As a new semester starts at Syracuse University, every student is united by a local tradition: snow squalls at 35 mph winds. It’s hard enough that we’re going to classes in this weather, but poor college students can’t really afford a huge heating bill. To warm up the bones and make everyone forget about the white stuff flying outside your duct tape-lined windows, here are some cold-weather drink recipes.

 

1) Hot Peppermint Patty: The childhood classic of hot chocolate grows up with some peppermint schnapps.

 

Ingredients

-1 package of prepared hot chocolate mix, or use the following hot chocolate recipe

-1 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps

 

Directions

-Prepare the hot chocolate in whichever way is convenient. Stir in peppermint schnapps. If desired, top with regular or alcoholic whipped cream

 

Homemade Hot Chocolate:

Ingredients

-1 tablespoon powdered cocoa

-1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

-2 tablespoons water

-1 cup milk

-Splash of vanilla extract

 

Directions

Combine cocoa, sugar and water in a small saucepan and put on medium-low heat. Stir until the mix forms a paste, then add the milk and vanilla. Heat until the hot chocolate reaches a desired temperature.

 

2) Hot Apple Toddy: A classic before-bedtime drink with an apple flavor and some extra spice.

 

Ingredients

-1 cup apple cider

-1 teaspoon sugar

-1 ounce whiskey or apple brandy

-5 cloves or 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

-1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

 

Directions

-Heat apple cider in a small saucepan or microwave-safe mug. After heating up, stir in sugar until it dissolves. Add whiskey, cloves and cinnamon, and stir.

 

3) Atomic Fireball: It may not have any hot elements in it, but this drink will pack a punch with the addition of an untraditional ingredient —hot sauce.

 

Ingredients

-1/2 ounce white or clear rum

-1/2 ounce cinnamon schnapps

-Dash of hot sauce

 

Directions

-Combine all ingredients in a shot glass and drink.

 

—Compiled by Sara Tracey, asst. copy editor, smtracey@syr.edu

Published on January 18, 2011 at 12:00 pm