Best Hot Drinks for Camping: Top Picks to Warm Up Your Day
On a chilly camping trip, packing the best hot drinks to enjoy around the campfire can be a game-changer.
Firstly, we’ll explore some classic options that are not only delicious, but also practical and easy to prepare in an outdoor setting. From hot chocolate with a twist to a toasty chai latte, prepare to elevate your camping trip with these tasty and comforting beverages.
Next, we’ll dive into some more unconventional choices for those of you looking to experiment with unique flavors while camping. Grab your favorite camping mug and stay tuned for some of our favorite hot drink ideas you won’t want to miss.
Best Hot Drinks for Camping
These are our favorite warm drinks to make when camping in cold weather. All of these drinks are kid-friendly as well!
Hot Chocolate
Nothing beats a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter camping trip. You can buy a basic hot chocolate mix or you can make your own by combining cocoa powder, sugar, and powdered milk.
- Cocoa powder: It’s a good idea to use unsweetened cocoa powder and add the preferred amount of sugar.
- Powdered milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the drink.
- Sugar: You can add sugar, honey, maple syrup or artificial sweetener to taste.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon, a candy cane or a peppermint tea bag for a twist.
Simply mix the ingredients with hot water over the campfire, and enjoy!
Mulled Cider
A delicious alternative to hot chocolate is mulled or spiced hot cider. This warming drink is made by combining apple cider, spices such as cinnamon and cloves, and orange slices.
- Heat apple cider over the campfire or stove.
- Add a cinnamon stick, other spices and orange slices.
- Simmer for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Strain into a mug, and enjoy!
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are great at any time of the day. They don’t have caffeine in them, so they’re also great for kids as well.
Our son’s favorite herbal tea flavor is Fireberry from Tiesta Tea. It almost tastes like a juice or kool aid and it’s a great caffeine free toasty drink.
Simply boil water with a camp stove or over the campfire, put your favorite loose leaf tea into a tea ball, steep for 3-5 minutes and you’re good to go!
Caffeinated Hot Drinks
Coffee
A must-have for most camping trips, coffee can be prepared in several ways:
- Instant coffee: quick and easy; just mix with hot water.
- French press: bring grounds and a portable French press; steep, and enjoy.
- Cowboy coffee: boil water, add coffee grounds, let settle, then pour.
Chai Lattes
Chai is a great option for those who want something different from the usual tea.
There are 3 easy ways to make chai when camping.
- Instant chai: You can buy chai mix and just add hot water. It’s the easiest way to have a camping chai drink.
- Chai Concentrate: You start with a liquid chai concentrate, add milk (or almond milk), and heat.
- Chai Tea bag: Steep a chai tea bag (or loose leaf) and add warm milk.
If you’re adventurous, you can create your own camping chai mix with black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and a dash of black pepper.
Tea
Tea is a classic favorite for campers. It comes in various flavors and is easy to prepare.
- Black tea: strong, with a caffeine boost; great for waking up in the morning.
- Green tea: milder flavor, with antioxidants; suitable for relaxation.
- Herbal tea: wide variety of flavors and health benefits; excellent for winding down after a long day of backpacking or car camping.
All you need for tea is hot water, so light your jetboil stove and steep some tea!
Hot Alcoholic Drinks
Adding a touch of alcohol can elevate your winter camping experience. Here are some examples:
Hot Toddy
A traditional Hot Toddy is whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. You can easily make it by adding honey flavored whiskey to lemon ginger tea.
Spiked Coffee or Hot Cocoa
For spiked coffee all you need to do is take your normal coffee, add a splash of Irish whiskey, or Bailey’s Irish Cream and whipped cream.
You can also take your normal hot cocoa mix and add a splash of your favorite alcohol to give it an extra kick! Traditional liquors to add include Peppermint Schnapps, Coffee liqueur, or Rumchata.
Remember to drink responsibly and stay warm on your camping adventure! It’s often thought that alcohol warms you up, but it can actually make your core temperature colder.
Drink Recipes and Preparation
Boiling Water
We have a comprehensive guide on the best way to boil water while camping, but my go-to option is always my jetboil. I can have water boiling in 2-3 minutes and get straight to making tasty drinks!
Masala Chai Recipe
Chai is an excellent choice for those who like flavorful, comforting beverages while camping. For a warm, spiced beverage, masala chai is just what you need. Here’s a quick recipe:
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp each of ground cardamom, ginger, and cloves (or 1 Tsp Masala seasoning)
Combine all the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Mocha Lattes:
If you’re a chocolate and coffee lover, mocha lattes are a great option. Prepare your camping coffee, and then stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder and some sugar to taste. Add a splash of milk for a creamier texture.
These hot drink recipes can make your camping experience even more enjoyable and keep you warm during those chilly nights. Happy camping!
Adding Flavor and Garnishes
Adding flavor and garnishes to any hot drink can elevate your camping experience. Sometimes, a simple addition can turn a regular drink into something truly special.
Let’s explore some options you can try on your next camping trip.
Cinnamon sticks
A cinnamon stick is not only great for stirring your drink but they also add a lovely spiced flavor. You can use them in hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for that added kick.
Fruit
Citrus fruits like oranges and limes can bring a refreshing taste to your hot drink.
An orange slice can provide a delightful twist to your hot chocolate, giving it a subtle, fruity flavor. You can also try adding a lemon wedge to your tea to brighten it up.
Whipped Cream
For a creamy coffee or an elevated peppermint hot chocolate, add a dollop of whipped cream.
Marshmallows
You can’t have hot chocolate while camping without marshmallows. If they’re not already in your hot chocolate mix, add them yourself, or get special cereal marshmallows for the best hot campfire drinks in the campground.
Feel free to mix and match these garnishes to create the perfect hot drinks for you and your camping buddies.
Healthy Options
Sometimes you’re looking to warm up and you don’t want any sugary or alcoholic drinks. We have a few warm drinks that will warm you up and make you feel better at the same time!
Green Tea
Green Tea has plenty of antioxidants in it and a hot mug will warm you up right to your core.
My favorite green tea is Fruity Paradise from Tiesta Tea.
Bone Broth
If I’m cold before bed, I’ll often mix up chicken broth or bone broth just to drink something warm that’s not going to keep me awake. The protein in the bone broth will help you feel full and fall asleep faster.
Enjoy some of these drinks around the campfire, whether it’s peppermint hot chocolate or your own camping hot mulled cider. Any winter camping trip is made better with these hot drink recipes!
Happy Camping!
I’m Molly Foss, aka Momma Critter. I’ve been camping since I was 9 years old and I always wanted to be Robin Hood and live in the forest when I grew up. I’m excited to share my love of camping with my son as he grows up. My favorite thing to do while camping is roast marshmallows over the fire.
