Hot Beverage Mixes from Your Kitchen for Holiday Gifts

Homemade drink mixes are a great, affordable holiday gift idea. These homemade hot beverage mixes are easy to make and will certainly be enjoyed by everyone who receives them.

Homemade gifts like these are perfect for co-workers, your children's teachers, and others who help you out throughout the year. They're also terrific hostess gifts. Nothing sends a message of holiday cheer and good wishes better than a homemade gift from your kitchen!

Instant Orange Spiced Tea

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Tang instant beverage mix
• 1 1/3 cups instant tea mix (unsweetened)
• 4 cups sugar or Splenda
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Attach to Gift:

To enjoy a great cup of orange spiced tea, add two heaping teaspoons of mixture to a cup of boiling water. Depending on the your preferences, as well as those of the gift recipient, you may want to include a note that this concoction makes an excellent hot toddy with the addition of bourbon, dark rum, or spiced rum.

Instant Mocha Mix

Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered chocolate milk mix
• 1 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 1/2 cups instant coffee
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup sugar or Splenda

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.

Attach to Gift:

To enjoy a warm, soothing cup of mocha, add two - three heaping teaspoons of mixture to a mug of boiling water. If appropriate, you may also want to add a notation that this makes an excellent hot after-dinner cocktail with a splash of Bailey's Irish cream stirred in.

Instant Hot Chocolate Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 can of powdered instant chocolate milk mix (6 ounces)
• 1 box of powdered, non-fat dry milk mix (8 quarts)
• 1 container of powdered, non-dairy coffee creamer
• 1 cup of confectioner's sugar

Directions:

Mix everything ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.

Attach to Gift:

To enjoy a rich, hot mug full of hot cocoa, stir 4 tablespoons of mix into one cup of boiling water. Stir until mix is dissolved and enjoy. Top with miniature marshmallows or garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Gift Giving Guidance

When ready for gift giving, divide your mixes into individual airtight containers and attach instructions. You can purchase tiny food storage containers, use small glass jars, or even a plastic storage bag that has a good seal. It's a great idea to give a nice tea cup or mug along with this homemade goodie!

When you're preparing these goodies, it's advisable to make a few extras. That way, you'll have something ready if a neighbor or old friend shows up on your front porch with an unexpected holiday gift for you. If you end up with extras after the holidays, you'll just have to prepare the homemade drinks for you and your family!