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With Autumn well and truly with us across the UK, the need for cosy and comforting hot drinks has become a must! At home we can snuggle up with a fleecy blanket and our favourite box set, but it’s a different story in the workplace. With much cooler weather and shorter days, your employees need some respite and relaxation during their breaks, and the best way to boost morale and create a warm atmosphere among colleagues is to give them some of their creature comforts.
A hot water dispenser in your office kitchen or staffroom is a valuable tool – hot drinks on tap! Your employees can make their favourite hot drink in an instant – no more wasted time waiting for the kettle to boil, and it’s kinder to their pocket too. Having a selection of warming drinks at a fraction of the cost of coffee shops makes everyone happy!
Here at CoolerAid, we’re partial to a nice cup of something hot, especially in the autumn and winter months, so we’ve compiled a list of our Top 10 hot drinks, perfect for the office this season.
There’s nothing that warms the soul like a cup of hot choc! If you’d like to make your own rather than an instant mix, then you need cocoa powder, sugar and an optional pinch of salt. Mix these in a cup and top with boiling water and stir until smooth. Add either cold or steamed milk to taste (just a splash if you’re watching the calories!). For an indulgent treat, add whipped cream and marshmallows.
There are many more luxurious ways to make a hot chocolate, but they can be time consuming and perhaps better left for making at home.
A real seasonal favourite at this time of year. Brew your usual favourite coffee and combine with warm milk, pumpkin puree and a blend of spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg). Sweeten to taste.
Chai tea is ideal for the cooler months, with its aromatic spices being a treat for the nose as well as the palette. Brew black tea with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Customise to taste with milk, sugar or sweetener to get the balance of flavour you like.
The UK has a rich tradition when it comes to tea! With different teas easily accessible in most supermarkets it’s never been easier to find the blend or flavour for you! Herbal teas come with added health benefits – here are some of them:
Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
Helps with sleep and insomnia
Eases digestive issues, such as indigestion and bloating
Soothes digestive discomfort and relieves bloating
Provides relief from headaches and migraines
Acts as a natural decongestant for cold symptoms
Lowers blood pressure and supports heart health
Contains antioxidants that boost immune health
Promotes healthy skin and fights inflammation
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
Enhances mood and cognitive function
Supports digestion and alleviates cramps
We all know that drinking water promotes hydration and digestion, but some people can find it bland and boring. It’s not exactly a cosy option when you’re feeling the cold! But you can adapt it – squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a cup and add boiling water from your dispenser. Add some honey if you like – this is great if you’re suffering any cold-like symptoms, it will sooth your throat. However you take it, it’s a refreshing way to continue your day!
Ginger tea is another great way to enjoy a hot drink in the autumn. Known for its warming properties and health benefits, ginger tea is an easy make. Grate some fresh ginger and brew in hot water. As with lemon water, you can add honey and lemon or even some cinnamon for a delicious and soothing drink.
Matcha seems to be the trend right now, so we looked into it and it’s really easy to make. Just whisk some matcha powder with hot water to create a smooth paste, then add some hot milk and sweetener of your choice. Matcha is packed with antioxidants and provides a gentle caffeine boost.
A classic cuppa! It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold and miserable day. A staple with the British population, a good cup of tea makes everything feel better. Whether you like it builders’ strength, or you just dip the tea bag into hot water, who doesn’t love a Rosie Lee?
Of course, you might like to take your tea black, with a slice of lemon or add milk and sugar – the choice is yours.
For a fruity twist, why not try a hot spiced cranberry drink? Combine cranberry juice with hot water and add some cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. It makes an alternative to fruit teas, is full of antioxidants, and is kind to the urinary tract.
For a twist on the classic hot chocolate, you could add an extra flavour. Prepare your hot chocolate as usual, the add a few drops of peppermint essence and a mint leaf. If you’re not so keen on mint, you could use orange or vanilla extract giving your hot chocolate an extra kick. Perfect if you’re looking for a cosy feeling on a dull, dreary Autumn day!
As the days are growing shorter, having a selection of hot drinks on hand in the office kitchen can increase morale when it might be dropping like the temperatures outside! Having a hot water dispenser can make preparing these drinks quicker and easier, offering employees moments of comfort during their busy days. Autumn is the season that eases us into winter, so prepare now - being a small step ahead can put you miles in front!
