As the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a hot drink to warm you up after being outside.
Here are five delicious drink recipes to try!
1. Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
The best hot chocolate is made from scratch. This creamy, chocolatey recipe is a true treat, and you can add flavors like vanilla, orange, or peppermint extract for an extra twist.
Ingredients:
2 cups (480 ml) skim milk
½ cup (85 g) milk chocolate chips
⅓ teaspoon peppermint extract (or orange, coconut, or vanilla extract)
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients (and any optional flavorings) into your Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.
2. Start the blender on the lowest speed, then quickly increase to the highest speed. Blend for 6 minutes or until heavy steam begins to escape from the vented lid.
2. Hot Apple Cider Recipe
There’s something magical about the aroma of hot apple cider that instantly lifts your mood. This simple recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
4 cups (960 ml) water
2 tablespoons (360 g) medium apples, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons (30 g) Medjool dates, pitted
Additional spices to taste (optional)
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.
2. Start the blender on the lowest speed, then quickly increase to the highest speed. Blend for 7 minutes and 30 seconds or until heavy steam begins to escape from the vented lid.
3. For the best flavor, use bold seasonal apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
Feel free to adjust the spices by adding more or less cinnamon and dates. For extra flavor, try adding a slice of fresh ginger, or a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.
3. Peppermint Mocha Recipe
A perfect winter treat, this peppermint mocha combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with a festive touch of peppermint. It’s an indulgent drink for the season!
Ingredients:
½ cup (120 ml) skim milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
8 fluid ounces (240 ml) strong coffee
Directions:
1. Place skim milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract into the Vitamix container and secure the lid.
2. Start the machine and gradually increase to Variable 5. Blend for 40-50 seconds.
3. Remove the lid plug and slowly add the coffee. Replace the lid plug and blend at Variable 1 for an additional 10 seconds.
4. Pour into glasses and serve. For an extra festive touch, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Embrace the flavors of fall with this easy pumpkin spice latte recipe. It blends aromatic spices with coffee and your milk of choice for a cozy, flavorful drink.
Ingredients:
½ cup (120 ml) freshly brewed coffee
½ cup (120 ml) oat milk (or any milk of your choice), warmed to about 160°F/70°C
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
1. Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until it simmers gently.
2. Place the warm milk, coffee, spice blend, and sweetener (optional) into the Vitamix Aerating Container and secure the lid. Select Variable 1, start the machine, and gradually increase to Variable Speed 6.
3. Blend for 30 seconds.
Note: Foaming may vary depending on the milk used. If doubling or tripling the recipe, blend for 45 seconds instead of 30. Sweeten to taste, and for a natural sweetener, try using date syrup.
5. Chai Latte Recipe
This beloved Indian spiced milk tea is both flavorful and comforting. This easy chai latte recipe uses just three simple ingredients for a perfect, cozy cup.
Ingredients:
1½ cups (360 ml) warm skim milk, about 160°F (70°C)
1¼ cups (300 ml) brewed chai tea
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sweetener, if desired
Directions:
1. Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches a gentle simmer.
2. Pour the warm milk into the Vitamix container and secure the lid.
3. Start the blender on the lowest setting, then slowly increase to Variable 6. Blend for 45 seconds. (For a single serving, reduce the blending time to 30 seconds.)
4. Stop the machine and remove the lid. Add the chai tea and cinnamon, then secure the lid again. Select Variable 5 and pulse 3 to 5 times to combine.
5. Sweeten to taste, if desired, and enjoy your comforting chai latte!
