I am trying to give as many precious homemade gifts that I can this year. Anything that I am unable to whip up myself, I plan to supplement with shopping on Etsy to fulfill my crafting skill downfalls.
First, I just want to say that I don’t think you necessarily have to be crafty to offer up beautiful handmade gifts for your friends and family…you just need to be a little resourceful. Resourcefulness might be looking to craftier bloggers for inspiration, checking out magazines or books at the library, or just stealing awesome ideas off of a good friend.
I am going to showcase my homemade gifts over these next few weeks, in hopes to breathe some life into your gift-giving. My crafting skills are limited, but my resourcefulness…I would say that is one of my strongest attributes.
Today we are going to discuss making hot drink mixes for yourself and to share with your friends. This is one of my favorite gifts to give in jars or tins for the holidays. I love to tuck jars of these in with a few holiday treats for the gift-giving season. The best part is that making a drink mix only requires the necessary ingredients and a blender or food processor. It also requires zero crafty skills. Hurray!
Let’s begin with my favorite cocoa recipe in the whole world. For this recipe, you only need a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and the necessary ingredients. If you don’t want the cocoa powder to look coarse, pop it in your blender or food processor and blend until it is the powdered consistency of the store-bought packets. I usually skip this step though because, frankly, this lasts about half a second in our house and I am on to making the next batch. For gift-giving though, processing is a nice touch!
****************
Hot Cocoa Mix
4 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 (4 ounce) package instant chocolate fudge pudding
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. If a finer consistency is desired, you can pour the mix into a blender or food processor and run it through that. Store in an airtight container. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (depending on your cocoa preference) of the mix to an 8 ounce mug of boiling water.
****************
The next drink mix has been made every year for the past five years in my house. It is my favorite drink in the colder weather and is always an impressive gift to give or to receive.
After you are done making your cocoa mix, use that same exact bowl to mix up the Vanilla Chai Tea. I have experimented with what needs a whirl in the food processor and what doesn’t this year. I discovered that if you give just the tea and spices together a whirl, that you don’t need to add the rest of the ingredients in the food processor. Since I have a small food processor, this cuts down on the time to make this and the clean-up after I dump it all over the countertops.
****************
Homemade Vanilla Chai Tea Mix
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla powdered non-dairy creamer
2 ½ cups white sugar
1 ½ cups unsweetened instant tea
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
¼ tsp white pepper
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until it is a fine powder (If you have a small food processor, you can combine just the instant tea and spices in the food processor & then combine everything together in a bowl). Add two-three tablespoons of mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk.
****************
Packaging of your drink mixes can be done in jars tied with raffia or holiday ribbon or you can package them up in a green and lovely way… in those old Crystal Light containers. Use some holiday gift wrap to cover them and tie a gift tag with some raffia around the drink mix containers. These are ideal, particularly for teacher gifts, because I don’t have to worry that my son will break the jar in route to school. Waterproof and airtight, it keeps the drink mix nice and safe. With a handmade or store-bought scarf, it makes a perfectly cozy gift to give.
Don’t forget to make a batch of this for yourself. I shifted some items in our hutch and found the perfect corner to display our drink mixes. The marshmallows in our pumpkin jar add to my festive corner and make grabbing a hot drink for myself (or our guests) easy!
Do you have a favorite hot drink mix to share for the holidays? Feel free to share and leave your recipes in the comment thread!
Amy,
I love resourcefulness! Although I do think I am a little crafty, with 3 little boys and a job teaching preschool, my crafty time is quite hampered. I am looking so forward to your posts about homemade gifts, as that is a kind of stress reliever for me. thanks for wonderful ideas already!
[Reply]
I am pretty sure you posted this cocoa recipe last year…I've been trying to remember where I found it. I tried three different ones & this one was hands down the best (judged by myself & all 3 kids). Thank you so much for posting it again so I could know who to thank! I am making batches for teachers & will include a copy of The Christmas Box book (with a kid made bookmark) & some candy cane stirrers.
