Cozy Up With These Hot Fall Beverages With A Greek Twist

  • by XpatAthens
  • Friday, 15 November 2024
Cozy Up With These Hot Fall Beverages With A Greek Twist
As the weather cools and leaves turn golden, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm drink. But why settle for the usual when you can add a Mediterranean flair to your fall sips? Here’s a roundup of hot beverages inspired by Greek flavors and traditions, perfect for the season.




1. Greek-Inspired Spiced Apple Cider

Traditional apple cider gets an upgrade with the addition of Greek spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, commonly found in Greek desserts like melomakarona. Add a splash of Metaxa (a Greek amber spirit) for a grown-up treat.

Ingredients:
  • 1 liter apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • Optional: 30ml Metaxa
Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Strain the spices and serve hot.
2. Greek Mountain Tea Latte

Greek mountain tea, made from the sideritis plant, is a soothing herbal infusion with earthy and floral notes. Transform it into a latte by adding frothed milk and a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients:
  • 2 teaspoons dried Greek mountain tea
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup frothed milk
  • Honey, to taste
Instructions:
  1. Steep the tea in boiling water for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Strain, add frothed milk, and sweeten with honey.
3. Loukoumades Hot Chocolate

Inspired by Greece's famous honey-soaked doughnuts, this rich hot chocolate features cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
  1. Heat the milk in a saucepan, then whisk in cocoa, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
  2. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent finish.
4. Ouzo-Infused Chai Tea

Give your chai tea a Mediterranean twist with a dash of ouzo, the iconic Greek anise-flavored liqueur. The licorice notes pair beautifully with chai’s spiced profile.

Ingredients:
  • 1 chai tea bag
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon ouzo
  • Milk and sugar, to taste
Instructions:
  1. Brew the chai tea and add a splash of ouzo.
  2. Stir in milk and sugar if desired.
5. Baklava Coffee

Turn your morning coffee into a dessert-inspired delight by incorporating the flavors of baklava. Add a hint of cinnamon, a touch of vanilla, and sweeten with a bit of honey. Top it off with crushed walnuts for the full effect.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Crushed walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Stir the cinnamon, vanilla, and honey into the coffee.
  2. Garnish with crushed walnuts.
6. Warm Mastiha Milk

Mastiha, a resin from the island of Chios, adds a subtle pine and citrus flavor to this warm milk drink. It’s calming and aromatic—perfect for unwinding.
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon mastiha powder (or a small piece of mastiha resin, ground)
  • Honey, to taste
Instructions:
  1. Heat the milk with mastiha until warm and fragrant.
  2. Sweeten with honey and enjoy.
These hot fall beverages with a Greek twist are guaranteed to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to even the chilliest autumn days. So grab your favorite mug, and enjoy a taste of Greece this season!

Which one will you try first?

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