The Best Easy Drink Recipes (From Cocktails to Smoothies) https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/recipes/drinks/ Life's Better With Cake Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:04:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png The Best Easy Drink Recipes (From Cocktails to Smoothies) https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/recipes/drinks/ 32 32 Espresso Martini https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/espresso-martini/ https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/espresso-martini/#respond Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/?p=145976 An Espresso Martini recipe is a classic and elegant cocktail. It combines the fun of a cocktail, with a kick of caffeine. This version is strong on the coffee flavor and light on the sweetness, for a true coffee lover’s cocktail!

Enjoy these easy no-bake rum balls, my rich chocolate-peanut butter buckeyes, or a slice of pistachio cheesecake with a bold espresso martini for a decadent dessert pairing.

Overhead view of two espresso martinis


I have been wanting to share an espresso martini recipe for some time. I love coffee and I love a fun drink, so it just makes sense to have a great recipe on hand. However, there’s a ton of variation between recipes. So in order to create the best version, I did a lot of tasting. For about the past 6 months, when we go out and I see one on a menu somewhere, I order and try it. While there’s variation between restaurants, most commonly the recipes you see are similar and use Kahlua, but that wasn’t really my favorite. Today I’m sharing my favorite based on all of my sampling and testing.

And if you’re looking for something sweet to go with it, my biscoff cheesecake is the perfect dessert pairing.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Martini Recipe

So why did I finally decide on this as being the BEST espresso martini, after trying so many? There are a few reasons!

  • Made with vodka. As mentioned, Kahlua is quite common in espresso martinis. But through all my testing and tasting, I found it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a little sweeter, plus it overpowers the espresso and you mostly taste the Kahlua. Baileys was another addition that was common, but definitely gives a different and sweeter flavor. I found that my favorites were ones that used neither. So this recipe uses espresso vodka instead. It keeps the espresso flavor front and center. I also used vanilla vodka, to add a touch of flavor without sweetening things up too much or overpowering the espresso.
  • Only 4 ingredients. Martinis are proof that simple is sometimes better. I kept this recipe super simple with espresso, two types of vodka, and simple syrup.
  • Not too sweet. As I mentioned above, my biggest issue with many espresso martinis was that they were just too sweet. The vanilla vodka adds a little bit of sweetness, along with a bit of simple syrup. It adds a nice balance to the espresso flavor without turning this into a dessert cocktail or overpowering the espresso.
  • Strong espresso flavor. Adding the espresso vodka really leveled up the espresso flavor in this recipe, instead of watering it down like Kahlua or Baileys. This is definitely a drink for those who LOVE coffee and espresso!
(more…)]]> https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/espresso-martini/feed/ 0 Homemade Apple Cider https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/homemade-apple-cider/ https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/homemade-apple-cider/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/?p=99234 Make warm and fragrant, homemade apple cider by simmering fresh apples, orange, cinnamon, and cloves on the stovetop! Served while it’s steaming hot, this spiced apple cider recipe is a favorite at fall gatherings. It’s even festive enough to whip up for the holidays!

I love enjoying this homemade apple cider with my saltine cracker toffee for a perfectly cozy dessert moment.

A mug of hot apple cider with a jar of cinnamon sticks and another mug of cider behind it

A hot, steaming mug of homemade apple cider on a crisp fall day is the coziest thing I can think of, second only to, maybe, homemade hot chocolate. This easy spiced apple cider recipe is the ultimate fall drink. Made from scratch, it charms your taste buds with classic fall spices and warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it makes your whole house smell heavenly while it slowly simmers over the stove.

Why You Should Make Apple Cider From Scratch

  • Better than store-bought. With homemade apple cider, you know exactly what goes into it! Just apples, a few spices, and sugar. No added stabilizers, preservatives, or funny ingredients.
  • Mulled with citrus and spice. Simmering with fresh oranges, cinnamon, and cloves infuses this cozy apple cider with fall flavor. You can adapt this recipe with seasonal spices in any way you’d like.
  • Versatile. I love using this homemade apple cider for cocktails and baking. Of course, it’s a must at our holiday parties, too!
  • Serve cold or warm. Enjoy your cider warm from the stovetop or store it in the fridge to enjoy cold the following day.
A small mug full of homemade apple cider with two cinnamon sticks on the counter beside it

Choosing Your Apples

When choosing apples for homemade apple cider, the key is to use a mix of sweet and tart:

  • High acidity (tart) – Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and McIntosh apples. These apples are generally tart, crisp, and tangy.
  • Low acidity (sweet) – Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Gala, and Fuji apples. These are your sweeter varieties, which can balance out the tart apples.

