Hot Drink

When the use of chocolate became common in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, chocolaterías opened in Madrid, serving hot chocolate to weary voyagers and the homeless. In Spain, the warming elixir is distinguished by the addition of spice, but especially by its rich, frothy texture, achieved by heating and beating it several times. Traditionally, a wooden hand mill called a molinillo is used, but a whisk works as well.

A lovely change of pace from café au lait, cappuccino, or hot chocolate, and lower in fat and calories, too.

There are a number of variations of this traditional Scandinavian Yuletide drink. Dry red wine, muscatel and sweet vermouth, with aquavit in place of the brandy, may be used. In another version, 2 bottles of dry red wine, preferably Bordeaux, are used with the quantity of aquavit increased to a whole bottle, which is poured over the flaming sugar.

This is more of an infusion than a true tea, since it isn't made with tea leaves. You will have leftover spice tea to store.

Here's a warming drink for a chilly day.

A glamorous after-dinner drink from Melvyn's restaurant.

Made with decaffeinated coffee, this soothing drink is ideal for sipping while watching a video on a lazy Saturday night.

A coffee drink served at Jause, the Viennese take on afternoon tea.

In Austria this is called Krambambuli.