Fri. Mar 22nd, 2024

Warm autumn drinks for cold nights

By Mai Vabo Nov 1, 2014

November is rolling around with more harsh winds, pouring rain, and for most students: A stuffy nose, a bank balance we’d rather not look at, and a growing panic toward that 2500 word essay looming over our heads.

It’s around this time every year that I retreat into my room with my books, essays, blankets and most importantly: A big cuppa to get rid of the outside chill.

Hot chocolate

A basic recipe for a fluffy and rich hot chocolate

(2 servings)

  • 400 ml milk
  • 200 ml water
  • 5 tbsp. cocoa powder (100g dark chocolate)
  • 2-3 tbsp. sugar
  • 4-5 drops vanilla extract
  • A pinch of chilli powder

Heat milk and water on medium heat and add all the ingredients, using a whisk to blend everything together. Turn up the heat, bring it to a boil, and to get the right frothy texture, wait as long as possible before turning the heat off and pour it into two large cups.

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Roasted Marshmallow on Hot Chocolate

Looking for a little extra?

Grilled fluff: Add a tbsp. or two of marshmallow fluff to your cup, and grill it in the oven for about 3 minutes for a crispy golden crust.

A Little Kick: Switch some of the water for a little bit of bourbon for an extra kick, or even some tequila and cayenne pepper: a perfect spicy taste.

Salted Caramel: Add in a pinch or two of sea salt and about 3 tbsp. caramel syrup.

Peppermint Mocha: Exchange 1-2 tbsp. cocoa powder with some instant espresso, a few drops of peppermint essence and you’ll have a delicious Mocha to get you through a long night.

 

Blackcurrant Sensation

A great alternative if you’re feeling ill

  • Blackcurrant Cordial
  • Boiled water
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper
  • Tequila/Whisky/Preferred alcohol

Boil water and mix in as much blackcurrant cordial as you enjoy. Top it off with a bit of cinnamon and some cayenne pepper to chase off that cough, and if you’re feeling daring, throw in some tequila or a bit of whisky.

Pumpkin spice latte

A classic autumn drink, easily done in your own kitchen

(2 servings)

  • 100 ml brewed strong coffee
  • 300 ml milk
  • 3-4 tbsp. Pumpkin puree (found in Waitrose and larger Tesco’s)
  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream

Bring all the ingredients together and heat on medium. Be careful not to bring it to a boil. Whisk thoroughly and adjust according to taste. If you’re not a coffee fan, use milk as a replacement for the brewed coffee – and if it’s too sweet, a shot of tequila does the trick.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte and Chai Latte

Chai Latte

I’ll admit to being a dirty cheat on this one. Waitrose has a delicious instant spiced chai latte which I live for, and I rarely feel a need to make any changes at all. However, it works really well with a bit of Baileys mixed into it for those who aren’t a fan or a traditional Irish Coffee.

Another trick that goes for any instant powder mix: start out with only a dash of milk and mix the powder into a thick blend before adding the rest of the liquid for a frothy and delicious finish.

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