6 Homemade Hot Drink Mixes: Cocoa, Chai and Golden Milk

Mixing your own hot drink blends is cheaper than store-bought and makes a lovely gift. Make a jar, add a tag with instructions, and you have a cozy drink ready in minutes. Each recipe makes about 8 servings.

6 mixes to make

• Classic hot chocolate mix: 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup powdered milk and a pinch of salt. Use 3 tablespoons per cup of hot milk.
• Mint hot chocolate mix: classic mix plus crushed peppermint candy on top.
• Chai spice blend: 3 tbsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp ginger, 1 tbsp cardamom, 1 tsp cloves and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 1 teaspoon to black tea with milk and honey.
• Golden milk mix: 2 tbsp turmeric, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk 1 teaspoon into warm milk.
• Vanilla latte mix: powdered milk, sugar, instant coffee and vanilla powder.
• Orange cinnamon tea blend: dried orange peel, cinnamon chips and black or rooibos tea leaves.

Gift tips

• Use clean, dry jars with tight lids.
• Write instructions and a use-by date on a kraft tag.
• Add a mini whisk or a small bag of marshmallows.
• Mention allergens such as milk or nuts.

Save this to your winter drinks board and make a batch of jars this weekend.