Warm Cocktails and Cool Nights – Perfect Combo

Yes, it’s true. There have already been episodes of snow in the upper midwest this year, and September has just begun. But that is the exception, not the rule. The average daily high temperature in much of the midwest all the way through October is 60-70 degrees, and the lows are in the 40s-50s. Back east, you’ll find highs in the 60s and lows in the upper 40s. Down south? Upper 70s for the high and low 60s for the lows. And of course, in the beautiful mountains of Arizona highs reach the 60s and lows get down into the chilly 20s, but the Valley of the Sun sports 80 degree daytime temps and 60 degree evening lows. Aahhhh… Fall Camping. It’s the best! And this, my friends, is why you may need some of these comforting warm cocktails to keep you toasty into the sunset hours of those beautiful cool fall evenings.

I’m not a cold weather person. I really don’t like the cold. It runs in the family. My sister even has this thing where her hands turn purple/blue when it’s too cold. And for her, “too cold” is about 50 degrees. My poor sister! But that doesn’t stop us from enjoying fall camping.  Warm cocktails to the rescue!

Try These Three Warm Cocktails When Camping

We certainly like our ice cold beer and white wine during the warm summer camping months. But as the days get shorter and nights get cooler, a warm, comforting and soothing hot cocktail is just what the doctor ordered (I can say that since my sister and her hubby are both doctors and we always camp with them!) You’ve already learned how to make Irish Coffee (if not, you should check out this post. It’s my number one Google searched recipe! Must be pretty good!) It’s a perfect fall camping warm cocktail! Here’s a quick camping modification – use Starbuck’s Via for the coffee (no muss, no fuss), and use a small lightweight frother (like this one) to make the whipped cream.

If coffee isn’t your thing, no worries! How about some rich, creamy, soul-warming Spiked Hot Chocolate? Now that’s what I’m talking about! As you know, my camping cooking motto is Keep it Tasty. Keep it Simple. Keep it Easy to Clean. That calls for using powdered hot chocolate for this one. Honestly, it really is just as good as making it from scratch at home, only it takes about 1/10 as long! Make sure to use a high quality gourmet powdered hot chocolate (like this one) as your base for this drink. It really makes a difference! Add a little spiced rum, perhaps a dash of vanilla extract (if you want to get really fancy), top with whipped cream and a drizzle of rich chocolate and voilá! Warm, Spiced Hot Chocolate at your fingertips – guaranteed to warm you from the inside out (just what my sister needs!)

Need a warm cocktail that’s a little less rich but with just as much punch? Check out this Hot Toddy recipe from the talented Trish at Rhubarbarians.com. It’s a wonderful whiskey and cider blend that would be a piece of cake to make at a campsite!

There you have it! Three wonderful, tasty, warm cocktails to help you enjoy the crisp, cool evenings that make fall camping so spectacular. We’re heading out for some fall camping later today; I can’t wait! I’m sure we’ll enjoy one (or two. or all three…) of these luscious libations. #GetOutside #EnjoyLife #FollowMeOnTwitter  🙂

[wpurp-searchable-recipe]Warm Cocktails and Cool Nights – Fall Camping – – Powdered Hot Chocolate Mix, Water (Per Hot Chocolate Instructions), Spiced Rum (We use Captain Morgan), whipped cream (This is easiest), Vanilla extract (Optional), Chocolate Syrup, , Make hot chocolate according to package directions. Add 1 shot (1 1/2 to 2 ounces) Spiced Rum into each mug and stir. Top with whipped cream (the canned kind is easiest when camping. Just make sure to keep it in your cooler) and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Serve hot and enjoy your evening! ; ; – – American – Camping – Camping – Drinks – Easy – No cooking – Outdoor – adult drinks – alcohol – camping – camping drinks – hot chocolate – hot cocktails – hot toddy – Irish Coffee – spiked hot chocolate – warm cocktails[/wpurp-searchable-recipe]