Growing up in Texas, a crisp fall and a snowy holiday season were the stuff of movies and songs. Back then I really envied kids who earned a steamy cup of cocoa (mounded with marshmallows to boot!) by hours spent playing in the cold. But, a mild climate didn’t stop me from enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, even if it was T-shirt weather.
And now, with a pumpkin candle ablaze in my house, I continue my homage to the crisp northern weather with a warm beverage. But these days the contents of my mug vary well beyond the packet of hot chocolate of my youth.
Enjoy these winter warmers whether the temperature outdoors necessitates them or not:
Allegro® Drinking Chocolates. For a thicker and more luxurious take on hot chocolate, these single-origin cacao beverages come in a variety of flavors, including: Dominican Republic White Chocolate 31% Cacao, Venezuela Milk Chocolate 43% Cacao, Peru Dark Chocolate 64% Cacao, Ecuador Bittersweet Chocolate 71% Cacao.
365 Everyday Value® Winter Blend. This limited-edition blend of beans from El Salvador and Honduras is sweet, rich and full-bodied to warm up cooler fall and winter days. And, the value size makes it a great option to keep in stock for upcoming holiday houseguests.
Allegro® Winter Warmers Organic Tea Sampler. Change your tea as often as you change scarves with this box of herbal and traditional teas that including Winter Chai Black Tea, Citrus Spice Green Tea, Hibiscus Spice Herbal Tea and Chocolate Pu’er Tea.
365 Everyday Value® Organic Apple Ginger Cider. Whether you’re enjoying cold or simmered with cinnamon sticks for a festive gathering, this traditional fall beverage offers a kick of spice. Make it a party by adding your favorite spirits for signature seasonal cocktails.
Temple Turmeric Pure Fire Cider. Some like it HOT! This pick-me-up is made with hand-harvested turmeric from family farms in Hawaii and is spiced with cinnamon, ginger and super-hot ghost peppers.
Third Street Organic Festivus Chai. This distinctive microbrewed chai made with fair trade tea comes in three flavors that hit all my holiday favorites - Original, Spicy Pumpkin and Spicy Chai Nog. Plus, it’s Non-GMO Project verified and only available at Whole Foods Market.
If you want to heat things up in the kitchen, try these spins on traditional favorites:
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Cinnamon + nutmeg + ground chile pepper
Hot Carob: Swap in carob for cocoa + rosemary + bay leaf
Tropical Cocoa: Swap in coconut milk for cow’s milk + toasted coconut flakes
Coffee with a twist: 9 coffee add-ins opens in a new tab you HAVE to try!
Warm up first thing in the morning with this Hot Quinoa Drink opens in a new tab
Ready to get wacky with winter drinks? These will warm you up this season.
Apple Matcha Latte opens in a new tab
When the days turn chilly, do you reach for coffee, tea, cider, cocoa or something else?