I typically reach for Granny Smith (tart) and Honeycrisp (sweet) for this recipe. I wouldn’t use all Granny Smith apples, as that would make the finished product a bit too tangy. If you prefer a sweeter cider, consider using a mix of Gala or Golden Delicious apples, which have lower acidity.

Cider Ingredients

Scroll down to the printable recipe card to see the corresponding amounts and recipe details.

  • Apples – See above. I recommend cutting the apples into quarters so they’ll fit nicely in the pot.
  • Orange – Peeled and quartered. Wash and scrub the skin of the orange well beforehand. You can also make this recipe with lemon, grapefruit, lime, or a mix of winter citrus.
  • Spices – The spices will steep in the cider while it simmers, so don’t worry about using whole cinnamon and cloves. All solids will be filtered out of the cider after it cooks. You can reduce the amount of cloves for a milder flavor, or add more spices, like nutmeg, star anise, and cardamom.
  • Water and Sugar – This creates a sweet base for the apples and spices to steep in. You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of the apples you’re using. Instead of granulated sugar, you could also use brown sugar or honey.

Mulled Cider vs. Apple Cider

Technically, what we’re making today is mulled cider. What’s the difference? Regular apple cider typically uses apples as the sole ingredient, and is often served cold. Mulled apple cider, on the other hand, incorporates fruit and spices in the steeping process. Like mulled wine, mulled cider is meant to be served hot.

That being said, this foolproof homemade apple cider is just as amazing straight from the fridge! You can also easily leave out the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges from this recipe if you’d prefer a traditional apple cider.

Quartered apples in a stockpot with a quartered orange, cloves and cinnamon sticks

How to Make Homemade Apple Cider

A little patience is all you need to make perfect spiced apple cider from scratch. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Combine everything but the sugar. Add your apples, oranges, and spices to a large stock pot with water. Ensure the water completely covers the fruit.
  2. Simmer the apples. Bring the pot to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 2 hours. The apples will have gone completely soft at this time.
  3. Mash and simmer some more. Now, use a potato masher to mash up the softened apples into a pulp, which releases the flavors. Cover the pot again, and simmer the pulp for another hour.
  4. Strain and add sugar. Strain the apples and spices through a mesh sieve lined with a cheesecloth, and return the strained juice to the pot. Stir in the sugar until it’s fully dissolved, and serve!

Slow Cooker Version

To make slow cooker homemade apple cider, combine all of the ingredients in a 6-8 quart slow cooker and cook the cider on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours). Mash the apples once they’ve softened, then cook the cider for another hour. Strain and serve! This is a great option whenever I’m making this homemade apple cider for holiday parties, since I can leave it on the slow cooker’s Keep Warm setting until it’s time to serve.

Homemade apple cider in a mug with a cinnamon stick, an orange slice and two apple slices on top as a garnish

Recipe Tips (Plus Variations You’ll Love)

  • Wash the apples. Don’t forget to give your apples a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bacteria that may be lurking on the surface of the fruit. Pat the apples dry with a paper or cloth towel before you quarter them.
  • To peel or not to peel. You don’t have to peel the orange if you’d prefer not to. Just note that the cider will taste slightly more tart if you leave the peel intact. Rinse and dry the orange before you cut it if you’re choosing to keep the peel on.
  • Don’t let it boil. Make sure that your cider does not reach its boiling point. As soon as it starts to simmer, turn down the heat and cover the pot. Boiling it will cause it to thicken into a syrup.
  • Spiked homemade apple cider. Add a splash of bourbon, brandy, rum, or triple sec for a boozy mulled cider.
  • Make a version with chai spice. A quick and easy way to infuse this homemade cider with spice is to swap the whole cinnamon and cloves for a bag of chai tea.
  • Creamy caramel. Make caramel apple cider and substitute the sugar with homemade caramel sauce. You could also drizzle caramel into your mugs when serving.

