Another reason to appreciate the cold months!

Cozy season is among us, and there are so many things to look forward to, especially in the universe of beverages! I’ve compiled a few of my favourite go-to drinks during the winter months and you may be in for a secret family recipe.

You’ll have to keep reading to find out.

Warm up

What’s better than a warm beverage on your side table while you sink into your pool of wool blankets? Well, nothing really. 

Lattes are a classic — customizable from the syrup to the milk, you can’t go wrong. Espresso lattes require equipment of some sort. If you have an espresso machine, some of my favourite beans are from Balzacs! Espresso machines can be very expensive, so if you are looking for a multi-use alternative, I recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+.

I’ve had mine for about a year and it’s become my best friend. You can brew everything from single espresso pods to a classic cup of coffee. Nespresso usually has amazing holiday promotions on selected machines! There are also a ton of homemade syrup recipes out there but there are also delicious syrups in the market too.

Now, of course, not everyone is very fond of coffee — fair enough. The next best things are matcha or chai lattes. My personal favourite chai concentrate for lattes is the Tazo Chai Concentrate; it’s super easy to make. In a mug, pour your concentrate, then your steamed milk, sprinkle cinnamon and voilà!

Matcha is a little bit more complicated. Tazo also carries a matcha concentrate but I have yet to try it. Instead, I always advocate for great quality matcha — I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of what makes good or OK matcha.  Some options can be as high as a $60 tin but there are more affordable options. Regardless, there’s sort of an art to making the perfect matcha latte.

I’m a little nervous about this one. I’m sharing a family secret — my mom’s chocolate client (hot chocolate). I’ve been drinking it every winter since I could remember, both at my grandma’s house in Mexico and here in Canada at home. First, you’ll have to boil milk in a pot big or small enough for the amount you’re making. Then throw in a block of Chocolate Abuelita. You’ll have to be patient; it takes a while to melt! As it’s melting, throw in a couple of cinnamon sticks. You can take them out once you’re ready to drink, but I think it’s essential to the overall experience.

Cool down

Of course, lattes can be made hot or iced based on your preference. There are a couple of recipes to discover your go-to cold beverage during the cold season. 

Apple cider punch is the perfect opportunity to combine all sorts of ingredients for a delicious beverage. Imagine — apple cider, ginger ale, orange juice, cinnamon sticks and cloves. A super quick, easy and flavourful recipe!

Who said you can’t blend your cozy beverage? A caramel apple smoothie has all the right elements — sweet, smooth and addicting. A perfect option for on the go or to enjoy at home, plus you can really combine your favourite ingredients for all different smoothies! Such as pumpkin spice, a homage to fall or a mocha smoothie!

If you’re looking for a refreshing and feel-good beverage, I’ve got the thing for you! The pear and ginger detox drink includes pear nectar, ginger beer, lemon juice and honey. I don’t know, this sounds pretty tempting. 

I hope there’s at least one drink you’ll try out from this list! It’s hard to find the patience to try new things when you know what you like and dislike from your favourite shops or homemade recipes. But hey, openness to new things is crucial for us humans!

Feature picture by Sixteen Miles Out via Unsplash.

Are cozy beverages not enough to convince you to try to make the best of the cold months? Check out reasons to get excited for the cold weather!

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