Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Frugal Homemade Drink Mixes

There is just something about the coziness of a warm cup of cocoa, or tea on a chilly day!!  My kids love to play outside in the winter, and then almost always want a cup of cocoa, when they come inside!

But then again, who doesn't love a cup of cocoa???  LOL!!!

I certainly have bought my share of pre-made hot cocoa packets, but also love to make my own.  The ingredients are healthier and it saves quite a bit of money too.

We also love to have Spiced Tea (or Russian Tea) mixes available.  Even kids like this kind of tea!  :)

Here are a couple of our favorites:

Hot Cocoa Mix (needs to be added to milk)

Hot Chocolate Mix (can be added to water or milk)
*4 cups powdered milk
*1 cup unsweetened cocoa
*2 cups sugar
*1/2 tsp. salt
*1 tsp. instant coffee (optional)
Mix ingredients and store in an airtight container.  Add 1/4 cup per 1 cup boiling water.



Spiced Tea
*1 cup Tang
*1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. instant unsweetened tea (decaf is fine too)
*1/4 cup sugar
*3 tbsp. powder lemonade mix
*1/4 tsp. ground cloves
*1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Mix all ingredients together.  To make one cup, add 2 heaping teaspoonfuls to hot water.
***I have also experimented with this recipe....it seems to work fine to replace the tea, sugar, and powdered lemonade mix with instant lemon sweetened tea (about 3/4 cup).  That makes the preparation even easier!  :)





Another wonderful mix is for Chai Tea from Crystal, at the Family Homestead.  (I substitute granulated sugar for cane juice crystals.)  I gave this mix as Christmas gifts one year!  :)



Do you have a favorite???

This is what Works for Me.  To find out what works for others, check out We are THAT Family.

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7 comments make me happy:

  1. Hello! I just came across your blog on blogher and I'm glad! My girls and I love hot cocoa this time of year. We usually go with the Swiss Miss with extra marshmallows...but being that hot cocoa is becoming quite the tradition, I wanted something a bit more "homemade" for the girls to remember. So I'm glad I came across this recipe! I will try it this evening. Thanks for sharing :)

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  2. Hi again! Quick question. I'm about to run to the store to get some of the ingredients I don't already have...my question is, the first ingredient says Hot chocolate mix...is that the plain Hershey's cocoa powder? Or should I use actual hot cocoa mix that's already been sweetened like the swiss miss? My daughter is home sick today. I suggested hot tea, but she requested hot cocoa...and after JUST seeing your blog, I just couldn't resist! :) p.s. thanks for stopping by my blog too. I'm also a sahm trying to make ends meet ;)

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  3. Hi Christina!
    So sorry your daughter is home sick :(
    You are correct in using plain Hershey's cocoa powder (or some other brand).
    Hope it works well for you and that your daughter gets well soon! :)

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  4. Yay! Thank you! I'm on my way! :) By the way I have NEVER made homemade hot cocoa before, this will be the first!

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  5. It was wonderful!! We actually waited until late last night to make some. The ambiance in my home was perfect. All decorated, candles lit, and homemade hot cocoa. :) It was really rich and creamy and we all just loved it! Thank you again for the recipe!! I look forward to following your blog!

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  6. Yay! It sounds like it was a perfect evening! :) Thanks for letting me know...and I hope your daughter is feeling better. :)

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