Warm Beverages to Brighten Up Cold Winter Days
As the winter season arrives and the chill sets in, there's nothing as comforting to the soul as an invigorating warm drink. Among the options to keep the cold at bay, few are as versatile and cherished as Tang. Tang is not just a drink mix; it holds a rich history and cultural significance.
The Fascinating Origins of Tang
In 1957, Tang was developed by William A. Mitchell, a food scientist working for General Foods Corporation. This beverage gained recognition not in households but also in outer space accompanying astronauts on their space missions during the 1960s. Initially formulated as a vitamin C enriched breakfast drink, its convenience and long shelf life made it an excellent option for space travel. However, it truly thrived here on Earth becoming an item found in pantries everywhere.
Recipe 1. Tangy Citrus Cider
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add Tang powder, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Allow it to simmer for five minutes.
- Strain the mixture and serve while hot.
Pair with:
This drink goes well with gingerbread cookies or a slice of apple pie.
Recipe 2. Spiced Tangy Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tea bags
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- Honey to taste
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil. Steep the tea bags for around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags. Add the Tang powder and grated ginger.
- Let it simmer for a 2 minutes. Sweeten with honey according to your preference and serve.
Pair with:
This tea goes well with cinnamon rolls or scones.
Recipe 3. Tangy Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- Marshmallows for topping
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until its hot but not boiling.
- Whisk in the Tang powder and cocoa powder until it becomes smooth.
- Serve it topped with marshmallows.
Pair with:
Enjoy this chocolate with chocolate chip cookies or churros.
Recipe 4. Tangy Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of wine
- 1/4 cup of Tang powder
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- Orange slices
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a pot.
- Gently simmer them for 25 minutes.
- Strain the mixture. Serve it warm.
Pair with:
This tangy mulled wine pairs well with gingerbread cookies or a slice of apple pie.
Recipe 5. Tangy Mint Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- Fresh mint leaves
- Honey to taste
Instructions:
- Start by boiling the water. Then add the Tang powder.
- Next add some mint leaves. Let it steep for about 5 minutes.
- Finally sweeten the tea with honey according to your preference.
Pair with:
This mint tea pairs with lemon drizzle cake or shortbread cookies.
Recipe 6. Tangy Cranberry Clove
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1 tsp of cloves, whole
Instructions:
- Heat cranberry juice along with Tang and cloves.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and serve.
Pair with:
This clove infused beverage pairs well with Turkey sliders or cranberry muffins.
Recipe 7. Tangy Carrot Spice
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of carrot juice
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- Cinnamon stick
- Nutmeg
Instructions:
- Heat carrot juice with Tang, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and serve.
Serving suggestion:
Zucchini bread or cheese crisps.
Recipe 8. Tangy Lemon Ginger Zinger
You will need:
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of ginger
Instructions:
- Start by boiling the water then add the Tang powder and lemon juice to it.
- Next add the ginger. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Strain the mixture. Serve it hot.
Serving suggestions:
This zesty drink pairs with lemon cookies or pound cake.
Recipe 9. Tangy Chai Latte
You will need:
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1 chai tea bag
- A cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- Heat the milk. Steep the chai tea bag in it for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag. Stir in the Tang powder.
- Serve this concoction with a cinnamon stick on top.
Serving suggestions:
Enjoy this chai latte with some biscotti or almond croissants.
Recipe 10. Tangy Apple Twist
You will need:
- 4 cups of apple cider
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- A cinnamon stick
- Star anise
Instructions:
- Heat up the apple cider along with the Tang powder, cinnamon stick and star anise.
- Let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, strain it before serving.
Serving suggestion:
For a pairing indulge in this apple twist alongside some cheese straws or caramel popcorn.
Recipe 11. Tangy Rosemary Citrus
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup Tang powder
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
- First boil water, add Tang and honey.
- Add rosemary and simmer it for 5 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm.
Pair with:
This tangy rosemary citrus pairs well with olive oil crackers or bruschetta.
Recipe 12. Tangy Orange Mocha
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of hot coffee
- 1/2 cup of Tang powder
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- In a mug, mix together the coffee, Tang and cocoa.
- Top it off with some whipped cream.
Serving suggestion:
Pair this mocha with biscotti or coffee cake for a treat.
In conclusion, Tang adds its radiant zest and vibrant touch to winter beverages, making them warm and flavorful. These mouth-watering recipes offer options to suit tastes and occasions. They demonstrate that Tang is not just a drink; it's a festive and comforting tradition that brings joy even during the coldest days. So, embrace the weather because each sip of these Tang infused creations turns winter into a season to be cherished rather than endured.