Orange Spice Cider, Chai Latte And Rich Mocha Jar Mixes

 
We love to make tea and cocoa year round, but when the cooler weather arrives, there is nothing like some warm cider or cocoa to take the chill off & warm the spirits.  These three mixes are super easy to make, and they keep very well too.  If you make them now for gift-giving, or personal consumption (which I highly recommend both!) they will both taste great for months if stored in a pantry or cupboard.  I have used the chai tea mix for up to a year and it tastes great.  Not that it usually lasts that long, I just got a wee bit carried away a few years ago, and made enough for a small country.
 
These mixes can go in cute plastic containers that you label, but I like to use jars this time of year, with a bit of fun Christmas fabric, burlap or twine around the top.  During the year, I pick up various sizes of mason jars and store them for gift making.  I found a box of lids and rings for the top at Kroger recently 12 in a box for less than $5, not too shabby.  I will suggest only hand washing the lids and rings, they fit and seal better in the long run.  I am so excited to use this polka-dot fabric too.  It’s a bit of vintage goodness I came across, and don’t polka-dots just make you happy?  A nice touch is a little vintage spoon, also pretty easy to find while thrifting.
 
Onto the recipes, here is how I made them, please note that each recipe calls for a few spoonfuls to a cup of warm water (most of the time 2-3 rounded teaspoonfulls is perfect!) depending on taste.  If you give these as a give it’s nice to include the instructions on a little card or tag 🙂
 
 
Orange Spice Cider Mix
I found the Orange Spice Cider Recipe on Allrecipes, and made a couple small changes.  It is so yummy and makes the whole kitchen smell like the holidays!!
In a mixing bowl, combine the following (you may want to double or triple the recipe to make a large mason jar of the mix and have a bit leftover)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup orange flavor drink mix (Tang, etc…)
  • 2/3 cup instant (no flavor or sweetener) tea mix
  • 1 t. cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. nutmeg
Chai Tea Latte Mix
I shared this recipe earlier this fall, once the first leaf falls I have to make a big batch to sip on while getting ready to decorate for fall.  Combine the following in a mixing bowl, same and previous recipe.
  • 1 c. vanilla sugar (mix one cup of sugar and one t. vanilla extract well, spread out on a plate and allow it to dry for a few hours-this stuff is awesome. Try it on oatmeal..nom nom nom)
  • 2 c. Splenda or sugar
  • 1 c. dry milk
  • 1 c. instant unsweetened tea
  • 1 c. non dairy creamer
  • 1 t. ground nutmeg
  • 1 t. allspice
  • 2 t. ground ginger
  • 2 t. cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. ground cloves
  • 1/2 t. cardamom (I really suggest using the cardamom, it’s the spice that gives Chai Tea is extra pop and is worth the expense. A little goes a long way)
 
Rich Hot Mocha Cocoa Mix
For the chocolate lovers in your life, this is a must-have.  Mix ingredients together, store in jars and make some for yourself.  Stir with a candy cane as you listen to Burl Ives and hang tinsel this year!
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cups unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 1 t. cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. nutmeg
  • 1 cup dry milk powder
  • 1 cup dry coffee creamer (unflavored)
  • 1/3 cup dry instant coffee granules (regular or decaf)
 

 
 
I hope you enjoy these as much as we have, they are so fun to serve to guests, or at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I like to keep them on hand so I always have a nice hot cup of goodness when friends are over.  Have a wonderful weekend, hugs & blessings to you
 
xoxo, Tanya
 

 

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16 Responses

  1. Maybe I didn't read thoroughly, but did you mention how to use the mixes? I assume you just mix with hot water, but how much of each do you use?
    Thanks for the recipes! I can't wait to make some!

  2. Ohhh my goodness the Rich Hot Mocha Cocoa Mix sounds delicious. I think i will try this and make some for friends at work. I'm stopping by from Bloglovin where i follow ya.

    I hope you have a great weekend.

  3. This brings back memories. My sister used to make the orange spice tea every year for her siblings at Christmas. She decorated the jar so lovely. Thanks for the smile!
    I'm your newest follower. i would LOVE for you to add this and any other of your great posts to my weekly Mom's Library Link-Up every Wednesday!

    Thanks and be blessed,
    Julie @ Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk<

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Welcome to twelveOeight! I’m Tanya and I am so glad you are here. If you are ready to start loving the home you have now, then join me on my mission. One thrifty project at a time we can make our today homes our dream homes.

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