To cope with winter, I sometimes try to pretend that it isn’t cold and wintry by preparing tropical dishes and drinks.  However, there are times when just knowing how cold it is outside gives me the goosebumps.  And on a night such as that, a cold drink is not going to work.

When my internal thermostat tells me that it’s time for a second pair of socks and a turtleneck, I let my creativity flow and make a new hot drink combination.  My main ingredient for these concoctions is coffee, as I love coffee, and caffeine typically doesn’t affect my ability to sleep.

When I created this drink I wanted to add some different flavors, and although I am not crazy about chocolate, I thought it might add a nice taste to this beverage.  I used instant cocoa mix to add creaminess without needing milk.  Sure, it added a few calories, but I would treat this coffee drink as a dessert regardless.

Served with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired, it is a “pretty” coffee drink with enough sweetness to satisfy your dessert craving and a pinch (or two) of fun for some kick!

Special Almond Chocolate Coffee

4 ounces brewed coffee

boiling water

hot cocoa mix

1 ounce almond liqueur

1 ounce vodka*

whipped cream

Make coffee according to your coffee maker’s directions.  Pour 4 ounces into a large coffee mug.  Make cocoa according to directions on package.  (HINT: I make the cocoa in a liquid measuring cup to make pouring easier and less messy.)  Add 3 ounces of hot cocoa to coffee mug.  Add almond liqueur and vodka (if desired), and stir well.  Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

*Vodka can be added to this drink for an extra kick.

Or at least I do.  I adore the colors of fall.  I enjoy the crisp smell of the air.  I love to hear the calls of the geese heading south.  However, once fall has arrived, it seems that the tips of my fingers and toes will not thaw until the spring.

So, even after a Saturday afternoon filled with shopping and dinner at a restaurant, I had a chill from the 2 second walk from car to house.  My friend also was feeling chilly, so we decided to make a warming drink to enjoy with conversation.  Unfortunately, we have different preferences for hot drinks:  I like coffee, and she likes hot chocolate.  Of course, we both wanted to add an adult twist to these beverages.

Perusing my options, I found a bottle of Irish cream liqueur.  I knew that it made an excellent coffee drink.  However, not being a cocoa drinker, I was uncertain as to the combination.  Would it be too sweet?  My friend, who doesn’t have a big sweet tooth, was willing to try a cocoa and “cream” combination.

The result?  Her cocoa and cream was a success, just like my coffee drink.  I now am ready to entertain with non-coffee drinking friends on a cold New England evening!

Hot Creamy Drinks

1-1/2 oz. Irish cream liqueur

6 oz. coffee or hot cocoa, prepared

In a coffee mug, combine liqueur and coffee or hot cocoa.  Top with whipped cream, if desired.  Serve immediately.