Fantastic Frugal Hot Drink Mixes
by Brandie Valenzuela
Recently my son and I went to a local Starbucks. As we waited for our sweet beverages to be made, we kept ourselves occupied by browsing the items they had for sale. There were lots of great items -- many of which fit the cooler Autumn weather that had made its welcome in our area.
One of the items for sale was a cider mix, that was attractively coupled with a mug and cinnamon sticks.
Needing a gift for a friend, I considered making the purchase, but quickly regained some of my frugal sensibility (I was still in a Starbuck's so I wasn't being totally frugal to begin with) and realized how I could put together the same gift for $1 or less.Compiled here is an assortment of wonderful mixes that when prepared are sure to warm the soul. Pick your favorite and make some for yourself, or a friend!
Hot Cocoa Mix
1 (8-qt.) box instant powdered milk
1 (16 oz.) jar nondairy creamer
1 (2 lb.) box Nestle's Quik®
1 (1 lb.) box confectioners' sugarSift sugar and mix together. Add 2 cups miniature marshmallows, if desired. To use, fill a mug half full of mix. Add boiling water.
Cinnamon and Spice Beverage Mix2/3 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspiceMix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Friendship Tea Mix1 (18 oz.) jar Tang breakfast drink (orange flavor)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup presweetened lemonade mix (such as Countrytime)
1/2 cup instant tea
1 (3 oz. box ) orange or peach Jell-O
2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground clovesCombine these dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water.
Makes approximately 50 servings.
Malted Hot Cocoa Mix1 (25.6 oz.) box nonfat dry milk powder
6 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (16 oz.) container instant chocolate milk mix
1 (13 oz.) jar malted milk powder
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 (6 oz.) jar powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 tsp. saltIn large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well blended. Store in an airtight container. Keep in a cool place. Makes about 20 cups or 10 gifts. To serve, pour 6 ounces of hot water over 1/3 cup cocoa mix, and stir until well blended.
Toffee Mocha Beverage Mix2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup brown sugar, packedMix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Swiss Mocha Beverage Mix1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 T. cocoa powderMix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Spiced Tea Mix1 (18 oz.) jar orange breakfast beverage crystals
2 C. sugar
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
1/3 cup instant tea mix
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground clovesCombine all ingredients; store in an airtight container. To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot water, stirring until candies dissolve.
Spiced Cocoa Mix2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmegCombine all ingredients, and mix thoroughly. For each serving, combine 1/3 cup Spiced Cocoa Mix and 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir to dissolve.
Mocha Cocoa Beverage Mix2 2/3 cups nonfat dry milk
3/4 cup instant cocoa mix
1/2 cup. instant coffee
1/4 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/4 cup confectioners' sugarMix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.
Fruity Cocoa Mix3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid mix, any fruity flavorCombine all ingredients in a a sealable container. Shake well until blended. Store in an airtight container. To use, stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a coffee mug of hot water.
About The Author:
Brandie is an wife, mother of 3, and entrepreneur. If you like this article, you are sure to like other
goodies that she offers, including HomeMade Living -- a free ezine for stay-at-home mothers.
Subscribe to her ezine at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homemadeliving
Bid on her auctions at:http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/bmvcreations
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