IMSA Seasonal Sips: Winter Drinks

As the temperature plummets and snow piles up, it can feel exceptionally difficult to stay warm. Sometimes, layers upon layers of blankets don’t cut it. Instead, you can look to some of the following classic hot winter drinks to warm you quickly from the inside outwards. A staple in my personal recipe book, the following hot drink recipes are a perfect accompaniment to any occasion– from your first mod Zoom class to a formal event.

1. Homemade Apple Cider: A simple and flavorful cider that is chock-full of spices and sweetness. Like syrup, this hot drink is perfect for winter.

Ingredients:

1. 1 orange
2. 10 medium apples (use a variety for more depth of flavor)
3. 3 cinnamon sticks (alternatively, a tablespoon of ground cinnamon)
4. 2 teaspoons of ground cloves
5. Granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Cut orange and apples and place in a slow cooker
2. Add cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and sugar
3. Add enough water to cover the fruit
4. Cook for 6-7 hours before using a spoon to mash the fruit
5. Strain fruit chunks and serve warm

2. Hot Chocolate: A winter classic, this recipe far outshines any 1-minute from-a-bag hot chocolate powder packet. Hot chocolate is the perfect backdrop for fun, trendy condiments including hot chocolate bombs or whipped coffee! Of course, if these trends aren’t for you, you can always stick to the staple marshmallow + whipped cream combo.

Ingredients:

1. 4-5 cups milk
2. ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3. ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
4. ¼ cup sugar (any type works)

Instructions

1. Place milk, powder, and sugar in a saucepan
2. Heat over medium heat, whisking until hot and combined
3. Add chocolate chips
4. Serve warm and add your toppings of choice

3. Homemade eggnog: This rich, sweet dairy-based beverage is one of the most traditional holiday beverages, but can be enjoyed at almost any time of the year. While controversial, this eggnog recipe will convince any eggnog-haters to change their mind.

Ingredients

1. 6 fresh, organic eggs
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 2 cups milk
4. 1 cup heavy cream
5. Grated nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Separate egg yolks, whisk with sugar
2. Whisk in milk and cream
3. Cover and refrigerate
4. Serve with a grating of nutmeg

Note: Cook your eggnog by warming milk and cream in a saucepan before whisking the warm mixture into the eggs.