Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
Washington Trails
AssociationTrails for everyone, forever
Feeling chilly? Warm-up with these hot drink hacks. By Jessi Loerch
The right warm beverage can transform a winter hike into something magical. Here are ideas for what to put in your thermos, or to heat up on trail, for your next trip.
Keep your favorite thermos handy for a piping hot sip. Photo by Erika Haugen-Goodman
The hot toddy is perhaps the perfect winter drink. It’s got a bit of zest to it, a bit of bite to it, and a throat-soothing flavor that’s enjoyable on brisk mornings.
Combine all ingredients, except the lemon round and cinnamon stick, and pour into a thermos. Add the lemon round and cinnamon stick when you’re ready to drink.
Revisit this cold-weather classic with fun ingredients. Photo by trip reporter missroselouise
Any instant hot cocoa can be elevated with a few fun extras.
Mulled wine is aromatic and delicious anywhere — but it's especially good on trail. Photo by Shauna McDaniel
I like to make this at lunch on my winter hikes. I enjoy the time to relax and visit with friends, and the wine smells incredible while it mulls. Don’t be surprised if fellow hikers wander over to ask what you’re making.
You can make your wine in advance (at the trailhead or at home) or on the trail. Add your desired amount of wine and mulling spices to a pot and heat it over your stove gently. Don’t let it boil. Once it is warm and smells amazing, take it off the heat. Pour into a thermos if you’re working in advance. If you like, you can add a shot of whisky or rum and/or an orange slice right before you drink.
Note: You can use any mulling spices you like. For more mulled flavor, add more spice or let it mull for longer. I like to use the pre-portioned tea bags of mulling spice when I hike — I use 6-8 bags for a full bottle of wine. Mulling spices in re-usable muslin bags work well too. If you have a hard time finding mulling spices, look in the bulk section of your local food co-op or grocery store or make your own.
Alcohol-free: You can do the same process with apple cider, which is usually easy to find and delicious in the fall. Just replace the wine with apple cider and omit the whiskey or rum
Prefer to keep things simple? Try easy hacks. Photo by Treah Hutchings and Evan Carpenter
You definitely do not need a recipe to enjoy a hot drink on trail. Here are some simple options that are easy to pack and carry and can be ready as fast as you can heat up water.
