes are a perfect excuse to like winter; they’re also nice for temporarily thawing your icy thoughts and hands. Instead of focusing on the negatives of winter, use these recipes to have fun and enjoy winter, even if it’s only for a day (then you can go back to mostly hating it; we totally understand). Think of them as an excuse to have an old-fashioned snow day or to celebrate the holiday season. Although they’re decadent, they are easy to make at home and quick to make. So, go ahead… skip the Starbucks line and take some time to cuddle up.
1. Ultimate Homemade Hot Chocolate: This recipe for the winter staple is rich, simple and delicious. Don’t forget the whipped cream!
2. Vanilla Caramel Latte: This sweet treat makes a perfect dessert. It’s also a match made in heaven with a scone or muffin for breakfast. Yum!
3. Easy Homemade Peppermint Mocha: ‘Tis the season for the famous peppermint mocha. Sick of paying $5 for it at Starbucks? Make this simple, time- and money-saving recipe at home.
4. Gingerbread Latte: Yet another seasonal favorite you can make at home. This gingerbread latte recipe is a perfect combination of warm spice and sweetness.
5. White Hot Chocolate: A sweet twist on classic hot chocolate, this super easy recipe only has 3 ingredients. That leaves plenty of time to schedule in a good cuddle sesh with your hot drink in hand.
6. Spicy Hot Chocolate Mocha: Need a little spice in your life? This recipe has cayenne pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg to transform plain hot chocolate into a perfectly spiced self-indulgence.
7. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Salted caramel has been a common theme in many sweets. Why not experience it in drink form? With a touch of sea salt, this recipe creates a balance of salty and sweet.
8. Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider: Adding a slow cooker into the mix makes this recipe easy. Like, incredibly easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and then you basically leave it alone for 4 hours. Voilà! Your apple cider is ready for you to drink after a long day of classes.
9. Cookies and Cream Hot Chocolate: They had me at cookies and cream. Adding a crunchy kick to hot chocolate with Oreos is a genius yet simple idea.
10. White Chocolate Raspberry Hot Cocoa: This recipe uses fresh raspberries and raspberry-flavored syrup to transform hot chocolate into a fancy white chocolate surprise.
Pictures Courtesy of Red Apron Girl, Baking with Blondie, Diethood, Joyful Thrifty Home