Hot Drink Mixes:
Bulk & Single Drink Mixes To Make:
A good way to carry drink mixes that you make at home is in snack size bags. Mark on the bag how much water per bag.
In Your Face Morning Mochas:
In a large bowl at home mix together:
1 1/4 cups instant milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 to 4 Tbsp instant espresso powder
1 tsp cornstarch
pinch of salt
Bag in 1/2 cup portions. This will make about 6 servings. 2 Tbsp of espresso powder will provide a sweet mocha flavor, 4 Tbsp will give you the "bite" of a double shot.
To prepare:
Put one bags worth into your mug. Add 1 cup boiling water slowly to the mix, stirring well. Sip away and wake up!
Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa:
Notes: If you use Nido® or similar high fat dry milk, store the mix in your refrigerator till trip time.
Sugar Free Spicy Cocoa Mix:
Winter Cocoa:
Mocha Coffee Mix:
Rich Trail Cocoa:
Russian Tea:
Milk & Tea:
Easy Mocha Coffee:
Our book Freezer Bag cooking: Trail Food Made Simple contains many more drink recipes.
Return To Top.
A good way to carry drink mixes that you make at home is in snack size bags. Mark on the bag how much water per bag.
In Your Face Morning Mochas:
In a large bowl at home mix together:
1 1/4 cups instant milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 to 4 Tbsp instant espresso powder
1 tsp cornstarch
pinch of salt
Bag in 1/2 cup portions. This will make about 6 servings. 2 Tbsp of espresso powder will provide a sweet mocha flavor, 4 Tbsp will give you the "bite" of a double shot.
To prepare:
Put one bags worth into your mug. Add 1 cup boiling water slowly to the mix, stirring well. Sip away and wake up!
Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa:
Mix together in a bowl at home:
1 cup sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup dry milk
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
Split into individual servings of 1/3 cup and store in snack bags.
To make:
Add 1 cup of water to a bag, in your mug. Stir until peanut butter chips have melted and mixture is smooth.
Approximately12 servings.
1 cup sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup dry milk
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
Split into individual servings of 1/3 cup and store in snack bags.
To make:
Add 1 cup of water to a bag, in your mug. Stir until peanut butter chips have melted and mixture is smooth.
Approximately12 servings.
Notes: If you use Nido® or similar high fat dry milk, store the mix in your refrigerator till trip time.
Sugar Free Spicy Cocoa Mix:
Mix together in a bowl at home:
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup low-fat powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
10 packets sugar substitute
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Divide into 8 servings of 1/3 cup mix each, and store in snack size bags.
In your mug add 3/4 cup boiling water to a bag of cocoa mix. Stir well to dissolve.
Makes 8 servings total. A nice way for diabetics and those who like faux sugar to make their own cocoa mix up quickly at home.
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup low-fat powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
10 packets sugar substitute
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Divide into 8 servings of 1/3 cup mix each, and store in snack size bags.
In your mug add 3/4 cup boiling water to a bag of cocoa mix. Stir well to dissolve.
Makes 8 servings total. A nice way for diabetics and those who like faux sugar to make their own cocoa mix up quickly at home.
Winter Cocoa:
At home mix together:
1 4 serving box of instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups dry milk
Split into 6 servings. Each serving takes 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well and enjoy! You can use sugar free pudding mix if desired, to cut pack weight. Whole fat dry milk (Nido®) works well here. If you use whole fat milk, store your mix in the refrigerator till leaving.
Serves 6.
1 4 serving box of instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups dry milk
Split into 6 servings. Each serving takes 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well and enjoy! You can use sugar free pudding mix if desired, to cut pack weight. Whole fat dry milk (Nido®) works well here. If you use whole fat milk, store your mix in the refrigerator till leaving.
Serves 6.
Mocha Coffee Mix:
At mix together:
1 1/4 cups instant coffee granules
7 cups dry milk powder
5 3/4 cups powdered chocolate drink mix
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
Store in an airtight container.
