Ellington

A mouth-watering drink recipe is the perfect excuse for a night in. With hot chocolate or spice tea to tempt your palate and keep you warm, it's easy to forgo a trip to the mall or to a fast-food joint. Not only are these drinks delicious, they can help you remain frugal this holiday season.

Whether it's a romantic evening or movie night with the kids, there's nothing better than hot chocolate to inspire the holiday spirit. This recipe is a variation on traditional hot chocolate, with cinnamon and instant coffee giving it a flavorful kick. Its lack of powdered ingredients (with the exception of the coffee) results in a richer, smoother taste than most hot-chocolate recipes.

For any holiday occasion, spice tea is the perfect drink. It satisfies those who prefer to skip rich hot chocolate and eggnog, and it's good for colds and runny noses. This recipe is simple and easy, and can be refrigerated for later use. It can also be left to simmer on the stove for a while, filling the house with fragrant spice aromas.

Hot Chocolate

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 to 6 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons instant coffee, or to taste

Over medium heat, whisk together condensed milk and cocoa in a large pot. After the cocoa dissolves, add vanilla and salt. Slowly pour in milk and whisk to combine. (You can use less milk for stronger flavor; I prefer about 5 cups.) Heat through, but do not allow the milk to boil. Once the mixture is hot, add cinnamon and instant coffee and whisk until dissolved.

Add as much or as little coffee as you like. Serve the hot chocolate with marshmallows on top, or make fresh, homemade whipped cream, which will add to the rich flavor of the chocolate.

Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar

Fresh whipped cream works best when the cream and the bowl used for whipping are extremely cold. Combine the ingredients. Using a hand mixer (or for an arm workout, a whisk) and whip until cream holds stiff peaks.

Spice Tea

4 bags black tea
4 cups hot water
1/2 cup sugar, or
to taste
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
Orange slices

Steep tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, lemon juice, cloves and cinnamon sticks, and bring to a simmer. Add more or less sugar, depending on your taste. (A half-cup achieves a medium level of sweetness.) Add several orange slices for flavor. Serve hot.