The days of summery bliss and frosty drinks are behind us. It will be a few months to come before we can once again enjoy a cold glass of anything out in the sun. Winter is upon us, and with winter comes the need to drink warm, cozy drinks. Be it in the office or just on a walk down the windy street, a mug of something warm in hand is a blessing. But even though Beijing is chock-full of tea and coffee outlets, sometimes you might have neither the time nor the energy to seek out one of these vendors for your daily warming beverage fix. Or maybe another cup of regular milk or fruit tea is the last thing that you are craving for. Here are a few ideas to jazz up your autumnal and winter beverage menu both at home and while on the move.
Chai Tea
Known for it’s spicy kick, this beverage can be traced back to 5000 to 9000 years ago in present day India, where it is believed that members of ancient royal courts created this revitalizing recipe as an Ayurvedic beverage. Over the years it has gained popularity the world over with simple variations ranging from the milk used to the spices added to make it. Do not be intimidated however if you have never made it yourself as it is a simple recipe that scarcely takes more than a few minutes to accomplish. Simply bring crushed spices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and milk to a boil, add tea bags, and let steep for 10 minutes. Loose-leaf black tea can also be used in place of tea bags. Just be sure to have a strainer on hand.
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
No doubt these two ingredients separately send most of us into fits of uncontrollable drooling, let alone as a combination in a warming beverage. Peanut butter and chocolate have long been known to work well together as flavor profiles go, and this drink is proof. All you will need is a peanut butter of your choice (preferably smooth), some Nutella and cocoa powder. Combine them all with a bit of milk, and if you have a few crushed hazelnuts or marshmallows on hand, feel free to sprinkle them over the beverage as a delicious topping. That is indeed a treat that is hard to beat, especially on a crisp autumn day.
Vegan macha late
Though this tea might be easy to dismiss as yet another millennial drink fad, it is actually steeped in years of tradition. The growing, cultivation, and subsequent consumption of this special tea can be traced back to the Tang dynasty in China circa 7th to the 10th century. But what brought it to world prominence was the Japanese culture of growing it. While most green teas are grown under direct sunlight, Matcha tea is grown under shaded conditions. It has also been an integral part of Japanese tea culture for centuries. Some of the benefits attributed to drinking Matcha include boosting brain function, protecting the liver and the heart, and acting as an anti-carcinogenic agent in the body, and it’s also a good source of antioxidants. If you are on a vegan kick, then this is the perfect beverage to warm you up this cold season. All you need to make this low calorie latte is Matcha powder, gelatin, coconut milk and raw honey. Mix one teaspoon matcha powder with boiling water, add in the gelatin and continue to mix until smooth. Add raw honey, warm coconut milk and voila!
Non Alcoholic Eggnog
Even though Christmas is well over a month away, it is not too soon to usher in the yuletide spirit with a Christmas time favorite to chase way the winter blues. Eggnog, far from just being a festive drink, can be a decadent and even cozy drink over a cold, dark weekend. Omitting the ubiquitous splash of alcohol which is synonymous with the drink makes it fit to be a warm treat for the entire family. It is super easy to make with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. There is no need to splurge on ready-made eggnog when you can make it yourself, with far creamier results. Cinnamon and nutmeg are always a good garnish for a cup of eggnog with the excess, should there be any, refrigerated to enjoy later.
Cinnamon And Cranberry Punch
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that punches are off the drinks menu. A cranberry and Cinnamon punch is just the thing to buoy the whole family’s spirits on a particularly dreary day. It is a light and refreshing non-alcoholic alternative to more conventional winter beverages. You will need fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime, fresh oranges and apple juice. It would also be excellent for kids’ parties and for the designated driver of the night as well.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
This delicious spicy hot chocolate traces its roots back over 5000 years to the Mayan and Aztec people who were among the first ever in the world to make drinks containing cocoa. The world chocolate itself is derived from the Aztec word xocolatl which means “bitter water”, and it has been enjoyed throughout Mexico and central America, with recipes in the past sometimes including corn. With very few ingredients, this beverage is easy and quick to make. Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder and powdered milk in a bowl and store it in a jar to have it always ready. Just add hot water, or hot milk for that soothing relaxing treat after a long, cold winter day.
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