Add 1/4 cup mix to 1 cup boiling water and stir well.
Makes 64 servings.
1 1/4 cups instant coffee granules
7 cups dry milk powder
5 3/4 cups powdered chocolate drink mix
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
Store in an airtight container.
Add 1/4 cup mix to 1 cup boiling water and stir well.
Makes 64 servings.
Rich Trail Cocoa:
At home mix together:
1 lb instant cocoa mix
6 ounces nondairy creamer
8 quarts (11 cups) instant dry milk
2/3 cup brown sugar
Store in an airtight container.
Add 1/3 cup mix to 1 cup hot water. Stir well.
1 lb instant cocoa mix
6 ounces nondairy creamer
8 quarts (11 cups) instant dry milk
2/3 cup brown sugar
Store in an airtight container.
Add 1/3 cup mix to 1 cup hot water. Stir well.
Russian Tea:
At home mix:
2 cups instant orange flavored drink mix (with sugar)
2 cups sweetened instant tea mix
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cloves (if you like)
Add 2 Tbsp mix to every cup of boiling water in your cup. Stir well.
Makes about 32 servings.
2 cups instant orange flavored drink mix (with sugar)
2 cups sweetened instant tea mix
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cloves (if you like)
Add 2 Tbsp mix to every cup of boiling water in your cup. Stir well.
Makes about 32 servings.
Milk & Tea:
At home mix:
2 cups instant milk
2 Tbsp instant ice tea mix (sweetened, with lemon)
1/3 cup sugar
Add 3 generous Tbsp per cup of boiling water in your cup. Stir well.
Makes about 12 servings.
2 cups instant milk
2 Tbsp instant ice tea mix (sweetened, with lemon)
1/3 cup sugar
Add 3 generous Tbsp per cup of boiling water in your cup. Stir well.
Makes about 12 servings.
Easy Mocha Coffee:
1 packet cocoa mix of choice
1 packet of Folger's® or other brand singles coffee
Brew coffee, stir in cocoa packet.
Serves 1.
1 packet of Folger's® or other brand singles coffee
Brew coffee, stir in cocoa packet.
Serves 1.
Our book Freezer Bag cooking: Trail Food Made Simple contains many more drink recipes.
Return To Top.
Hot Teas:
Notes:
In the tea recipes where you are using loose herbs and or tea, I call for using cheesecloth or tea bags. This eliminates having to strain your tea before drinking. You can find in many natural food stores or online empty tea bags that you can fill yourself. Some are disposable; others are made of muslin fabric that you can reuse by rinsing out after use.
You can also make your own tea bags economically by buying a box of unbleached coffee filters (the cone style, smallest size). Cut them down to size, fill up the bags, and use a sewing machine to seal the bag.
Lavender Tea:
Herbal Green Tea:
Simple Chai Tea:
Hibiscus Tea:
Flowery Herbal Tea:
Sage Tea:
Spiced tea:
Ginger tea:
Mint Tea:
Rose Tea:
Vibrant Mornings:
Enchanted Valley Tea:
Return To Top.
In the tea recipes where you are using loose herbs and or tea, I call for using cheesecloth or tea bags. This eliminates having to strain your tea before drinking. You can find in many natural food stores or online empty tea bags that you can fill yourself. Some are disposable; others are made of muslin fabric that you can reuse by rinsing out after use.
You can also make your own tea bags economically by buying a box of unbleached coffee filters (the cone style, smallest size). Cut them down to size, fill up the bags, and use a sewing machine to seal the bag.
Lavender Tea:
1 tsp dried lavender flowers
2 tsp dried mint leaves
Honey or sugar to taste
Pour boiling water over the herbs; let steep for 5 minutes. (Amount of water is up to your cup/mug size, 8-12 ounces) Strain, if desired, and serve hot. Sweeten to taste.
