There’s something special about enjoying breakfast outdoors, and the right drinks can elevate that experience. As you plan your cozy breakfast picnic, keep your thermos filled with tasty and warming beverages that pair perfectly with the fresh air. From soothing teas to rich coffees and creamy smoothies, we’ve rounded up a selection of drinks that will make your morning meal even more delightful.
Creamy Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
Starting your cozy breakfast picnic with a rich, creamy hot chocolate is a delightful way to warm up your morning. This drink is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up, making it a great choice for outdoor gatherings. The combination of smooth chocolate and fluffy marshmallows creates a comforting treat that everyone will love.
As you sip on this indulgent beverage, you’ll experience a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. It’s an inviting drink that pairs wonderfully with breakfast treats or a sweet pastry. Plus, you can easily personalize it with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra creaminess)
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder and sugar. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the warm milk to this mixture and stir until smooth. Then, pour this mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
- Add Vanilla and Chocolate: Stir in the vanilla extract and chocolate chips if using. Continue to heat until everything is fully melted and well combined.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini marshmallows. Enjoy while warm!
Spiced Pumpkin Latte
Spiced pumpkin latte is a delightful blend of rich coffee and warm spices that captures the essence of fall with each sip. The creamy texture combined with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree creates a cozy drink that’s perfect for chilly mornings or a picnic breakfast.
This recipe is simple to make at home, requiring just a few ingredients to whip up a comforting beverage that everyone will love. Ideal for packing in a thermos, this latte will keep you warm and energized throughout your outdoor adventures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until heated through but not boiling.
- Once heated, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to create a frothy consistency.
- Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug and add the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm in a thermos for your cozy breakfast picnic.
Ginger Lemonade
Ginger lemonade is a refreshing drink that combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the warm spice of ginger. This drink brings a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast picnic. It’s super easy to whip up, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking!
The spiciness of ginger pairs beautifully with the citrusy notes of lemonade, resulting in a drink that is not only tasty but also invigorating. It’s a simple recipe that can be made ahead of time and stored in a thermos, ensuring you have a refreshing sip ready for your outdoor breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 large lemons, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Extra lemon slices or ginger for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Ginger Infusion: In a small saucepan, combine the grated ginger and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the Mixture: Remove the ginger infusion from heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to eliminate the ginger pieces.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining water. Stir to combine.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add honey or sugar, stirring until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness according to your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the mixture to cool in the fridge for a couple of hours. Serve over ice if desired, and garnish with lemon slices or additional ginger.
Herbal Tea Blend with Fresh Mint
This herbal tea blend with fresh mint is a delightful way to start your picnic breakfast. The soothing flavors of chamomile and mint create a refreshing drink that’s both calming and invigorating. It’s simple to make and perfect for sipping while enjoying the great outdoors.
The combination of warm herbal notes and the bright, crisp taste of mint makes this tea a cozy choice for any morning. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just relaxing in your backyard, this drink adds a touch of comfort to your day. Here’s how to make your own!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- 1 handful fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Steep the Tea: Once boiling, remove from heat and add the chamomile tea bags and fresh mint leaves. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Sweeten to Taste: If you like, stir in honey while the tea is still warm. You can also add lemon slices for extra flavor.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the tea bags and strain out the mint leaves. Pour the tea into a thermos or jars for your picnic.
- Enjoy: Serve hot or allow it to cool and enjoy it iced. Perfect for any time of the day!
Warm Cinnamon Apple Cider
Warm Cinnamon Apple Cider is a delightful drink that wraps you in cozy flavors, reminiscent of crisp autumn days. The sweet and tart notes of fresh apples, combined with the warm spice of cinnamon, create a comforting beverage that’s perfect for enjoying outdoors or at home.
Luckily, this recipe is super simple to whip up. With just a few ingredients and a bit of simmering time, you can have a delicious drink ready to fill your thermos and share with friends or family for a picnic breakfast.
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar in a large pot.
- Add the orange slices for an extra citrusy kick.
- Heat the mixture on medium heat, allowing it to simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.
- Once ready, strain the cider into your thermos, discarding the spices and orange slices.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices if desired, and enjoy your warm cider on your next picnic adventure!
Maple Pecan Coffee
Start your cozy breakfast picnic with a delightful cup of Maple Pecan Coffee! This drink combines the rich flavor of coffee with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted pecans, creating a warm and inviting beverage that’s perfect for sipping outdoors. It’s an uncomplicated recipe that brings together simple ingredients for a comforting experience.