Bren
[Reply]
Bren- Yes, I did post this last year and it is the best cocoa mix I have ever made. I will never buy that store-bought mix again after having this. I am so glad it was a hit last year and that you will be sharing it again this year! What a great idea to package it with a book- what teacher wouldn't love that?
Karen- I am so glad t hat this series will help a little bit. I will share some craftier ideas too, but I just love anything that can be whipped up last minute. I hope you enjoy the series!!
[Reply]
I'm sure everyone has had Friendship Tea (also called Russian Tea, I think). There are lots of variations on the recipe. This is a basic one:
1 1/4 c. Tang or orange-flavored breakfast drink powder
3/4 c. iced tea mix with lemon and sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Store in airtight containers. Makes 2 cups mix.
I'm going to try your vanilla chai mix. Thank you! : )
Kirstin
[Reply]
I love hot drink mixes! It is one of the best parts of winter for me:-) And what a great idea for using the Crystal Light canister! Last year, I gave a mulling spice mix as Christmas gifts along with quilted coasters that I made. This is my mulling spices recipe:
4 cups brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground orange peel
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon nutmeg
Mix everything together, making sure that you break up the chunks of brown sugar.
Instructions for use: Add 1/2 cup of mix plus 1 cup of water to 2 cups of cider or juice. Bring to a boil and then simmer until ingredients are dissolved and all is well combined. Enjoy!
*Note: For a single serving, use 2-3 Tablespoons to 1 cup of cider*
[Reply]
LFinn- Oh, what a great idea! I would have never thought to do mulling spices as a gift- fantastic idea!
Kirstin- My mom made Russian Tea Mix every year when I was growing up. It brings back so many great memories. Thank you for sharing!
[Reply]
Amy, I'm so excited about this. My Mom used to make hot choco mix for gifts & I couldn't find the recipe! Thx for sharing your's… I'm makin' it this year.
(I started saving cute jars several weeks ago)
[Reply]
test
[Reply]
Good day Amy, I have a coco mix with out the peservatives, that we make all the time. Have a lovely week. Clarice
http://storybookwoods.typepad.com/storybook_woods/2008/02/coffee-tea-or-m.html
[Reply]
Now I really want some hot chocolate! Thanks for the great recipes. I've been trying to figure out what to do for gifts, and I know this will come in handy!
[Reply]
Thanks for sharing the recipes! I'm planning to do "homemade goodies" for my kids' teachers, helpers, etc. this year. These will make great gifts!
[Reply]
These sound delicious!
Shannon
[Reply]
We are trying to do as much home made as possible also! I love that Chai tea mix, it is one of my favorites! And the packaging is so creative
Very nice I can't wait to see what else you make!
[Reply]
I used that chai tea recipe last year (though I did tweak it a bit since I like my tea STRONG) and gave jars out to my immediate family- they loved it! I'm actually drinking the last of it right now. Delicious stuff!
[Reply]
We make "Friendship Tea" every year around this time too (as posted by Kristin), except we add candy red hots to the mix instead of the cinnamon and cloves. It's so yummy!
-Christin
[Reply]
I am SO going to make some of that vanilla chai-I've never tried it and I've always wondered what I'm missing. It sounds lovely!
[Reply]
I just said to my husband, I think I'll give the teachers some homemade cocoa mix and a copy of this cd (straight no chaser's Christmas Cheers) for their gift this year. So perfect timing!
i will try your cocoa recipe out… but I will say we found one last year that is PHENOMENAL- rich and chocolatey! I just posted on it not too long ago:
BEST EVER HOT COCOA MIX (from america's test kitchen)
http://craftyscafe.blogspot.com/search/label/beverages
[Reply]
Hello, what a GREAT idea. Can you tell me what is in creamer? We don't have Creamer where I come from (New Zealand) so I will try and find an alternative…. Any suggestions?
