Winter Elixirs and Insulated Bottles to Hold in the Heat

by Brittany Manwill

Nothing cools you to the bone quicker than a fierce winter wind. Since you don't have control over Mother Nature, warm yourself from the inside out with one of these hot beverages. Each drink is easy to prepare while hiking and is sure to take the sting out of the cold weather.

Hot drinks on trail can make a rainy, cold trek much more enjoyable. Photo by Karen Wang.

Nature's Coffee Kettle

We sure love our coffee here in the Northwest. Backcountry options are usually limited to instant packets or methods that require extra equipment, but here's an alternative. Without messing with coffee grounds, just pour water into the foil pouch, seal closed, let sit for 3-4 minutes and serve! The kettle packs flat and lightweight and makes four 8-ounce cups. You can also purchase refill packets and use the kettle up to five times. Available at naturescoffeekettle.com

Cocoa Sante Instant Hot Cocoa Mix

Hot chocolate is an instant pick-me-up on the trail. For a sophisticated update on a childhood favorite, bring a packet of Cocoa Sante on your next adventure. The Parisian blend evokes French "chocolat chaud" with decadent dark chocolate flakes and a hint of vanilla. Just mix one packet with 8 ounces of hot water, stir and enjoy. Chocolaty, creamy and easy! For a truly unique cup of cocoa, try the exotic Kashmir Spice flavor, which blends cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Available at REI.

Packit Gourmet Jamaican Peanut Porridge

For an easy and utensil-free lunch on your winter hike, try filling your thermos with a sippable soup. Anything broth will do, but try Packit Gourmet's Jamaican Peanut Porridge, with a robust blend of oats, coconut, ground peanuts and spices. Just add 10 ounces of hot water and let it rehydrate for 10 minutes. So easy to prepare, you can do it on the trail or at home ahead of time. Both warm and hearty, it's the perfect multitasker on cold days. Available at packitgourmet.com.

D.I.Y. Hot Toddy

Did you know Jan. 11 is National Hot Toddy Day?! Celebrate it with this recipe, modified from the original for easy brewing in the backcountry:

• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 honey stick
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 herbal tea bag
• 1.5 ounces brandy, whiskey or rum
  

Grab the camp mug and prepare the tea, steeping according to instructions. Snip the end of the honey stick, pour the contents into the tea and stir. Add the the brandy, whiskey or rum and garnish with a cinnamon stick for authenticity. Sip slowly and enjoy!

Three insulated bottles

Now that you've prepared your elixir of choice, you're going to need a bottle to store it in. Try one of these options when temperatures dip:

Klean Kanteen 12 oz.

Ideal for a short stroll on a local trail, this 12-ounce insulated bottle will keep your favorite hot beverage steamy for up to six hours. Add the cafe cap (pictured, in combo set) for sipping on the go.

Hydro Flask 20 oz.

If you're packing lots o'latte on your hike, pack along this 20-ounce powerhouse. This durable insulated bottle keeps your drink piping hot for 12 hours. It also has swappable lids and keeps cold things cold for 24 hours, making it a great all-season selection.

Avex 3Sixty 40 oz.

With this super-insulated 40-ounce tanker, you can enjoy your favorite steamy drink for up to 24 hours--that's good for a long road trip or a weekend in camp. And it doubles that time at keeping drinks icy cold! Plus, the unique spout lets you pour from any angle, spill-free, into its handy, insulated cup.