DrinksNon-Alcoholic Hot Beverages for Cold Winter Days
Perhaps you are having a large group of guests over the holidays or maybe you just like to try a different hot drink once in awhile. In either case, here are some tasty hot drinks for you to try. Warm yourself, family, and friends from the inside out on those cold winter days with our recipes for Hot Cocoa For a Crowd or Creamy Minted Mocha Mix.
HOT COCOA FOR A CROWD
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1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups Cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup hot water
1 gallon milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
In a 6-quart saucepan combine sugar, cocoa, and salt; stir until mixed together well. Gradually add the hot water to the cocoa mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for two minutes. Add the milk and heat to serving temperature, stirring frequently. DO NOT BOIL after adding milk. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into mugs and add marshmallows, if desired. Add cinnamon sticks to use as stirrers if you like. Or for the Christmas season, use candy canes as stirrers. This is not only decorative but it will also give your drink a slight minty flavor.
CREAMY MINTED MOCHA MIX
Note: This mix is great to keep in the pantry for your own use. It also makes a great gift when packaged in a pretty jar or container with the instructions for use attached to a pretty ribbon.
2 hard peppermint candies
1/2 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup instant coffee granules
2 tbsps unsweetened baking cocoa
In the food processor or a blender, finely crush the peppermint candies. Add the candies to the remaining ingredients and mix together well. Store in an airtight container or jar.
Instructions for use: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the above mix into a cup. Add 3/4 cup boiling water and stir. Garnish with a candy cane for a stirrer, if desired.
Enjoy!