It’s comforting drinks season

When you think of fall, your mind probably goes to all the vibrant colours first—but give it another second, and it will go straight to all the super comforting autumn lattes like pumpkin spice, matcha, and chai. The ones that reinvigorate our bodies and lift our spirits. Which is why we’ve come up with a list of our favourite hot drink recipes for you to sip on during those chilly fall nights.

Wellness in a cup

Hot beverages are known far and wide as palate pleasers, but did you know that they’re actually good for you? When the mercury nosedives, a hot drink will help keep your body temperature stable at 37°C. And certain tea-based beverages boast calming properties, too, helping you to relax and unwind.

Our tips and tricks for getting it right

The perfect milk

Kind of obsessed with lattes? The variety of cow’s milk- and plant-based beverages is astounding! For thicker texture, opt for a cow’s milk that’s higher in fat—at least 2%. Also make sure it’s fresh—the closer you get to the expiry date, the less dreamy your foam will be. Prefer beverages that aren’t animal protein based? We recommend a plant milk that’s specifically designed for caffeinated beverages. Ideally, you’ll want to scoop up the “barista series” version of your favourite plant-based drink, since the texture tends to be more homogenous, and the nut/cereal flavours are such a delicious enhancement to your caffeinated bevvies.

The proper spices

Being a latte, hot chocolate, coffee, or gourmet tea aficionado doesn’t mean you have to shy away from spices. Vanilla bean, star anise, cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom are some hot beverage go-tos—have your pick!

Recipes for your wellness moment

No need to rush off to the nearest coffee shop to enjoy a hot, wellness-enhancing drink! Most can be easily made at home and don’t require any special equipment. Here are a few of our favourite homemade recipes…

Pumpkin spice latte

This tasty treat has become a fall tradition. As delicious as it is velvety, this latte is the perfect pairing of pumpkin, warm milk, and spices. And the following recipe promises extra yummy results! Serves two Ingredients 2 cups milk or plant-based beverage ¼ cup pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon sugar, to taste 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ cup dark roast coffee, hot

Directions

Gingerbread hot chocolate

This recipe is based on the classic hot chocolate recipe—but elevated with a decadent touch of marshmallow and gingerbread. This hot beverage recipe will quickly become one of your fall favourites! Serves two Ingredients 2 cups milk or plant-based drink 150 g 70% cacao dark chocolate, cut up into chunks ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground ginger 3 tablespoons sugar 2 gingerbread cookies Mini marshmallows Directions In a pot, heat milk with sugar and spices. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add chocolate, giving it a moment to melt. Mix until the liquid becomes smooth. Divide mixture into 2 separate cups, then garnish with mini marshmallows and 1 gingerbread cookie each.

Matcha latte

Finely ground green tea leaves, hot water, and steamed milk—that’s all you need to make your very own homemade matcha latte. This delicious milk-based beverage hails from Japan and is not only downright delicious—it’s packed with phenolic acid, nutrients, and antioxidants that are really good for your health, too. PS: matcha lattes are uber delicious when made with milk or plant-based beverages—you choose! Serves two Ingredients 2 cups milk or plant-based beverage 4 tablespoons hot water 2 teaspoons powdered matcha 1 tablespoon honey Directions Put 1 teaspoon of powdered matcha in each cup. Then, pour 2 tablespoons of hot water into each cup and mix until smooth. Meanwhile, heat milk and honey in a pot. Divide mixture into 2 separate cups, stir, and sprinkle each with a dash of matcha. There is a huge selection of comforting drinks for you to test out this fall—including alcoholic, zero proof, caffeinated, and herbal beverages—meaning there are enough delicious options to tickle your fancy du jour all autumn long!