[Reply]
I love Russian Tea when it is cold out and I am not feel so well. This is the recipe I keep in the cupboard.
http://bitsandpeices-angela.blogspot.com/2008/12/russian-tea.html
I made your Chia last year for Christmas. I will have to try the other one.
[Reply]
I love these kind of mixes. They're fast and easy and very economical! Love this post..Now a follower:)
[Reply]
Songbird Designs- Oh, I am so sorry you don't have access to powdered creamer. I am really not sure what you could substitute other than powdered milk and then maybe make the chai tea with half & half or creamer instead of water. You could try that although it might be a little tricky with gift-giving. I'm sorry I don't have a better answer for you!
[Reply]
I got all the ingredients for the chai tea recipe except I cannot find unsweetened instant tea…any suggestions?
[Reply]
It should be in the coffee and tea aisle. I buy the Nestea with a green lid on it. It looks like instant coffee- I hope that helps!
[Reply]
I love this idea. Alone in a beautiful jar, with a tin of homemade cookies, or as part of a gift basket! – keep the ideas comin'
[Reply]
I just saw one for an orange spiced drink that my mom used to make when we were kids. Loved that stuff.
[Reply]
This is a great idea. I have a sister who is OBSESSED with hot chocolate so I will have to try your recipe. I am also making jars of cookie mix from Bakerella to give out: http://www.bakerella.com/mix-things-up/
[Reply]
Wow, what a great post! I have been looking for some hot drink mixes to go in my gift sets this year. I am also knitting up little "mug sweaters" and giving thrift store mugs. I wonder if I could make these without the dairy ingredients. what do you think?
[Reply]
Amy, do you know if the Hot Cocoa mix works well by adding it to hot milk instead of water? Hubby loves his hot cocoa with milk, but since this recipe has milk powder already in it, I didn't know if I should only use water. Thanks!
[Reply]
theknest- I am pretty sure it would be really difficult to make these without the dairy. Having said that, I use non-dairy creamer so the only component containing dairy is the dried milk. You could always try it, but I am not sure what it would taste like
If you do, please let me know!
Rachel- The hot cocoa can be made with milk, but I promise it is unnecessary. Since it has all of that milk in it, it is a very creamy cocoa already. I suggest seeing if you can sneak it by your hubby and then if he notices the taste, switch to milk. If not, it will save you a teeny bit of money
I hope that helps!
Thanks for all of these wonderful comments and shared recipes!
[Reply]
made both today! yum!
[Reply]
Yumm! Great gift ideas! Thank you so much for posting these recipes!!
Jenn
http://www.LearnHowToMakeHolidayBows.com
[Reply]
Our local health food store sells powdered rice milk. I'm not sure how well it would work, but I'd say it's worth a shot. I'm going to try it myself. I'm sure my son would love a chance at hot chocolate. With a dairy allergy, he doesn't get many chocolate treats.
[Reply]
Thanks for posting this idea Amy – I have a cocoa recipe I LOVE and haven't made in years!! I don't think it has pudding mix in it – so I may use yours! that sound yummy!! and i LOVE the Crystal Light canister!!- perfect!!
~TidyMom
[Reply]
I made your cocoa recipe. I was unable to find 4 oz package of chocolate fudge pudding. In the Jell-O Brand I could only find 1.4 ounces or 2 ounces. Any ideas?
[Reply]
I buy the chocolate pudding mix at Aldi and it is the right size. If you are having trouble, maybe just buy two of the two ounce packages instead.
I hope you like it!!
[Reply]
Just tried this and it was fantastic! All I had was Hazelnut creamer and it was delicious. I'm hoping that during the holidays I can find a mint/chocolate pudding mix!
Thank you!!
[Reply]
I have a quick question for you..these recipes you posted….how much does it make? Enough to fill the larger mason jar you showed???
[Reply]
Niki- Yup, it filled that jar all the way to the tippy top! I hope that helps!!