This coffee is not just tasty; it offers a wonderful balance of nutty and sweet flavors that can easily brighten up your morning. Making it is a breeze, and it can be prepared ahead of time to keep the picnic vibe flowing smoothly. Enjoy a mug of this warm concoction while surrounded by nature!
Ingredients
- 4 cups brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until they are fragrant.
- In a large pot, combine the brewed coffee, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract over low heat. Stir until warmed through.
- Serve the coffee in mugs topped with toasted pecans and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Enjoy your Maple Pecan Coffee while relaxing at your picnic!
Berry Infused Iced Tea
This Berry Infused Iced Tea is a delightful drink that’s perfect for starting your day or enjoying on a cozy picnic. Bursting with the fresh flavors of berries, it combines the refreshing taste of iced tea with a fruity twist. It’s super simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients to create a drink that feels special and invigorating.
The combination of sweet strawberries, tart raspberries, and juicy blueberries makes each sip a burst of flavor. Infusing your tea with these berries not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful color. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover fruit you have on hand. Enjoy this light and refreshing drink on its own or pair it with your favorite breakfast treats!
Ingredients
- 4 cups brewed black tea, chilled
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Start by brewing your black tea according to package instructions. Allow it to cool completely before using it in your iced tea.
- Prepare the Berries: While the tea is cooling, wash and slice the strawberries. Mix all the berries together in a bowl.
- Combine: In a large pitcher, combine the chilled tea with the mixed berries. Add honey or sweetener if you like a touch of sweetness.
- Chill: Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the berry-infused tea over the ice, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy your refreshing drink!
Chai Tea with Almond Milk
Chai tea with almond milk is a delightful twist on the traditional spiced beverage. The blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger combined with the creaminess of almond milk creates a soothing drink that warms both body and soul. It’s an easy recipe to whip up, making it perfect for cozy breakfast picnics.
The richness of almond milk complements the bold flavors of chai, resulting in a comforting drink that’s both dairy-free and delicious. You can enjoy it hot or cold, depending on your preference. It’s a simple recipe that can be prepared in minutes, so you’ll be sipping your chai in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons loose chai tea or 2 chai tea bags
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (honey, agave, or sugar)
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Optional: a few whole cloves and black peppercorns for extra spice
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Brew the Tea: Add the chai tea and spices to the boiling water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes for a stronger flavor.
- Add Sweetener: Stir in the sweetener of your choice, adjusting to taste.
- Mix in Almond Milk: Pour in the almond milk and heat gently until warmed through. Do not bring to a boil.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into a thermos or your favorite mug. Enjoy your chai warm or let it cool for an iced version!
Classic Coffee with a Twist
This recipe takes the classic cup of coffee and adds a delightful twist that will make your breakfast picnic feel extra special. With hints of spices and a touch of sweetness, it’s both comforting and invigorating. The best part? It’s super easy to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Imagine sipping on a warm, flavorful cup of coffee while surrounded by nature. This recipe not only enhances the usual morning ritual but also brings a cheerful vibe to your picnic. Whether you prefer it bold or with a hint of creaminess, this drink is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 4 cups brewed coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Brew your coffee as usual and pour it into a thermos to keep it hot.
- Add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the coffee, stirring well to combine.
- In a separate container, mix the milk and vanilla extract, then add it to the coffee mixture.
- If you like a touch of sweetness, stir in the maple syrup.
- Close the thermos tightly and shake gently to blend all the flavors.
- Pour into your favorite mugs, and top with whipped cream for an extra indulgence, if desired.
Matcha Green Tea Latte
A matcha green tea latte is a delightful drink that brings the earthy flavors of matcha together with creamy milk. It offers a smooth and rich taste that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast picnic. This drink is not only comforting but also packed with antioxidants, making it a wholesome choice to kickstart your day.
Making a matcha latte is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal time. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, it’s a lovely way to enjoy the unique flavor of matcha while getting your caffeine fix. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and pack in a thermos for your outdoor breakfast adventure!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
- 1/4 cup hot water
- Ice cubes (optional, for iced latte)
Instructions
- Prepare the Matcha: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. If you prefer an iced version, skip this step.
- Combine: Add the sweetener to the warm milk, then pour the matcha mixture into the milk. Whisk or stir vigorously to combine.
- Serve: Pour the latte into a thermos for a warm drink or over ice for a refreshing iced latte. Enjoy!
