When temperatures dip and light levels are in short supply, there’s no better way to begin the day than with a mug of something hot and delicious. Whether you’re a dedicated coffee drinker or a fan of tea and other non-coffee beverages, the recipes in this roundup are sure to satisfy the need for easy comfort on dark winter mornings.
Coffee-Based Drinks
No milk frother? No problem. To froth milk without the use of any special gadgets, simply pour the milk of your choice into a jar, apply the lid, and shake for 30-60 seconds or until the milk doubles in volume. Take the lid off the jar and microwave the milk for 30 seconds, keeping a close eye on the contents to make sure they don’t overflow. Remove the jar from the microwave and pour or spoon the freshly frothed milk over the rest of the drink ingredients.
When it comes to the best dairy milk to use for frothy coffee-based drinks, skim milk will produce a drier foam that won’t immediately deflate when it’s combined with the rest of the drink ingredients. If you prefer non-dairy milks, we suggest oat or almond milk—both of which will froth up beautifully while complementing the flavour of the coffee.
Cozy Up With These Decadent Coffee-Based Drink Recipes:
Chocolatey Beverages
These soothing hot chocolate drinks are an extra-special way to begin the day (and one you won’t mind getting out of bed for.) In terms of add-ins, we encourage you to experiment with flavours that go beyond those in traditional hot cocoa. Some of our favourite extras include no-sugar syrups, fresh mint, a tiny pinch of salt, and warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves. If you prefer using solid chocolate in place of unsweetened cocoa, opt for dark chocolate and buy in small amounts to prevent spoilage.
Try These Sweetly Soothing Hot Chocolate Recipes:
Teas & Ciders
If you aren’t a coffee drinker, there’s no better way to greet the day than with a hot cup of tea or a warm mug of cider. For those who enjoy the convenience of make-ahead recipes, consider assembling and steeping the tea or cider with their accompanying ingredients the night before. When morning rolls around, all you’ll need to do is reheat in the microwave or over the stove. Below you’ll find a recipe for a breakfast-appropriate virgin hot toddy, but we also have a traditional Hot Toddy recipe with bourbon for chilly evenings when you’re in need of a little pick-me-up.