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I thought of this about 35 years ago when someone I knew had a cold, and made one for myself after a really cold ride here in Calgary this winter. About 16 miles there and back, at -33C in slow conditions with uncleared snow. I did warm up for about half an hour at the place I went to, and another warm up at a supermarket about half way back. And since then have made one most of my days off.

Put a half liter (2 cups) of water in a pot and turn the burner on high. Add a few spices, whatever you like. I add ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger and a couple of shakes of a can called pumpkin pie spices. Nutmeg would also be good. I like heat and also add a spice that would not normally be associated with these, chili. When the water comes to a boil, turn the burner off and add a third of a can of frozen concentrated apple juice. This takes the boil off immediately and depending on my mood I might leave it on the burner for a minute or 2 to absorb a bit more heat, but don't want it to come to a boil again and kill the vitamins in the apple juice.

Of course I'd also enjoy a beer mug full of brandy but am just not going to give the gov all that tax they collect on it. It might be closing now, but that kind of alcohol costs about twice as much here in Canada as it does in the states. Just about any country you go to has it for cheaper, and if I do wind up outside the country it's one of the few things I ever bring back.

Any other good drink ideas? No point in slowing down the winter section of the forum for a little thing like spring.

ilmooz

I usually can't wait to get back from a cold weather ride to whip up a cappuccino with milk frothed to 160 degrees. That never fails to warm me up quick.

kellyjdrummer

I like to heat Dr. Pepper and make Swiss Miss cocoa with it. 'Sounds weird but it really is good.

Ducky

I dont ride my bike in the winter. I have 4wd.

But when I am done plowing my driveway on my tactor, which had no cab, no heat, nothing, so you sit there for a good 30 minutes freezing your tail off...

the best warm up drink: a large double double from Tim Hortons *drool*

cachehiker

Sounds a lot like mulled cider. I make that all the time. And mulled wine (usually with cheap merlot) and hot buttered rum.

knucklesandwich

I generally come in from a winter ride and make an espresso from the caplet style machine we got as a (unasked for, but semi-useful) wedding gift, and drink that followed by chocolate milk as the kettle boils water for the french press.

atcfoody

One I picked up from my scouting days. Get the powder to make up your own "favorite" sports drink (gatorade, powerade, etc), and mix it up with hot water. This will definitely lift your spirits, especially on a cold and wet day.

D

FLYcrash

+1

I love 'em all!

maranen

A cup of hot tea or hot chocolate is nice. But there is something in cold weather and porter,
a bottle of excellent porter like Anchor Porter or Aldaris Porteris after a cold ride -
what a pleasure.

10 Wheels

EliteTempleton

Coffee + Coco mix + a dab milk. Also; + Bailey's on day's when its appropriate.

Another option I enjoy is Spiced Apple Cider. Which sounds like it might just be an industrialized version of what you make. Minus the chili and some of the spices. I will have to try it your way come October.

I have to smile that(best as I can tell) nobody has posted from south of the 40th Parallel. See what they are missing out on?