Serving Suggestions

You know, when they say that you should have cookies baking so the house smells all sweet and cozy when company arrives? For fall gatherings, I put this spiced homemade apple cider on the stove instead. Greet guests with mugs of cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange slices, and a cranberry pecan cheese ball appetizer. Or, serve cider in place of coffee or tea with a slice of apple upside-down cake or pumpkin pie. For a refreshing twist, chill the cider and serve it over ice.

A clear mug full of homemade spiced apple cider on a marble kitchen countertop

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cider

  • Refrigerate. Store leftover apple cider in an airtight container after it has cooled to room temperature. It can then be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat. Enjoy your leftover cider cold, or warm it up over low heat. You could also microwave individual mugs of cider for 60-90 seconds.
  • Can you freeze homemade apple cider? Yes! Freeze the cooled cider in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to leave an inch or two of space at the top of the container so the liquid has room to expand as it freezes. Otherwise, your container could deform or break completely. Thaw frozen cider in the fridge before reheating.

More Cozy Drink Recipes

A mug of homemade apple cider with a jar of cinnamon sticks and another mug of cider behind it
Print

Homemade Apple Cider

Learn how to make homemade apple cider from scratch with fresh apples, cinnamon, and citrus on the stovetop. It’s a cozy fall drink, perfect for holiday gatherings!
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade apple cider
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Servings 12
Author Lindsay

Ingredients

  • 10 medium apples assorted types, quartered
  • 1 orange peeled and quartered
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves or to taste
  • 16 cups water
  • ½ cup sugar

Instructions

  • Add the apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves and water to a large stockpot. You want the water to fully cover the fruit with a little space left at the top of the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the apples are completely soft.
  • Mash the apples with a potato masher or something similar to release the flavors, then cover and simmer for another hour.
  • Strain the cider using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to get rid of all of the solids.
  • Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
  • Serve your cider warm with some orange or apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

  • Recipe modified from Gimme Some Oven.
  • To Store & Reheat: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy cold or warm up over low heat. You could also microwave individual mugs of cider for 60-90 seconds.
  • To Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, leaving an inch or two of space at the top of the container so the liquid has room to expand as it freezes. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying/reheating.
]]> https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/homemade-apple-cider/feed/ 0 Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/how-to-make-hot-chocolate-mix/ https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/how-to-make-hot-chocolate-mix/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/?p=90129 Whip up the hot chocolate of your dreams with this quick and easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. It only needs 4 ingredients, and makes the creamiest cup of hot cocoa. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and flavors!

This easy buckeyes recipe is perfect served with a mug of homemade hot chocolate for a cozy, chocolate-lover’s treat.

A cup of hot chocolate on a marble counter with peppermints and mini marshmallows

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

During the winter, I’m determined to have a stash of hot cocoa mix on standby at all times. A while ago, I realized how ridiculously easy it is to make hot chocolate mix at home, and it’s a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love this simple, but oh-so-rich-and-creamy homemade hot chocolate mix:

  • Just 4 ingredients. It all starts with a combination of 4 simple ingredients, and then you can customize your hot cocoa from there.
  • Make it your own. There are so many different flavors to try, from peppermint hot chocolate to mocha hot cocoa. Or you could stick to the basics, and cozy up with classic hot chocolate topped with melty mini marshmallows. Be your own master hot chocolatier.
  • Great for gifting. Homemade hot chocolate mix makes a lovely gift. It’s an inexpensive option that has all the charm of a homemade present, and it can be adapted to suit any holiday or occasion. When you make someone cookies, they can enjoy them for about a week, but this hot cocoa mix lasts all year long!
A jar filled with hot chocolate mix on top of a black and white marble counter

What You’ll Need

When combined with hot water or milk, this homemade hot chocolate mix makes a rich and creamy mug of hot cocoa that’s not too bitter, and not too sweet. You can always adjust the flavors to taste, too. Here are some quick notes. Scroll to the recipe card for a printable list of ingredients.

  • Dry Milk Powder – Go for whole milk powder rather than nonfat milk powder if you like a creamier hot cocoa.
  • Cocoa Powder – I like to use natural unsweetened cocoa powder, only because I can better control the sugar levels. For a fudgier hot chocolate mix, try Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • Sugar – I use granulated sugar and much prefer it to powdered sugar, but both work in this recipe. I also like to throw a pinch of salt into the mix to balance and boost the flavors.

