Hot Spiced Drink

Warm milk infused with molasses and cinnamon sticks, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. A cozy, caffeine-free hot drink that feels like a hug in a mug.

Molasses gives this a deep, almost gingerbread-like sweetness that’s more complex than sugar or honey. The cinnamon sticks steep in the hot milk and release their oils slowly, giving you a cleaner, more aromatic cinnamon flavor than ground cinnamon (which would leave gritty sediment at the bottom of your cup).

The whole thing heats in the microwave in 6 minutes. No stovetop, no watching for a boil, no scorched milk on the bottom of the pan.

Kitchen Tips

• Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest result. Low-fat milk works but the drink will taste thinner.
• Don’t skip the cinnamon sticks in favor of ground cinnamon. Sticks infuse cleanly and pull out, leaving no grit.
• Heat in a microwave-safe pitcher, not a narrow container. Milk can foam up and overflow.

Variations

• Add a shot of rum or bourbon for an adults-only version on cold winter nights.
• Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a lighter, more delicate sweetness.
• Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder before heating for a spiced hot chocolate twist.