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Dress up the Drinks

Jan 6th 2020

Drinks! Hot, cold, spicy, or sweet, drinks are a fun extra touch to an ordinary day or special event. Drink recipes can get complicated at times, but they can also stay very simple! It doesn't take much to throw something in an ice-cube tray for a pretty look, or dollop whip-cream on top of a drink with a few sprinkles. 

Give the kids an extra surprise when they come home from school, or wow your friends when they come over for a coffee date. Check out these ideas for a fun extra touch. 

1. Fancy Hot Cocoa

Nothing makes hot cocoa more exciting than a bunch of marshmallows or a pile of whipped cream. But it doesn't have to stop there. Top your drink with sprinkles, shaved chocolate, crushed peppermint candy, cinnamon, or really spice it up with this Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe. 

2. Coffee or Latte, Cafe Style


Having a guest over for coffee and want to make it a little more exciting than just plain brew? A battery-operated milk frother can be purchased for less than $10 and quickly takes your drink to the next level. Whip your cream right out of the fridge for the quickest and easiest way, or heat it up on the stove-top for a more serious latte. Of course the frother can always be used for hot chocolate, chai tea, or other cream-based drinks that you want to use frothed milk for. 

Another super-easy, fun touch for coffee is to just have your spices out and available for your guests. Have you ever seen cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa on the condiment counter at the coffee shops? You can offer that too, and your guests will love it! 

3. Freeze it up

Ice cubes can be so boring, or... so exciting! I prefer the latter. For a fruity drink, pop cranberries, pomegranates, blueberries, or strawberries into your ice cube trays for a very pretty piece of art that garnishes the drink perfectly. Mint leaves, lavender sprigs, or other herbs can be added to ice cubes to spritz up water or teas. 

Ice cube layers are fun to do for the kids when they have fruity drinks like punch or juice. Pour a shallow layer of orange juice on the bottom of the ice cube tray, then let freeze. Pour a layer of apple juice on the frozen orange juice layer, and let that freeze. Top with grape juice, and let that freeze. And there you have it, multi-colored ice cubes for the kiddos. And of course any juices can be substituted for a different look and taste. 

Freeze coffee or espresso shots for the cold drinks. Throw one in a glass of chocolate milk for a taste of a blended mocha drink.

4. Coat the Glass


Ever take a sip of a drink and feel the coated rim press against your lips and simultaneously taste that extra sweetness? It's so fun and so delightful, both for the hosts and the guests. And thankfully, it's really not hard at all!

Start with moisturizing just the tip of the rim of the glass. This works best on a plate or shallow bowl. You can use water, citrus juice, or honey, to moisten the glass. Or for the right drink, get creative with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.

You might be surprised just how many options you have to dip the glass in. The most popular are salt or sugar, depending on the drink of course. But you can use any of the following:

-Coconut

-Citus zest and sugar

-Sprinkles

-Colored Sugar

-Salt mixed with Chili Powder

-Crushed peppermint candy

-Crushed Oreos or graham crackers

Making these 'fancy' drinks is so fun! It's a small touch that really adds to the atmosphere and helps create the right mood for your time together. So whether you're having a large dinner party, or just spending some quality time with your family, your home is where these memories are made. Nothing can replace those cherished times of conversation around the table, surrounded with hands holding delicious drinks and laughter filling the air. 

It's more than just a drink, it's a beautiful memory.

Now, go. 

Create something delicious. 

Create something beautiful.

Create What You Love.