Serves 1.
Notes:
This can also be made as iced tea, double the herbs and let steep in 1 quart of water.
2 tsp dried mint leaves
Honey or sugar to taste
Pour boiling water over the herbs; let steep for 5 minutes. (Amount of water is up to your cup/mug size, 8-12 ounces) Strain, if desired, and serve hot. Sweeten to taste.
Serves 1.
Notes:
This can also be made as iced tea, double the herbs and let steep in 1 quart of water.
Herbal Green Tea:
1 tsp loose green tea leaves
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Put all ingredients in a tea bag or cheesecloth and steep in just below boiling water for 5-7 minutes. (8-12 ounces)
Sweeten with honey if desired, to taste.
Serves 1.
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Put all ingredients in a tea bag or cheesecloth and steep in just below boiling water for 5-7 minutes. (8-12 ounces)
Sweeten with honey if desired, to taste.
Serves 1.
Simple Chai Tea:
1 Chai tea bag
1-2 Tbsp instant dry milk
Honey to taste
Pour boiling water over the tea bag and let steep till ready. Add in milk powder to taste. Stir in honey to taste.
Serves 1.
1-2 Tbsp instant dry milk
Honey to taste
Pour boiling water over the tea bag and let steep till ready. Add in milk powder to taste. Stir in honey to taste.
Serves 1.
Hibiscus Tea:
2-5 dried hibiscus flowers (find in ethnic stores)
Sugar or honey to taste, if desired.
Place blossoms in cup, cover with boiling water. Let steep till cool enough to drink. Sweeten if desired.
Serves 1.
Notes:
This tea works well with dried instant milk added to it, producing a smooth tea, which is perfect for a nighttime drink.
Sugar or honey to taste, if desired.
Place blossoms in cup, cover with boiling water. Let steep till cool enough to drink. Sweeten if desired.
Serves 1.
Notes:
This tea works well with dried instant milk added to it, producing a smooth tea, which is perfect for a nighttime drink.
Flowery Herbal Tea:
At home mix up:
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup roughly cut dried peppermint
1/4 cup dried summer savory
1/4 cup dried sweet marjoram
1/4 cup dried whole calendula flowers
Use 1 tsp per 8-12 ounce cup. Pour boiling water over the herbs, steep 3-5 minutes. Herbs can be put into tea bags or cheesecloth.
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup roughly cut dried peppermint
1/4 cup dried summer savory
1/4 cup dried sweet marjoram
1/4 cup dried whole calendula flowers
Use 1 tsp per 8-12 ounce cup. Pour boiling water over the herbs, steep 3-5 minutes. Herbs can be put into tea bags or cheesecloth.
Sage Tea:
1 teaspoon dried whole leaf sage
1 packet True Lemon
1 packet Honey
Bring water to a boil. Pour over sage. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Add lemon and honey.
Serves 1.
1 packet True Lemon
1 packet Honey
Bring water to a boil. Pour over sage. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Add lemon and honey.
Serves 1.
Spiced tea:
At home combine:
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp mace
Store in a small bag.
Add 1/2 tsp or to taste to any cup of black or green tea when steeping.
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp mace
Store in a small bag.
Add 1/2 tsp or to taste to any cup of black or green tea when steeping.
Ginger tea:
1 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp honey
Boil 1 cup water, pour over ginger and honey.
Steep for 5 minutes. Sip slowly. This is an excellent tea if you have exerted yourself and are feeling nauseasated or are feeling run down on the trail.
Serves 1.
1 tsp honey
Boil 1 cup water, pour over ginger and honey.
Steep for 5 minutes. Sip slowly. This is an excellent tea if you have exerted yourself and are feeling nauseasated or are feeling run down on the trail.
Serves 1.
Mint Tea:
Put into cheesecloth or a tea bag:
1 tsp dried mint
1 tsp green tea
Also take:
1 packet sugar or honey, if desired.
