When there is snow on the ground and the temperatures are hovering around freezing, it can be hard to think of anything except trying to get and stay warm. Dressing warmly, exercising, turning up the thermostat, and piling on the blankets are all ways to help keep your body temperature up. However, sometimes we want a little something extra that feels warm and cozy. This is where warm drinks come in.
According to Real Simple, the feeling of warmth from a hot drink really lasts only a few seconds and the rest of it might be a placebo effect in regard to actually raising our body temperature. That said, if it helps us to feel warm and toasty and tastes yummy, we are on board!
There three most common hot drinks are of course, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. However, there are plenty of ways to mix up those basics. Whether you are sitting down in front of a fireplace or heading out the door to a cold car in the morning, grab a mug or thermos and warm up with these alternative ideas.
Coffee places such as Starbucks have a wide variety of options for your morning coffee that range from various coffee bean roasts to an ever changing menu of sweet lattes. You don’t need to go to a coffee shop to enjoy a fun cup of coffee though. Try out some of these recipes at home:
How to Make a Latte at Home Without an Espresso Machine via The Kitchn
White Chocolate Latte via Julie’s Eats and Treats
Toasted Coconut Mocha via Homemade in the Kitchen
Whether you tend to use packets of hot chocolate or often make hot chocolate over the stove, not many people can argue with the deliciousness of drinking something both warm and chocolate-y during the cold weather months. Looking to mix things up? Try some of these ideas:
Sandra Lee’s Mexican Hot Chocolate via the Food Network
Melted Ice Cream Hot Chocolate via Ally’s Sweet & Savory Eats
Hot Malted Chocolate via Taste of Home
Tea naturally lends itself to variety with its variety of flavors and ways to prepare it. Making a frothy tea latte can be a nice creamy alternative to a traditional mug of tea. Check out this easy to follow guide for how to do this at home:
How I Make My Tea Lattes via Peanut Butter Fingers
If your heat goes out, unfortunately even the most delicious warm drinks can’t keep you warm enough. Therefore it is important to make sure that your heating system is well maintained. If you have any issues or questions with your residential heating system, contact us at Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical!