My Favorite Winter Cafe Drinks and How to Make Them!

1. Eggnog latte: Eggnog is definitely something you either love or hate, but I have always been a big fan of it (though I typically opt for lower fat eggnog purely because I dislike the texture of it when it is too thick). 

My Ingredients:

• Eggnog (cold or frothed hot)
• Two shots of espresso
• Sprinkle of cinnamon 

When I make this iced, like with any iced latte, I combine the espresso and milk 

(or in this case, eggnog) before pouring the mixture over ice to avoid watering the drink down. For a hot drink, steamed eggnog is the way to go. 

2. Maple fog: This is a drink I first had in Nova Scotia, where much of my family originally came from and where I have been going my entire life. I was far too young, at the time, to have the drink with the espresso I now make it with, though as a result, I can solidly recommend it with just maple and milk if you do not enjoy coffee. 

My Ingredients: 

• Milk of choice, steamed (I use oat, as I cannot have dairy, but dairy works just as well) 
• Maple syrup (I use about a tablespoon–real maple syrup is a must)
• Two shots of espresso

3. Peppermint mocha: I love a good peppermint mocha, but I am particular about how to make it. Honestly, I just love mint and chocolate!

My Ingredients:

• Milk of choice (cold or steamed)
• Chocolate syrup
• Peppermint syrup or peppermint candy
• Two shots of espresso

When I make an iced mocha in particular, I make sure to put the chocolate syrup in with the hot espresso and mix that together before adding the milk. Once that is mixed, I add the milk and stir before pouring over ice. If using peppermint candy, I recommend melting it into the espresso/chocolate before pouring it into milk. 

4. Peppermint hot chocolate: Look, I understand that this is not a hard drink to make, but it is just a classic! 

My Ingredients: 

• Hot chocolate mix (I make my own with a mix of cocoa powder and sugar)
• Milk of choice, frothed
• Candy cane or peppermint candy
• Hershey kiss (optional)

Personally, I enjoy waiting for the peppermint to melt somewhat into the drink. I also enjoy melting a hershey kiss into the hot chocolate, though I don’t do it often. 

5. Sugar cookie latte: I came up with this one after having several versions at coffee shops. I personally do not like to make my lattes too sweet, so feel free to add more syrup if you prefer. 

My Ingredients:

• Two shots of espresso
• Milk of choice (I recommend oat or almond)
• Splash of vanilla syrup/one pump
• Small splash of caramel syrup/half a pump
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• #coffee
• #holiday
• winter