Spring may be just around the corner but there are still a few more weeks of winter to navigate first.
If you're counting the minutes until the days start getting warmer and the nights start getting shorter, we've got a few hot drink recipes that will make the last knockings of winter just that little bit more manageable. Enjoy!
Pumpkin spice latte.
Pumpkin spice lattes are one of the UK's favourite seasonal hot drinks so what better time to enjoy one?!
Ingredients.
To make pumpkin spice lattes, you will need:
750g pumpkin
ground cinnamon
ground ginger
ground nutmeg
30ml espresso or strong coffee
250ml milk (any variety)
To begin, you will need to make some pumpkin puree. Peel and seed your pumpkin, then cut into evenly sized cubes. Place the cubes in a steamer or colander over a pan of simmering water for 10-15 minutes or until soft, then mash and leave to cool.
Once cool, put two teaspoons of puree into a large heatproof glass or mug and stir in the spices and coffee. Next, heat the milk in a saucepan over a low heat until steaming and frothy. Pour into the glass or mug and spoon over the froth. Stir to combine, dust with more cinnamon and voila - the perfect warming, aromatic drink to enjoy on a cold winter evening!
Peppermint mocha.
Peppermint and coffee bring out the flavours in each other for a warming treat that's the perfect antidote to chilly temperatures.
Ingredients.
To make two peppermint mochas, you will need:
190ml milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
190ml espresso
½ tsp mint extract (or ½ peppermint candy cane)
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream
Pinch of chocolate shavings
Add the milk, cocoa and sugar to a small saucepan on medium heat and warm until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. While the milk is heating, brew the espresso.
Pour the espresso and milk mixture into large mugs and top with whipped cream, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
Gingerbread latte.
Sweet, cosy and creamy, gingerbread lattes are the ultimate winter comfort drink.
Ingredients.
To make two gingerbread lattes, you will need:
1½ tsp ground ginger, plus extra to serve
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve
2 tbsp soft brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
600ml whole milk
2 shots hot espresso
whipped cream, to serve
In a bowl, mix together the spices, sugar and vanilla extract, then heat 100ml of the milk in a pan and add the spice and sugar mix. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved, then whisk in the remaining milk in additions until incorporated. Heat through until steaming.
Put a shot of espresso in each glass and top up with the spiced milk. Top with whipped cream and the extra spices.
Let Cafe2U help keep you warm this winter!
If you need some top quality coffee to keep your spirits warm over the next few weeks, our mobile vans will be on the road, fully loaded with some of the finest coffees around. To have some delivered to your door, find out where your nearest van is using our interactive map here!