Pour just below boiling water over the tea and let steep till desired. Sweeten to taste.
Serves 1.
1 tsp dried mint
1 tsp green tea
Also take:
1 packet sugar or honey, if desired.
Pour just below boiling water over the tea and let steep till desired. Sweeten to taste.
Serves 1.
Rose Tea:
1 tablespoon dried red rose petals
Also take:
1 packet honey
1 packet True lemon
Pour boiling water over the petals; add in the lemon and honey.
Serves 1.
Notes: You can dry rose petals quite easily in season; make sure they come from bushes not sprayed with chemicals!
Also take:
1 packet honey
1 packet True lemon
Pour boiling water over the petals; add in the lemon and honey.
Serves 1.
Notes: You can dry rose petals quite easily in season; make sure they come from bushes not sprayed with chemicals!
Vibrant Mornings:
1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup dried mint
1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves
1/4 cup dried chamomile
1/4 cup dried cloves
Combine all the ingredients and store in a sealed bag.
Use 1 tsp of the mix per 6 oz. of boiling water, using cheesecloth or a tea bag. Let steep for 5 minutes. Sweeten to taste.
1/2 cup dried mint
1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves
1/4 cup dried chamomile
1/4 cup dried cloves
Combine all the ingredients and store in a sealed bag.
Use 1 tsp of the mix per 6 oz. of boiling water, using cheesecloth or a tea bag. Let steep for 5 minutes. Sweeten to taste.
Enchanted Valley Tea:
1 tsp dried lavender flowers
1 tsp dried chamomile
1 tsp green tea leaves
Combine in cheesecloth or tea bag.
Cover with just below boiling water, and steep for 5 minutes.
Sweeten if desired.
1 tsp dried chamomile
1 tsp green tea leaves
Combine in cheesecloth or tea bag.
Cover with just below boiling water, and steep for 5 minutes.
Sweeten if desired.
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Cold Drink Mixes & Electrolyte Mixes:
Cold Teas & Lemonade:
For the tea recipes, feel free to use whatever tea you like, be it black, green, white or the many herbal varieties of "tea".
If you have time in the morning you can brew up any tea mixture (herbal or otherwise), and let it steep in a quart bottle that is heat safe (Nalgene bottles). When done steeping, cool the bottle off in a stream or lake. This can also be done in the evening, and allow it to chill overnight.
In the tea recipes where you are using loose herbs and or tea, I call for using cheesecloth or tea bags. This eliminates having to strain your tea before drinking. You can find in many natural food stores or online empty tea bags that you can fill yourself. Some are disposable; others are made of muslin fabric that you can reuse by rinsing out after use.
You can also make your own tea bags economically by buying a box of unbleached coffee filters (the cone style, smallest size). Cut them down to size, fill up the bags, and use a sewing machine to seal the bag.
For a great tea steeper that we carry in our store which fits into most Lexan® water bottles, check out the GSI H2J0!.
Maple Lemonade:
In a quart water bottle put:
8 packets True Lemon
3 Tbsp real maple syrup (carry in a leak proof container)
Shake gently to combine. Add 1 quart cold filtered water. Put on cap tightly and shake for a minute.
Makes 1 quart.
8 packets True Lemon
3 Tbsp real maple syrup (carry in a leak proof container)
Shake gently to combine. Add 1 quart cold filtered water. Put on cap tightly and shake for a minute.
Makes 1 quart.
Maple Sugar Lemonade:
In a quart water bottle put:
8 packets True Lemon
3 Tbsp maple sugar
Add 1 quart cold filtered water. Put on cap tightly and shake till sugar dissolves.
Makes 1 quart.
8 packets True Lemon
3 Tbsp maple sugar
Add 1 quart cold filtered water. Put on cap tightly and shake till sugar dissolves.
Makes 1 quart.
