This time of year is what we refer to as “The Holiday Marathon.” Starting the middle of October, we find ourselves inundated with Harvest Festivals, Trick or Treat events, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas parties, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and, of course, it all wraps up with that wonderful New Year’s Eve celebration.
In honor of all of these events, we would like to share some coffee and tea recipes that most anyone can prepare in the comfort of their personal kitchen. Let us remind you that these recipes are best prepared with fresh products and that goes most emphatically with fresh-roasted coffee beans for the coffee recipes and fresh-harvested teas for the tea recipes.
Please note most quality retail grocery and coffee and tea shops carry a line of coffee and tea syrups along with cocoa and chocolate products found in the listed recipes.
Recipes are created per 10-ounce serving.
Goolie Green Caramel Latte
2 oz. espresso
2 oz. caramel syrup
1/2 oz. vanilla syrup
51/2 oz. steamed or heated milk
Combine and top with whipped cream and drizzle with green food coloring.
Pumpkin Latte
2 oz. espresso
1 oz. pumpkin pie syrup
1 oz. cookie dough syrup
1/2 oz. vanilla syrup
51/2 oz. steamed or heated milk
Combine and top with whipped cream and allspice or nutmeg.
Cafe Mocha
2 oz. espresso or 4 oz. of dark brewed coffee
8 oz. hot cocoa (Ghirardelli preferred)
Combine and top with whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate or marshmallows.
Rudolph’s White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha
2 shots of espresso or 4 oz. of brewed coffee
1/2 oz. mint syrup
2 oz. white chocolate powder
51/2 oz. steamed or heated milk
Combine and top with whipped cream and a peppermint stick.
Holiday Tea
1 tsp. of Indian Nilgiri black tea
1/2 tsp. of peppermint leaves
Boil water and steep for 5 minutes. (Peppermint is excellent for mild respiratory conditions and tender tummies.)
Authentic Masala Chai
9 oz. milk
2 tbsp. whole leaf Masala Chai
Honey
Pour milk into a saucepan, bring to a boil, add Masala Chai, stir lightly and boil for 1 minute. Remove saucepan from burner and let milk rest for 2 minutes. Add honey to taste. Strain through an infuser or small sieve into a mug. (Traditional Masala Chai contains black tea, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger & cloves. All of these ingredients create a medicinal yet delightful drink.)
Sweet Dreams Tea
1 tsp. peppermint leaves
1 tsp. Egyptian chamomile
Boil water and steep for 5 minutes. Serve and sleep well. This tea creates a calming effect. This recipe is caffeine-free.
Raspberry Delight Tea
Black tea (your favorite)
1 to 2 oz. raspberry syrup
Mint
Prepare the tea, cool and pour over ice. Pour in raspberry syrup, stir and top with a sprig of mint. (As in the use of any herbs or teas, those with health conditions should consult your physician or pharmacist prior to use.)
