Fantastic Frugal Hot Drink Mixes
By: Brandie Valenzuela
Recently my son and I went to a local Starbucks. As
we waited for our sweet beverages to be made, we kept
ourselves occupied by browsing the items they had for
sale. There was lots of great items -- many of which
fit the cooler Autumn weather that had made its welcome
in our area.
One of the items for sale was a cider mix, that was
attractively coupled with a mug and cinnamon sticks.
Needing a gift for a friend, I considered making the
purchase, but quickly regained some of my frugal
sensibility (I was still in a Starbuck's so I wasn't be
totally frugal to begin with) and realized how I could
put together the same gift for $1 or less.
Compiled here is an assortment of wonderful mixes
that when prepared are sure to warm the soul. Pick
your favorite and make some for yourself, or a friend!
Hot Cocoa Mix
1 (8-qt.) box instant powdered milk
1 (16 oz.) jar nondairy creamer
1 (2 lb.) box Nestle's Quik®
1 (1 lb.) box confectioners' sugar
Sift sugar and mix together. Add 2 cups miniature
marshmallows, if desired. To use, fill a mug half full
of mix. Add boiling water.
Cinnamon and Spice Beverage Mix
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups
at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add
approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling
water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Friendship Tea Mix
1 (18 oz.) jar Tang breakfast drink (orange flavor)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup presweetened lemonade mix (such as Countrytime)
1/2 cup instant tea
1 (3 oz. box ) orange or peach Jell-O
2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
Combine these dry ingredients and store in an airtight
container. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water.
Makes approximately 50 servings.
Malted Hot Cocoa Mix
1 (25.6 oz.) box nonfat dry milk powder
6 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (16 oz.) container instant chocolate milk mix
1 (13 oz.) jar malted milk powder
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 (6 oz.) jar powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 tsp. salt
In large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until
well blended. Store in an airtight container. Keep in
a cool place. Makes about 20 cups or 10 gifts. To
serve, pour 6 ounces of hot water over 1/3 cup cocoa
mix, and stir until well blended.
Toffee Mocha Beverage Mix
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup brown sugar, packed
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups
at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add
approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling
water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Swiss Mocha Beverage Mix
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 T. cocoa powder
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups
at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add
approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling
water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Spiced Tea Mix
1 (18 oz.) jar orange breakfast beverage crystals
2 C. sugar
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
1/3 cup instant tea mix
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container.
To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot
water, stirring until candies dissolve.
Spiced Cocoa Mix
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients, and mix thoroughly. For each
serving, combine 1/3 cup Spiced Cocoa Mix and 3/4 cup boiling water.
Stir to dissolve.
Mocha Cocoa Beverage Mix
2 2/3 cups nonfat dry milk
3/4 cup instant cocoa mix
1/2 cup. instant coffee
1/4 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups
at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add
approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling
water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Fruity Cocoa Mix
3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid mix, any fruity flavor
Combine all ingredients in a a sealable container. Shake
well until blended. Store in an airtight container. To use,
stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a coffee mug of hot water.
About the Author:
Brandie is a wife and homeschooling mom to three children, who
also works fulltime from her home designing custom scrapbook
albums and teaching scrapbook classes. For more information,
visit:
http://brandievdesigns.4t.com |
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More articles by Brandie:
-Halloween Traditions for the Less-Spooky Family
-Cooking With Apples
-Patriotic Crafts For Kids
-Starting Your Own Mom's Group
-Muffin Mixes in a Bag
-How to create a pocket page!
-Marble Painting
-Got Extra Photos? Here's What To Do!
-Finding
The Time to Scrap
-Bubbles Galore
-Childhood
Games
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