Ingredients:

3 oranges
1/2 cup sugar
4 -5 fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup water
2 cups gold tequila
4 cups sour mix
3 limes
ice

Preparation:

Place the water and sugar in a microwave safe bowl. Zest the oranges with a vegetable peeler and add to the bowl. Stir. Heat the mixture in the microwave until it is boiling and the sugar is dissolved. Crush the basil to release its flavor and add to the bowl, allowing the mixture (syrup) to cool. Add the sour mix to the pitcher. Place a fine mesh strainer over the pitcher and squeeze the zested oranges and the limes through it. Pour the syrup through the strainer into the pitcher. Add the tequila and ice. Serve with orange slices and garnish with basil.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1-2 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups milk
3/4 cup water
lightly sweetened whipped cream
1 dash salt
1 cinnamon stick (optional), for stirring and garnish

Preparation:

Combine the chocolate, coffee, sugar, cinnamon, water and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture has become smooth. Heat to boiling, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 4 minutes, uncovered, stirring constantly. Stir in the milk and heat through (but don’t boil). Remove from the heat and whip the chocolate mixture with a wire whisk until it becomes foamy. Pour into large cups or mugs, top with whipped cream and place a cinnamon stick for stirring and garnish, if desired.

Ingredients:

6 cups milk
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
6 cinnamon sticks, for stirring (optional)
whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Preparation:

Whisk together the cocoa, sugar, water, nutmeg and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add the vanilla extract and stir. Pour the hot chocolate into serving cups and top with whipped cream (if desired). Sprinkle with a little nutmeg and cinnamon, and serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring (if desired).