[Reply]
Maybe this is a dumb question, but what is instant tea? I've never heard of this before and took a quick peek in my local grocery store and couldn't see any. I'm Canadian (and I'm assuming this blog is American) so maybe instant tea hasn't caught on here yet? I bet it'd be hard to make the chai mix without it though.
[Reply]
My husband is a big tea drinker and chai fan, so I decided to make the vanilla chai for him for Christmas. I just finished, and of course I had to try a mug before I could gift it and I'm blown away. It's so tasty! And dissolves a lot better than most store-bought mixes.
[Reply]
Quick Question.
How many servings does it make? I'm making it as a gift for a couple. Actually 4 couples so I'm going to try and find the ingrediants in bulk. I want to put a little label on them to tell them how to make it.
Heading out to Good Will right now to see if I can find some unique mason jars. Thanks for this idea!
ps. I'm pairing it with popcorn as a date-night treat.
[Reply]
I lied I have another question. Have you ever made it in bulk before? Can I make it all together and scoop it into 6 different jars or should I make it seperately?
Any creative ideas on how to include mini marshmallows?
[Reply]
Nickymo- We have a product in the US called Nestea and it is located with the regular tea. It is an instant tea that just requires water.If you Google Nestea, it should show you what it should look like and maybe there is an online resource where you could order it. I hope so- it is definitely essential for the chai!! Good luck!
Anonymous- The cocoa mix should make roughly enough for 10-12 servings. You can definitely mix it up in bulk and then divide it. For marshmallows, I have seen people add these to the tip top of a cake decorater's bag (the clear disposable kind) and then fill the rest of the way with cocoa and tie with ribbon. That would be another idea for festive packaging. I hope that helps!!
[Reply]
Valerie- I am so glad you enjoyed it. I agree, this is WAY better than the store-bought stuff and much more economical too. I hope your hubby likes it!!
[Reply]
Thanks for the great recipe. I made it today. I did not have all of the spices but I found a Chai Spice Blend (from McCormick's Gourmet collection) that I used as a substitute. I used about 3 Tbs instead of all the rest of the spices. It tastes yummy, too.
Pam
[Reply]
Pingback: The Motherload » MomAdvice Monthly Recaps: December ‘09
Love the vanilla chai tea mix that my niece just gave me for Christmas BUT- does anyone have an idea on how to cut down on or at least partially sibstitute any of the 2 1/2 cups of white sugar?
[Reply]
Amy Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Julie- You could always try substituting with an artificial sweetener like Splenda. I am not sure what ratios would work or you could try leaving the sugar out and then controlling it per glass by adding it in with your boiling water on a cup by cup basis. Let me know if you experiment with this recipe! Thanks so much!
[Reply]
Lisa Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
You can add Splenda cup for cup in place of the sugar. I use it in baking (my husband doesn’t eat sugar) and you really can’t tell the difference.
[Reply]
Just wanted to let you know I made the hot chocolate mix a couple of days ago for gifts and for home and it’s great! I even added a tablespoon or so to my morning coffee and it makes the coffee that much better! Thanks a bunch!
[Reply]
Pingback: » I’m a Lumberjack
Pingback: The Motherload » Six Easy Scarves & Cowls to Knit This Fall
Pingback: The Motherload » Baked Apple Pie Donuts
Pingback: Humble Happenings » Advent Calendar: Dec. 3
Pingback: Hot Cocoa Mix & Peppermint Marshmallows » Farewell, Office.
Hi! Great post. Question…might be obvious..each recipe makes enough for 1 jar? Meaning if I wanted to make 10 jars I’d have to do the recipe 10 times?
[Reply]
Pingback: Homemade Butterbeer Lattes | The Motherload
Pingback: Knitted Coffee Cozies | The Motherload
How many servings of hot chocolate does this make?
[Reply]
Amy Reply:
November 16th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
22-28 servings. It really depends on how much of the mix you use since you use 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup, depending on your taste buds
[Reply]
Pingback: Hot Drink Mixes: Homemade Christmas Gifts