If you’ve hiked, snowshoed, skied, or boarded in the backcountry to get to a scenic spot, you are familiar with the chilling feeling of standing still for more than a few moments. However, I’ve found that a great way to make a friend or two is to bring along a Thermos or backpacking stove to heat up some liquid deliciousness. Listed below are three cozy drink recipes that will put you and your buddies in a warm and fuzzy mood on cold winter days. Alcohol listed is totally optional (but obviously recommended).
Ginger Apple Cider
Makes 2 Drinks
You’ll need:
3 cups unfiltered apple juice
1/2 apple, cut into slices
1 ½ inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
15 whole cloves
2 shots(1 nip) whiskey
To make:
Prepare ahead by putting the ginger, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a plastic bag. Add all the ingredients to a small pot or saucepan on the stove. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Be careful to strain out any of the spices and add the whiskey, and enjoy with good company.
Irish Hot Chocolate
Makes 2 drinks
You’ll Need:
3 Cups of milk
2 Tablespoons of sugar
¼ cup of of cocoa powder
1 cup of chocolate chips or a broken-up dark(60% or higher) chocolate bar
2 shots(1 nip) of Bailey’s Irish Cream
To Make:
Prepare ahead in a Ziploc bag the sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Add milk and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then turn the heat down to a simmer and add the contents from the Ziploc bag. Once the chocolate chunks are melted, turn the heat off, serve and add your Irish Cream. Enjoy this cozy drink outside near a fire late night or right when you wake up!
Dirty Chai Latte
Makes 2 drinks
You’ll need:
3 cups milk
3 bags chai tea
3 oz. espresso (or strong coffee)
3 tablespoons cane sugar
Add the milk and teabags to a small pot. Bring the milk to a simmer over medium, then reduce to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes. In the meantime, make the espresso or coffee or have it prepared ahead. Add the espresso and sugar to the tea-infused milk and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Split this cozy drink between two mugs and enjoy!