How to Make & Use Hot Chocolate Mix

This might be the easiest recipe in the whole wide world! To make homemade hot chocolate mix, simply do the following:

  • Mix everything together. Add all your ingredients to a bowl, and give them a good whisk.
  • Store properly. Afterward, stash the mixture in a jar with an airtight lid.

When you’re ready to make a cozy cup of hot cocoa:

  • Mix with hot water or milk. Stir 2-3 tablespoons of your hot chocolate mix into 8 ounces of liquid.
  • Add toppings. Sprinkle over mini marshmallows or any toppings of your choice, and get sipping!
Hot milk being poured into a cup containing homemade hot cocoa mix

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t add extra chocolate. I tried adding chopped chocolate to the mix and wasn’t crazy about it. Even when chopped quite small, it didn’t melt super well, nor did it seem to add much additional flavor.
  • Use granulated sugar. I’ve seen lots of homemade hot chocolate recipes that call for powdered sugar, but I encourage you to stick with regular granulated sugar. Powdered sugar just doesn’t provide the same amount of sweetness, IMO.
  • Don’t skip the salt. Please don’t forget the salt! It’s easy to overlook salt in sweet recipes, but it really does enhance the flavor, even in hot chocolate.
A serving of hot cocoa in a glass mug with melting mini marshmallows on top

6 Hot Cocoa Variations to Try

I love this easy hot chocolate mix as is, but it’s also tons of fun to get creative with flavors and add-ins. Here are 6 of my favorite variations to snuggle up with.

  1. Peppermint hot chocolate. Give your homemade hot chocolate mix a festive touch with crushed peppermint. The peppermint candy melts into the hot cocoa, infusing it with peppermint flavor.
  2. Spiced hot cocoa. I like to add warm spices to my hot chocolate, especially during the fall. You can add cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, or a combination of spices. Pumpkin pie spice also works well!
  3. Drinking chocolate. If you want to make a richer, more intense drinking chocolate rather than classic hot cocoa, simply replace about half of the sugar in this mix with unsweetened cocoa powder.
  4. Mexican hot chocolate. Add cayenne pepper and cinnamon to taste for a spicy kick.
  5. Mocha hot cocoa. Feel free to toss in a scoop of espresso powder if you’d like a mocha-flavored hot chocolate. Use decaf espresso powder if desired.
  6. Spiked. I love a splash of Irish cream in my hot chocolate for a twist that warms from the inside out. You could even try Kahlua or another liqueur.
A glass mug full of homemade hot cocoa with peppermint candies in a bowl beside it

Topping Ideas

When it’s time to serve this hot cocoa, I’m a sucker for classic mini marshmallows or a swirl of whipped cream (just like this cocoa mix, it’s super easy to make yourself!). If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll top my homemade hot chocolate with Bailey’s chocolate whipped cream, or I’ll make a salted caramel hot cocoa drizzled with salted caramel sauce.

How to Store Hot Chocolate Mix

Stored airtight, this homemade hot chocolate mix lasts in the pantry for up to 6 months! I keep mine in glass jars, but any sealed container works well.

More Cozy Drink Recipes

A serving of hot cocoa in a glass mug with melting mini marshmallows on top
Print

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

This easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix makes the creamiest cup of hot cocoa. Ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own with only 4 ingredients!
Keyword best hot chocolate mix, diy hot chocolate mix, homemade hot chocolate mix
Prep Time 2 minutes
Servings 20 servings
Author Lindsay

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (184g) dry milk powder nonfat or whole milk
  • ¾ cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup (155g) sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Whisk all of the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.
  • Store in an airtight container.
  • When ready to serve, mix 2-3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix with 8 oz hot water or milk in a mug.
  • Serve with marshmallows or other toppings.
]]> https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/how-to-make-hot-chocolate-mix/feed/ 9 Rosewater Rosé Sangria https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/rosewater-rose-sangria/ https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/rosewater-rose-sangria/#respond Wed, 05 May 2021 10:03:20 +0000 https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/?p=86472 With rosewater, elderberry liqueur, and strawberry, this Rosewater Rosé Sangria has a fruity and floral flavor. This refreshing sangria is perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or any other special occasion!

3 glasses of rosewater sangria, garnished with a fresh streberry and rose.

