It is time to kiss summer goodbye and to welcome autumn! So why not embrace the season by whipping up a few of my autumnal inspired drinks?
Gingerbread Coffee
I adore coffee (what student doesn’t?), combine it with gingerbread and I think it is the perfect drink to start your day! Gingerbread coffee is comfortingly warming and will perk you up after an intense night of studying *cough-partying-cough*.
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup coffee
8 ounces milk
Optional
whipped cream
nutmeg
Method
- Combine the water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. When it is done remove the pan from the heat and put a lid on it.
- Make the coffee and heat up the milk in the microwave.
- Assemble the drink by adding the coffee to a cup. Then add 1/4 cup of the gingerbread mixture followed by the milk and stir.
- To garnish the drink, spray a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle a wee bit of nutmeg on top.
- Lastly, drink your cup of coffee with a good breakfast. Remember it is best not skip the most important meal of the day!
Hot Toddy
Feeling a little under the weather lately? Or perhaps you’re suffering from the infamous student affliction, Freshers Flu? Well, then a Hot Toddy is the drink for you! Here is a quick student-friendly version that’s a twist on the traditional remedy.
Ingredients
2 ounces whiskey
1 tablespoon honey
4 ounces water (hot from the kettle)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 slice fresh lemon
Method
- Place the whiskey into a large microwaveable cup
- Add the honey.
- Pour in the hot water.
- Add the lemon juice and stir well.
- Place the mug in the microwave for 1 minute or until it is hot, but not boiling.
- Add the lemon slice and sip your way back to good health.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie sings autumn scrumptiousness. This drink is packed with fibre, potassium and vitamin A! Moreover it is filling enough to be a light breakfast or it can be a healthy dessert option. So why aren’t you running to your blender and making it now?
Ingredients
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 frozen banana
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup ice
Method
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy your spicy smoothie.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Caramel and chocolate, combine the two and you have a deliciously decadent drink. Here’s an easy recipe inspired by the Domestic Goddess herself, Nigella Lawson!
Ingredients
250 ml full fat milk
50 grams dark chocolate (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
Method
- Pour the milk, add the finely chopped dark chocolate and squirt the salted caramel sauce into a small saucepan.
- Stir the mixture over a medium heat until all the ingredients have combined into a hot rich liquid.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy. Best savoured snuggled under a blanket during a Netflix marathon.
Warming Turmeric Milk
If you don’t already have turmeric, get some pronto! Turmeric has a high antioxidant power that makes it a superhero spice. It is normally used in curries but here’s how to make a yummy drink with it.
Ingredients
250ml of almond milk (or other milk)
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of honey
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
a wee pinch of salt
Method
- Put all the ingredients in a pot and stir well.
- Bring to a simmer for a minute and then pour the contents of the pot into a mug.
