3 Cafe-Style Winter Drinks

You don’t need to leave the house to enjoy tasty, cafe-style winter drinks. In this blog we share 3 traditional recipes that can be made at home and are perfect to share with friends and family on cold winter nights.

Mulled Wine

Preparation time 5 mins

Cooking time 10 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients

750ml dry red wine
220g white sugar
125ml brandy
125ml water
2 oranges, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 small cinnamon sticks
9 whole cloves
2 star-anise
Pinch grated nutmeg

Step 1.

Combine the red wine with the sugar, brandy, water, orange, lemon and spices in a large saucepan over low heat.

Step 2.

Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes or until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3.

Pour the mixture through a strainer into a large pitcher. Serve warm.

Creamy Chai

Ingredients

250ml milk
250ml water
3 cardamom pods, bruised
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon ground ginger
4 cloves
4 peppercorns
2 tablespoons tea leaves
2 teaspoons honey

Step 1.

Combine the milk and water with the cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and peppercorns in a small saucepan.

Step 2.

Bring the mixture slowly to the boil over medium to low heat. As soon as it boils, turn off the heat and add the tea leaves. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.

Step 3.

Stir in the honey and strain into a jug. Pour into serving glasses.

Heavenly Hot Chocolate

Preparation time 5 mins

Cooking time 5 mins

Serves 1

Ingredients

125ml low-fat milk
125ml low-fat evaporated milk
1½ teaspoons sugar
3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
White and pink mini marshmallows
Grated chocolate

Step 1.

Combine the milks and sugar in a small, heavy-based saucepan and heat, uncovered, over low heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture bubbles gently.

Step 2.

Meanwhile, mix the cocoa powder with 1 teaspoon of water in a 250ml teacup or mug to form a thick paste.

Step 3.

Pour the milk mixture slowly into the cocoa paste, stirring until smooth. Top with marshmallows, sprinkle with grated chocolate and serve.