HOT Stuff

I am usually a cold beverage kind of girl. I don't drink coffee and it's rare that I get an entire cup of hot tea down (no matter how hard I try). But, as the nights get colder and we are trying to extend the life of our beloved back patio, warm concoctions have become a necessity. No one wants to hold an ice-filled glass when the temp requires snuggling up in a blanket.

Since 'hot drinks' are literally not my cup of tea, I never want to put much energy into making them. Instead, I've found ingredients in our pantry I can whip up easily with no fuss that deliver great flavor and instant relaxation. No gourmet melting or confusing recipes required. Yes, I use pre-blended, store-bought ingredients and the microwave for this. Sometimes I play a bit with the liqueurs splashed in, but ultimately my goal is to keep it simple, quick and delicious. I also try to keep them as low cal as possible so I stick to sugar free mixes and save the calories for the most important ingredients!

This 'instant coffee' is my non-coffee drinking husband's favorite

INSTANT COFFEE CURE

2 Tbsp Maxwell House International Cafe in Suisse Mocha (sugar and caffeine free)
2/3 cup boiling water
1 oz Kahlua Peppermint Mocha  (this is a limited edition holiday offering, so stock up!)
1/2 oz Bailey's Irish Creme  (optional but so yummy)

Pour boiling water over the dry mix in ceramic mug. Stir in liqueurs and enjoy.

If you are serving up hot tea for guests, garnishing with lemon rinds
or cinnamon sticks is a nice touch.

PEACH TEA 

2/3 cup boiling water
1 bag Yogi Peach Detox Tea
1 oz brandy or spiced rum
Squeeze of lemon
1/2 pack Truvia or splash of agave nectar

Steep tea bag for 5 minutes. Remove and stir in liquor, lemon and sweetener (sometimes I leave out the sweetening all together). Enjoy in your favorite mug.


What is your favorite 'warm up' drink for this season? I would love to have more quick recipes, so please do share... and keep following The Southern Sophisticate.