Camping Beverages: Warm Drinks Recipes

One of the best ways to brave the deep chill of winter is with a warm cozy drink in hand. Whether you enjoy them at home or on the go, nearly every occasion can be enhanced with a nice warm beverage.To give you a little inspiration, we've put together three of our favorite warm drinks recipes. We have a Mexican Hot Chocolate that adds a spicy kick to your standard hot cocoa, an Apple-Pear Mulled Cider that's great for serving to large groups, and a Dirty Chai Latte that's perfect for a morning or mid-afternoon caffeine boost. Put these drinks on steady rotation this winter and it'll be spring before you know it.Mexican Hot ChocolateIf you enjoy spicy drinks, then this Mexican Hot Chocolate is the perfect winter time pick-me-up. Using a whole chili pepper lends a distinct kick to this drink, but the milk chocolate tempers the heat slightly so it won't overwhelm your taste buds.Ingredients6 cups (1.5 qt.) milk3 cinnamon sticks1 dried chile de arbol1/4 cup cane sugar1/4 cup cocoa powder1 cup (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped)Pinch of saltDirectionsStep 1Add the milk, cinnamon stick and chile to a small saucepot. Bring the milk to a simmer over medium, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from developing a skin.Step 2Remove the cinnamon stick and chile. Stir in the sugar, then the cocoa powder, then the chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.Step 3Serve in mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon if desired.Apple-Pear Mulled CiderLong and slow is the secret to this recipe. Simmering the ingredients over low heat really builds layer after layer of flavor. Since it takes a little bit to make, we recommend making a big batch. If there's too much left over, you can refrigerate it for next time. (But we've never had that problem!)Ingredients1 apple1 Asian or Bosc pear1 orange2 cinnamon sticks2 tablespoons mulling spices2 quarts unfiltered apple ciderDirectionsStep 1Slice the apple, pear, and orange into ½ inch thick rounds.Step 2Place the sliced fruit, cinnamon sticks, mulling spices, and cider into a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.Step 3Simmer over medium low for at least half an hour (or more for an intense spiced flavor). Pour into mugs.Dirty Chai LatteMornings can be particularly difficult in the winter. Add a little caffeinated boost to the start of your day with this Dirty Chai Latte.Ingredients3 cups almond milk3 bags chai tea4 oz. espresso (or strong coffee)3 tablespoons cane sugarDirectionsStep 1Add the almond milk and teabags to a small saucepot. Bring the milk to a simmer over medium, then reduce to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes. In the meantime, make the espresso or coffee.Step 2Add the espresso and sugar to the tea-infused milk and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Split between two mugs.