The Top 5 Hot Drinks

Winter weather is the best time for consuming hot beverages, right after being in the cold air and or snow all day. During the winter season, the temperature drops drastically and many people have a difficult time finding warmth and comfort. This is especially true after the winter holidays have passed, but the weather is still bitterly cold and dreary. Even though the winter season lasts only four months, the winter weather can linger for several months afterward, mainly in the northeastern territories. The winter storms can be very brutal, resulting in natural disasters and even fatalities. Flu season is also a large part of the winter season and can be caused by the effects of winter weather. There are certain hot drinks just for the flu, just like there are certain hot drinks just for feeling cozy.

The best hot drink for any one is preferred on the person and their acquired tastes, because each person has different preferences. There are even hot drinks that may contain alcohol for an extra warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

This hub contains a list of the top five hot drinks that are perfect for the winter season. These hot drinks can be enjoyed by any adult, and children with the exception of one of the hot drinks. The hot drinks chosen to be on this list contain health benefits and are wonderful to consume. Many people may even choose to drink these hot drinks all year around, which is what I do.

A hot toddy is one of the most popular hot drinks to enjoy during the winter weather and for the alleviation of flu symptoms. A hot toddy may or may not contain alcohol, but this particular one does. Hot toddy recipes are always simple with few ingredients that are inexpensive and easy to find. There are only four ingredients needed to make this number one hot drink:

• Hot apple juice
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice with a lemon slice
• Drambuie
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

This drink is number one because apple juice is high in vitamin C, along with the lemon. The lemon juice is very soothing for a sore throat, while the cinnamon stick is very refreshing.

This second top hot drink is very close to the first top hot drink, which contains alcohol. This hot drink is a hot caramel macchiato, which differs from a latte. The ingredients of a caramel macchiato are identical to a latte and they both consist mainly of milk, but the locations are different. The correct order to prepare a caramel macchiato is:

• Carefully drizzle caramel on sides and bottom of the cup;
• Add vanilla syrup;
• Add steamed milk;
• Add shots of espresso, which stains the milk;
• Drizzle caramel on top

The preparation of a latte consists of adding vanilla syrup, adding the shots of espresso, and then adding the milk. This flavors the espresso, instead of adding the milk first and then the espresso which flavors the milk.

This is an old tradition since childhood. Drinking steaming hot cocoa on a winter's day, after playing in the snow with friends. Cheeks become rosy and noses begin to go numb. Steaming hot cocoa is good for anytime of the year, but there is something magical about steaming hot cocoa in the winter weather. Even after the winter holidays have passed, the lingering scent of fresh steaming hot cocoa should be cherished until next year. This would be awesome as a scented candle!

There are many different types of hot tea to choose from, with many different flavors. Green, black, and chai are some examples of the different types of teas that are produced. Like coffee, tea is also a widely and highly consumed beverage, along with water. Tea is also a very diverse hot drink like coffee also. Sugar, honey, milk, and other ingredients may also be added to the tea that will increase the health benefits of the tea. Tea, no matter what kind, is high in antioxidants and other nutrients so the health benefits are there also. Hot tea is wonderful for any one feeling under the weather, has a sore throat, or even just a headache. Tea may be served hot or cold, but hot tea is best for the cold season.

Spiced apple cider is a top hot drink because it can also be mixed with caramel, eggnog, cranberries, or even red wine for different flavors, textures, and appearances. Apples are a good source of vitamin C, and so is the juice from the apple. This hot drink is usually best served during the cold winter months when the cold and the flu are going around to help achy muscles or an upset stomach. Apple cider is just like apple juice, except that it's served hot / warm instead of chilled. Apple cider is also healthy for children because of the added nutritional value .Every one should be consuming more fruit and this hot drink has amazing health benefits. Apples should be a part of every one's daily diet for a healthy digestive system.