The above lemonade recipes are easy to make and tastes great on the trail. It has pucker and isn't overly sweet. Maple syrup blends into cold water easily as well. While I use True Lemon® powder, you can use a real lemon as well - you will about 1/4 cup lemon juice. The first uses liquid maple syrup, the second uses maple sugar - perfect for those not wanting to carry liquids.
Trail Lemonade:
Take with you:
2 packets honey
6 packets lemon juice (2 Tbsp)
2 packets honey
6 packets lemon juice (2 Tbsp)
In camp blend the honey and lemon juice together. Slowly blend in 1 cup water-in summer if you have clean snow, add a bit for icy cold lemonade. In winter, use hot water for hot lemon toddy.
Trail Lemonade:2 Tbsp lemon juice (1 small lemon)
2 tsp honey (packets work well)
Combine the lemon juice and honey. Stir 1 cup cold water into it slowly.
Serves 1. Also works well as a hot lemon toddy using hot water.
2 tsp honey (packets work well)
Combine the lemon juice and honey. Stir 1 cup cold water into it slowly.
Serves 1. Also works well as a hot lemon toddy using hot water.
Tea Lemonade:
After brewing a quart of tea add:
4 Tbsp lemon juice (1 large lemon)
2 Tbsp honey
And shake well.
4 Tbsp lemon juice (1 large lemon)
2 Tbsp honey
And shake well.
Sun Tea:
In the morning, take a quart bottle. Put in 2-4 herbal
tea packets of choice, fill with water. Let sit in a warm spot if in camp, or
in a mesh pocket on your backpack. By evening the tea will be ready. Sweeten and
add lemon juice to taste if desired. If desired, chill in a stream when you get
to camp.
Herbal Sun Tea:
2 tsp lavender
2 tsp peppermint extract
2 tsp rose extract
2 tsp lemon balm
In the morning, place herbs in a water bottle. Add 4 cups cold water and cap tightly.
Set out in the sun in a nice warm spot, and let steep for the entire day. (This means your mesh pocket on your backpack!) When you reach camp, strain and serve.
2 tsp peppermint extract
2 tsp rose extract
2 tsp lemon balm
In the morning, place herbs in a water bottle. Add 4 cups cold water and cap tightly.
Set out in the sun in a nice warm spot, and let steep for the entire day. (This means your mesh pocket on your backpack!) When you reach camp, strain and serve.
Sport & Electrolyte Drink Mixes:
Sport Drink:
10 tbs. sugar (5/8 cups or 120 grams)
3/4 tsp Morton® Lite salt (4.2 grams)
1 package of unsweetened Koolaid® or similar
Water to make 2 liters
The recipe will give a
total of 124 grams of solute which in 2 liters water gives a total of
6.2% concentration. For an 8 oz serving this gives:
14.2 grams carbohydrate (6%)
53 calories
103 mg Sodium
121 mg Potassium
You'll notice that the
amount of potassium is quite a bit higher than Gatorade®, but the rest
is pretty close. If you wanted to reduce the potassium, another option
would be to use 1/2 tsp. each of regular salt and the Morton® Lite Salt.
This would change it to:
104mg sodium
40mg potassium
Adult Beverages:
Cold Adult Beverages:
Trail Margaritas:
Tang in my Navel:
Hot Adult Drinks:
Trail Toddy:
Vodka Sunrise:
S’mores Cocktail:
Thanks to Catzia for the above recipes.
Trail Margaritas:
In a sandwich bag put:
1/2 cup favorite drink mix with sugar in it.
Also take liquor listed below and one lime to squeeze (or carry two lemon juice packets).
In camp take a 1 quart wide mouth quart bottle and put in 16 ounces cold water. Add drink mix and shake well to mix. Add FRESH CLEAN snow to fill bottle, and shake away. Pour in 3 ounces tequila or 2 ounces tequila and 1 ounce Grand Mariner. Shake to mix. Squeeze in lime juice and shake again.
Serves two!
