Hug in a Mug: Cold-weather drinks to keep you warm around the Beavers Bend

Fancy Hot Chocolate Cabin Activities
February is here and we’re all dreaming of spring, but winter isn’t done with us yet. Even in cold weather there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty and adventure of Beavers Bend, but sometimes you just want to stay indoors with a warm cup of cold-weather comfort, and area cafes and coffeeshops offer plenty of options. Hochatown Trading Post & Coffe Co. (part of Abendigo’s) is a great spot for carefully prepared gourmet coffee and espresso, while Hochatown Swamp Booger Mercantile serves CBD-infused beverages to soothe the mind and body. Down the street, We Fudge a Little and Coffee a Lot offers a variety of loose leaf tea options, in addition to a full espresso menu and superb fudge and truffles. Okie Girls Coffee and Ice Cream is known for its decadent seasonal drink specials, like the recent holiday-themed Red Velvet Mocha, and Adam & Eve’s Coffee Shop in Broken Bow boasts a full espresso bar, plus a drive-thru and a variety of breakfast and lunch options.
We highly recommend all of these spots, but if you’re planning on a long weekend inside your cabin, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-make recipes. Whether you’re looking for a nightcap to a romantic evening or a fun way to entertain the little ones, these hot drinks are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Fancy Hot Chocolate Cabin Activities

 

Fancy Hot Chocolate

Everyone loves hot chocolate, but not everyone has experienced the decadent bliss of fancy hot chocolate. What makes it fancy? Careful preparation and two different kinds of high-quality chocolate. This is a great recipe to acquaint the kiddos with the basics of stovetop cooking, and the final product is so delicious they’ll be begging to cook every chance they get.

Recipe courtesy Bon Appetit

Fancy Hot Chocolate Cabin Activities
Photo Credit: Bon Appetit + Alex Lau

 

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed), plus more for serving
3 cups whole milk
3 ounces semisweet chocolate (preferably Scharffen Berger), finely chopped
3 tablespoons demerara or granulated sugar
Lightly sweetened whipped cream (for serving)
 

DIRECTIONS

Bring ¾ cup water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder until no lumps remain, then add milk and return to a simmer. Whisk in chocolate and sugar and cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is smooth and creamy and chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.

Divide hot chocolate among mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.
 
 

Harry’s Hot Butterbeer

Don’t be confused by the name—this hearty dessert drink, inspired by everyone’s favorite boy wizard, is not only non-alcoholic and kid-friendly, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. As a bonus, it provides the perfect opportunity for a themed cabin party. Decorate, dress up, and queue up your favorite movie (bring your own DVDs, or use your favorite digital streaming service with the in-cabin smart TVs).

Recipe courtesy The TipToe Fairy

Butter Beer The Tip Toe Fairy Cabin Activities
Photo Credit: The Tip-Toe Fairy

 

INGREDIENTS

2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons hot butterscotch topping
1 cup cream soda
 

DIRECTIONS

Combine milk, butter, and brown sugar and whisk together. Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes.
Stir and heat for an additional 3-4 minutes until milk is foaming.

Remove from microwave and whisk together until the butter is well mixed in and sugar is completely dissolved.

Heat hot butterscotch topping for 30 seconds. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of hot butterscotch into the milk mixture until completely dissolved.

Next, add in 1 cup of cream soda and mix well. (You can cheat and add root beer if you don’t have cream soda, but it’s much better with cream soda.)

Top with Hot Butterscotch Whipped Cream.
 
 

Peppermint Mocha

One of the best things about winter is indulging at your coffeeshop of choice with a seasonally-tinged variation on a latte, cappuccino or mocha. Beavers Bend is lucky to have several fantastic coffeeshops, but if you’re dealing with inclement weather or prefer to stay in for the evening, here’s how to make a peppermint mocha without ever leaving your cabin—no espresso machine required.

Recipe courtesy Smart Little Cookie

Peppermint Mocha Cabin Activities Smart Little Cookie
Photo Credit: Smart Little Cookie

 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup milk
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 tablespoons chocolate fudge
1 cup brewed coffee
Whipped cream (optional)
Crushed candy canes or starlight mints
 


DIRECTIONS

In a small pot heat up milk, cocoa powder, chocolate fudge and sugar. Remove from heat when it starts to boil.

Add peppermint extract.

Pour milk into a mug and use a frother to froth the milk.

Over the side of the mug, pour in brewed coffee.

Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes or mints, if desired.
 
 

Classic Hot Toddy

Sometimes simple is best—especially when whiskey is involved. Case in point: the Hot Toddy, a perennial cold weather favorite, and the perfect nightcap to a winter evening of celebration or romance. Just remember to drink responsibly and keep the bottle out of reach if there are children around.

Recipe courtesy Epicurious

Hot Toddy Cabin Activities Epicurious
Photo Credit: Epicurious

 

INGREDIENTS

1 oz (2 tablespoons) bourbon, rye, or scotch whiskey
1 tablespoon mild honey
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup boiling-hot water
 

DIRECTIONS

Put whiskey, honey, and lemon juice in a 6-ounce mug. Top off with hot water and stire until honey is dissolved.
 
Most of these ingredients can be found locally at Pruett’s Food in Broken Bow, and libations can be purchased from several area liquor stores. However, for specialty ingredients (such as super fancy Dutch cocoa) and personal favorites, consider bringing them with you, as there’s no guarantee you’ll find them in Beavers Bend.
 

Book a cabin and start planning your weekend getaway to Beavers Bend today.

 
plan your trip button

The Adventure Begins in Your Inbox

Subscribe today for discounts and deals, travel tips, and exclusive video content.

By signing up for our newsletter, you’re agreeing to our privacy policy.

You Might Also Like...
Activities, Cabin, Group Travel

My Bachelorette Weekend in Beavers Bend

Group Travel, Cabin, Family, Travel

Six Big Cabins for Your Big Group

Holidays, Activities, Cabin, Eat & Drink, Winter

3 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Beavers Bend Cabin Country

Adventure, Cabin, Winter

3 Reasons to Get to Beavers Bend Tomorrow

Latest & Greatest...

Celebrate the Country in Beavers Bend Cabin Country

A Mother’s Day Getaway in Cabin Country

5 Tips for Practicing Fire Safety in Cabin Country

Events, Nature, Spring

Great Spots for Watching the Total Solar Eclipse

Blog Categories

Search

The Adventure Begins in Your Inbox

Subscribe today for discounts and deals, travel tips, and exclusive video content.

By signing up for our newsletter, you’re agreeing to our privacy policy.