A Light & Refreshing Sangria

This sangria is inspired by a rosewater elderflower lemonade from Home Goods that I had a couple years ago. It’s popped up in my head every now and again since then and I’ve been wanting to make a sangria version for some time and I finally did!

This sangria includes the two most important elements – rose water and elderflower liqueur – so it definitely has a floral flavor to it. But the floral-ness is softened by the fresh fruit that lends its flavor to the sangria more and more as it sits.

No sangria would be complete without wine, so this one features rosé. Fitting, don’t you think? It’s a lovely, refreshing sangria that’s perfect for summer and any occasion where roses may be present. I’m thinking Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or even Bachelor watch parties. Honestly, any reason to make this rosewater sangria is a good reason to me!

Rosewater Rosé Sangria with slices of strawberries and lemon

What You’ll Need

Fresh fruit, rum and wine combine to make this rosé sangria. Strawberry is infused in all levels of this sangria, which is complimented by the subtle flavors of rosewater and lemon.

  • Dry rosé wine – You can’t make sangria without wine!
  • Sparkling water – I used strawberry flavored.
  • St. Germain liqueur – Provides the elderberry flavor.
  • Strawberry rum – The secret ingredient to make this a little boozier and infused with strawberry.
  • Sugar – Adds a bit of sweetness to balance out the floral flavors and liquor.
  • Water – You can also use club soda but I prefer water.
  • Rosewater – You can make your own with fresh rose petals or find it bottled.
  • Fresh strawberries – Fresh fruit is a must when making any sangria!
  • Lemon – Adds a pop of citrus flavor that compliments the strawberry and floral flavors.
A pitcher of Rosewater Rosé Sangria with a red rose in front

How to Make Rosewater Rosé Sangria

Making this rosé sangria could not be easier! There’s just two steps to making this.

  • Combine all ingredients. Add all ingredients to a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours, then serve.

Tips for Success

Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the best, most flavorful Rosewater Rosé Sangria.

  • Use a dry rosé. Since sweetness is added with the other ingredients, I find it best to start with a wine that’s not super sweet. A dry rosé is perfect for that.
  • Sparkling rosé for extra bubbles. If you like your sangria with extra bubbles, use sparkling rosé.
  • Refrigerate overnight. If you can, make this sangria the night before. The longer it sits, the more the flavors of the strawberry and lemon come out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in glasses over ice, with a fresh rose petal for presentation. Sometimes I’ll even add a strawberry or lemon on the rim of the glass, just to be a little fancy.

Of course, since this will be chilled from being in the fridge, the ice is optional and a personal preference!

A glass of Rosewater Rosé Sangria garnished with a fresh strawberry

How to Store Sangria

Sangria will last in the fridge for several days – as long as it’s kept refrigerated. Keep in mind that the fresh fruit will only last so long though. I recommend enjoying your pitcher within 2 days with the fruit in it for the best fresh flavor. But if you add the fruit later, it will last up to 5 days.

A glass of Rosewater Rosé Sangria garnished with a fresh strawberry
Print

Rosewater Rosé Sangria

With rosewater, elderberry liqueur, and strawberry, this Rosewater Rosé Sangria has a fruity and floral flavor. This refreshing sangria is perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or any other special occasion!
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Keyword easy sangria recipes, rosewater sangria, strawberry sangria
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 8 -10 glasses
Author Lindsay

Ingredients

  • 2 bottles dry rosé wine 750ml bottle
  • 1 cup sparkling water I used strawberry flavored
  • ¾ cup St. Germain liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry rum
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 ½ tsp rose water
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1 large lemon

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight, then serve. Keep in mind that the longer it sits with the fruit in it, the more it absorbs the fruit flavor.

More Drink Recipes:

]]> https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/rosewater-rose-sangria/feed/ 0 Easy Hot Toddy Recipe https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/hot-toddy/ https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/hot-toddy/#respond Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:00:25 +0000 https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/?p=45737 This easy Hot Toddy Recipe is everything you want in a fall cocktail! Made with honey, lemon juice and your choice of Whiskey or Bourbon, it’s coziness in a cup. Garnish it with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon for a classic “hot tottie” drink!

Two Glasses of Hot Toddy

An Easy & Cozy Hot Toddy Recipe

When the weather starts getting colder, you need a few hot cocktail recipes in your back pocket. Put this hot toddy at the top of your list! I love making this drink when I need something a little stronger than hot chocolate.

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