4 seasonal vegan sips for chilly nights.
From fallen leaves to crisp, chilly mornings, it’s officially fall in YYC. Which means it’s also hot beverage season!
While I’m definitely a pumpkin spice girlie, I know it’s a polarizing pick, which is why I’ve crafted 4 seasonal sips without a single gourd in sight.
These cups of comfort are perfect for cozying up with your favourite movie, or sharing with friends by the fire.
Twilight Tonic
The perfect post-meal bevvie, this tonic is like an herbal London Fog. Featuring Earl Grey tea, digestive herbs, and lavender, it’s topped with a vanilla cold foam, rose petals, and a dusting of butterfly pea powder.
This tonic was inspired by the Floral Fog at Pachemama Soul, and on my hunt for the perfect mix of herbs, I stumbled on a container at Basha Foods.
With a little help from Google, I discovered it was a post-meal digestive blend; when combined with the rest of the ingredients, it makes for a truly relaxing and indulgent beverage. You can leave out the Earl Grey for a caffeine-free version.
Bonfire Brew
The perfect fireside libation! Maple blended with red cocoa, topped with whipped cream and a dash of smoked salt.
Inspired by chilly nights and laughter with friends, Bonfire Brew strikes that perfect middle ground between cozy comfort and indulgence. Mann’s BBQ smoked salt is perfect for this, and of the four elixirs, this is the one to spike with a shot (or two) of espresso for a true Bonfire Mocha. Red cocoa can be found at some Bulk Barn locations.
Nightfall Hot Cocoa
Wednesday would be proud. Dark, chocolatey black cocoa with a dash of hazelnut, topped with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa, and a touch of butterfly pea powder.
This beverage was inspired by the cocoa itself – a rich, deeply flavored powder I found at Bulk Barn! Apparently, it’s the same kind used in Oreos, thanks to its low acidity. Who knew?
Harvest Moon Milk
Best before bed! A dash of vanilla and turmeric blended into hot plant milk, topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of apple honee.
Soothing and cozy, Harvest Moon Milk was inspired by comfy sweaters and slow evenings. Add a pinch of loose leaf rooibos if you’re so inclined, it really deepens the flavour.
Four elixirs, four moods – which one are you feeling the most? Let me know down in the comments! Share this post with friends and plan to bring a batch of Bonfire Brew to your next outdoor hangout. Talk to you soon, YYC!
Twilight Tonic
A floral twist on a London Fog: calming, aromatic, and perfect after dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp loose leaf Earl Grey
- 2 tbsp mixed herbs blend (available at Basha Foods)
- pinch lavender buds
- ½ cup barista-style plant milk
- 1-2 shots vanilla flavoured coffee syrup (use more/less to taste)
- crushed rosebud (for garnish)
- pinch of butterfly pea powder (for garnish)
Instructions
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Combine Earl Grey, herbs blend, and lavender buds with 1 cup near boiled water, and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain into a large mug.
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In a separate jar, combine barista-style plant milk and vanilla syrup, and froth using a milk frother. You can also seal them in a jar and shake for a minute or two for a similar result.
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Pour vanilla cold foam onto hot tea, and top with optional crushed rosebud and a dusting of butterfly pea powder. Serve immediately.
Bonfire Brew
Sweet heat for sweater weather; maple, cocoa, and a hint of smoke.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp red (or regular) cocoa powder
- 1-2 shots maple flavoured coffee syrup (use more/less to taste)
- 1 ½ cups barista-style plant milk
- coconut whipped cream
- pinch of smoked salt
- dusting of cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
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Heat barista-style milk to hot, but just before boiling.
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Combine with red cocoa and maple flavoured shot in a large mug, and use a milk frother to blend well. If desired, add a shot of espresso.
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Top with coconut whipped cream, a pinch of smoked salt, and a dusting of red cocoa powder. Drink immediately.
Nightfall Hot Cocoa
Dark, decadent, and just a little dramatic; a gothic take on classic cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp black (or regular) cocoa powder
- 1-2 shots hazelnut flavoured coffee syrup (use more/less to taste)
- 1⅓ cups barista style plant milk
- coconut whipped cream (for garnish)
- pinch of black cocoa powder (for garnish)
- pinch of butterfly pea powder (for garnish)
Instructions
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Combine black cocoa, flavour syrup and heated plant milk, and blend with a milk frother to combine well. Pour into a large mug.
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Top with coconut whipped cream, and add optional dustings of cocoa and butterfly pea powder for garnish. Serve immediately.
Harvest Moon Milk
Golden, caffeine-free comfort with cozy cinnamon and a hint of honee
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried (or 1/2 tsp fresh grated turmeric)
- 1-2 shots vanilla flavoured coffee syrup
- 1 ½ cup barista-style plant milk
- dusting of cinnamon (for garnish)
- drizzle of apple or dandelion honee (for garnish)
Instructions
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Combine turmeric, vanilla flavoured syrup, and plant-milk in a large mug, and use a milk frother to combine well.
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Top with a dusting of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honee.
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