Set The Festive Mood With These 3 Hot Christmas Beverages
Image Credit: Hot Christmas beverages

If you can’t start your day without a warm beverage by your side then you’re in the right place. Whether you’re team tea or team coffee, or you prefer the comfort of a hot cocoa morning, we have the fix for you. And since it’s the season for Christmas spirit, why not replace that morning cuppa with something that celebrates that vibe. And if you’re feeling especially naughty, add in a shot of your favourite alcohol to kick up the happy quotient even further. Don’t worry, we won’t tell Santa!

Christmas Coffee

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup of coffee grounds
  • 2 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1½ tbsp of powdered sugar
  • 5 tsp of ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp of ground nutmeg
  • 1-2 tbsp of brandy
  • 1 tbsp of sugar
  • 7 cups of water
  • Cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chocolate syrup for finishing.

Method

  • Start by whipping the cream into soft peaks with an electric mixer and gradually add the powdered sugar and brandy until it forms stiff peaks.
  • Mix the ground coffee, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar and mix until well combined
  • Brew the coffee grounds and pour into your favourite festive mug.
  • Top with whipped cream, cocoa powder or cinnamon and enjoy!

Christmas Tea

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea or 1 black tea bag
  • 8 cups water filtered
  • 1 orange
  • 1 apple
  • ⅛ tsp allspice whole 
  • ⅛ tsp cloves whole
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg freshly grated
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks

Garnish

  • 1 orange
  • 1 apple
  • 4 cinnamon sticks

Method

  • Create your Christmas blend by placing the nutmeg, star anise, cloves and allspice in an infuser and simmer on a low heat.
  • Add any sweetener now and then add the apples, oranges and cinnamon sticks. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Prepare your tea bags or loose tea as per the instructions and combine with your Christmas spices. 
  • Pour out your tea and garnish with fresh orange and apple slices. 

Christmas Cocoa

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups candy cane candies or candy canes broken into pieces
  • Red food colouring
  • 4 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoon sugar

Method

  • Heat the cream in a pot but do not boil it. Add the candy canes and stir to melt. 
  • When they’re melted take the cream off the heat and allow to cool before putting it in the fridge. 
  • After 4 hours take it out add some red food colouring and whip it into stiff peaks.
  • Make the cocoa as per your taste, top it with the candy cane cream and sprinkles and enjoy!