Hot Drinks Recipe

Boil water

Bring 300 ml of water to a near-boil (about 95°C / 200°F). If you have a thermometer, remove from heat just before boiling; otherwise bring to a rolling simmer and let stand 30 seconds.

Brew

Place 2 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee into a French press, drip cone with filter, or coffee maker. Pour the hot water evenly over the grounds, saturating them. If using a French press, stir gently, cover with lid (plunger up) and steep for 4 minutes. If using a drip cone or filter, allow the water to pass through fully.

Serve

Press the French press plunger down slowly. Pour the brewed coffee into a cup. Add sugar and/or 30 ml milk or cream if desired, stir, and serve hot.

Heat water

Bring 250 ml fresh water to a near-boil (about 95°C / 200°F). For delicate green/white tea (if substituted), use lower temperature (75–85°C).

Steep

Place 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea into an infuser or use 1 tea bag in a cup. Pour the hot water over the tea and steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for lighter, 5 minutes for stronger black tea).

Finish

Remove the tea bag or infuser. Sweeten with 1 tsp honey or sugar to taste, add a slice of lemon or 30 ml milk if desired. Stir and serve immediately.

Combine dry ingredients

In a small bowl or directly in a small saucepan, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (and a pinch of salt if using) to break up lumps.

Heat milk and mix

Pour 300 ml whole milk into the saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Warm the milk until small bubbles form at the edges and it is steaming — do not boil. Whisk in the cocoa-sugar mixture continuously until fully dissolved and the drink is smooth and heated through (about 3–5 minutes). If using vanilla, add 1/4 tsp now and stir.

Serve

Taste and adjust sweetness. Pour into a mug and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. Serve hot.