4 Hot Drink Recipes to Keep Your Family Warm and Healthy

I’m writing this on what I am hoping is my daughter’s last lost school day this season as a result of snow. The “old man” dumped several inches on Northern Virginia yesterday, putting us at a total of 12 snow days for the school year so far.

Many families are grappling with stir crazy kids who are getting on their parents’ last nerve. Everyone could stand a dose of peace and quiet that appeals to all ages and makes the added time indoors a bit more pleasurable. I realize mixing up some hot cocoa isn’t exactly an innovative idea, but variations on that old favorite and adding other hot drink recipes to the rotation might put a few more smiles on faces and get us through to spring.

My nine-year-old daughter and I love getting creative with the hot drinks we put in our special signature cups with our initials on them. Then, we curl up on the couch to read or play educational games on her tablet, such as Minecraft.

Here are some great hot drink recipes for your family to enjoy as we get through the end of winter:

Hot Chocolate

We like to literally push the envelope on this one. Pre-mixed cocoa has its place, but my daughter gets so excited when I put it together from scratch. From whole cow’s milk to almond or coconut varieties, they all provide an excellent base. My frugal side loves using cocoa powder, which can be whisked into a paste with a little water and then added to the base along with sugar to taste. For an extra rich flavor, use shaved chocolate. Adding a peppermint stick for stirring, plus marshmallows, whipped cream, or cinnamon for a Mexican style treat, make it extra special and tasty. I haven’t tried it yet, but I have this crock pot hot chocolate recipe I look forward to making that will undoubtedly make my house smell incredible.

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Spiced Cider

I found a recipe from Your Homebased Mom that has made her quite popular with party guests as well as her kids, who she says called home to ask for this recipe while they were away at college so they could make it for their friends. It’s well worth your time.

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Herbal Remedies

Herbal tea in an iron pot is one of my favorite remedies when I’m feeling less than wonderful. My daughter loves a special bagged formula for kids I found at the health food store. I’ve also had success with the old fashioned warm milk and honey concoction for her. I recently came upon a variation on it with cinnamon added, which sounds super tasty.

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Chai

A family member once sent kits for making this spicy café favorite as holiday gifts. It’s really easy; simply bring spices and milk to a boil, add tea bags, and let steep. Here’s an easy recipe from Real Simple.

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Image Credit – Selina / CC by 2.0