How to Make Instant Cappuccino and Flavored Hot Drink Mixes for the Holidays

Making your own instant cappuccino and flavored coffee mixes is quick and easy and is far less expensive than purchasing brand name mixtures like International Coffee or flavored Coffee Creamers.

The following recipes are written with the brand name of the ingredient. You, of course, may chose to substitute any of these ingredients with another brand name, or a generic version.

Don't be fooled into thinking that once it is all mixed together no one will know that you used generic products. Although using a generic product or two may produce a satisfactory mix, it is doubtful that using all generic ingredients will.

From my own experience, substituting the creamer with a generic brand does little to alter the taste; however, use caution when substituting a generic coffee or cocoa, as the generic form may be bitter. A good instant coffee, like Folgers, and a good cocoa, like Hershey's, will make a nice base for your mixes.

Instant Cappuccino Mix

1 cup Nestles Chocolate Milk mix
3/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup instant coffee (Folgers)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup sugar

Mix all ingredients and store in a decorative jar or tin. Add 3 - 4 tablespoons of mix to one cup of hot water.

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer Mix

4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp allspice (optional)
1 cup non-dairy creamer

Combine all and use 1-2 tsp per mug of hot

Creamy Mocha Coffee Creamer

1 cup dry non-dairy creamer
1 cup Nestle Chocolate Milk Mix
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients and store in a decorative jar or container. To serve, add 1- 2 tablespoons to a mug of hot water.

Orange Coffee Creamer

3/4 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk
1/2 tsp dried orange peel

Mix all ingredients and store in a decorative jar or container. To serve, add 1- 2 tablespoons to a mug of hot water.

Instant French Vanilla Coffee Mix

1/3 cup instant coffee (Folgers)
1 cup instant dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered coffee creamer
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix

Mix all ingredients and store in a decorative jar or container. To serve, add 1- 2 tablespoons to a mug of hot water. To serve use 3 to 4 Tablespoons in large mug of hot water.

French Vanilla Variation

3/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup instant coffee (Folgers)
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Mix first 3 ingredients and blend with a food processor until powdered. Transfer mixture to a glass jar. Add vanilla bean. Cover tightly, and store at least 5 days. Remove vanilla bean before serving. Use 1 tablespoon coffee mixture to ¾ cup of hot water.

Spiced Tea

2 cups Tang drink mix
1 cup instant iced tea mix (Lipton's)
2 cups sugar
1 package powdered lemonade mix
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp cloves

Thoroughly mix all ingredients and store in a glass container. To serve, mix 2/3 tablespoon with one cup of hot water.

Hot Chocolate Mix

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Hershey's cocoa
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

In large mixing bowl combine all ingredients; blend well. Store in glass jar. To serve, combine 1/4 cup mix and 3/4 cup boiling water in cup or mug; stir to blend. Add marshmallows to hot cocoa, if desired.

Raspberry Spiced Tea Mix

2 cups powdered orange breakfast drink (Tang)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup instant tea
1 cup lemonade drink mix
1 box lemon Jell-O (small)
1 box raspberry Jell-O (small)
2 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix all and store in airtight container. Mix 2-3 Tbsp mix to one cup hot water.

Variations: Substitute any fruited Jell-O for the Raspberry Jell-O. Cranberry, Black Cherry, and Strawberry work well.

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 cup coffee creamer
3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa
3 candy canes -- crushed

Blend crushed candy canes with the other ingredients in a food processor until powdered. Store in a glass jar. Mix 1-2 tablespoons to 3/4 cup hot water. Add a candy cane as a stirrer.

By making up a batch of your favorite drink now, it will be ready for you when you sit down for a much needed break during the holidays. A decorative jar and a bright ribbon creates an instant gift for those who drop by during the holidays. Try these quick and inexpensive cappuccino and coffee mixes to add a little joy to your holidays.