Note: Can be made as an all age slushy by leaving out the alcohol and lime juice.
1/2 cup favorite drink mix with sugar in it.
Also take liquor listed below and one lime to squeeze (or carry two lemon juice packets).
In camp take a 1 quart wide mouth quart bottle and put in 16 ounces cold water. Add drink mix and shake well to mix. Add FRESH CLEAN snow to fill bottle, and shake away. Pour in 3 ounces tequila or 2 ounces tequila and 1 ounce Grand Mariner. Shake to mix. Squeeze in lime juice and shake again.
Serves two!
Note: Can be made as an all age slushy by leaving out the alcohol and lime juice.
Tang in my Navel:
Generous 1 oz Peach Schnapps®
3 tsp Tang®
1 cup cold water
Mix and serve. Can also be made with hot water.
Serves 1.
3 tsp Tang®
1 cup cold water
Mix and serve. Can also be made with hot water.
Serves 1.
Hot Adult Drinks:
Trail Toddy:
1 packet apple cider mix
1.5 oz apple schnapps®
1.0 oz brandy (You can combine the alcohols and carry in a tightly sealed container)
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2-1 tsp ground) (use a small stick, they can be dried and reused, carry in a snack bag)
1 packet honey
Put the cider mix in your mug, add the alcohol and honey. Add 1 cup hot water; stir to mix with the cinnamon stick.
Serves 1.
1.5 oz apple schnapps®
1.0 oz brandy (You can combine the alcohols and carry in a tightly sealed container)
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2-1 tsp ground) (use a small stick, they can be dried and reused, carry in a snack bag)
1 packet honey
Put the cider mix in your mug, add the alcohol and honey. Add 1 cup hot water; stir to mix with the cinnamon stick.
Serves 1.
Vodka Sunrise:
1-2 oz vodka (vanilla, tangerine, or plain)
3 tsp Tang®
1 cup cold water
Mix, add a splash of grenadine & serve.
Serves 1.
3 tsp Tang®
1 cup cold water
Mix, add a splash of grenadine & serve.
Serves 1.
S’mores Cocktail:
1 Tbsp carob powder
3 Tbsp powdered milk (soy, rice, cow)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 oz chocolate liqueur, Kahlua® or amaretto
1 cup hot water
Dollop of Fluff (or mini marshmallows)
Note: A packet of hot cocoa mix can be substituted for carob and milk powder.
Serves 1.
3 Tbsp powdered milk (soy, rice, cow)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 oz chocolate liqueur, Kahlua® or amaretto
1 cup hot water
Dollop of Fluff (or mini marshmallows)
Note: A packet of hot cocoa mix can be substituted for carob and milk powder.
Serves 1.
Thanks to Catzia for the above recipes.
Ideas for easy coffee & tea making:
There are as many ways to make coffee on the trail as well, as there are backpackers arguing about how to do it. Over the years I have found that lazy methods work fine. I am a coffee and tea snob, having been a barista for many years, but somehow I really don't care that I am drinking instant coffee when I am waking up to a vista of Mt. Rainier. It doesn't seem to matter, it wakes me up, and that mountain seems more important! I know anyways that there will be a Starbucks on the way home.......
From a recent issue of Washington Trails, an article looking at the many ways to have a cup of coffee on the trail.
From a recent issue of Washington Trails, an article looking at the many ways to have a cup of coffee on the trail.
- Make your own, all you need to do is grind your coffee at home and carry in a ziploc bag. Very low-tech, but this is a time tested method.
- There is a whole world of bulky and heavy coffee and tea accessories out there. Some can be nice. But unless you are severely addicted, a die hard snob or like humping a pack full of gear that rivals a used pan and pot peddler, convience products do have a place ;)
- One Fresh Cup® Pretty good, and it is NOT instant! Does add pack out weight though.
- Mini Mint® They work great for coffee or tea, and you can bring what you like! They do add pack out weight though.
