20+ Beverage Recipes - Tastes Better From Scratch

Pumpkin Spice Eggnog

Lauren Allen — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:42:55 +0000

Our seasonal Pumpkin Spice Eggnog is my new favorite twist on the classic. It’s creamy, thick, and better than anything you can get at the store.

Looking for more pumpkin recipes? Try Healthy Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Cupcakes, Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, Pumpkin Pancakes, or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread!

Pumpkin Eggnog is the fall staple you didn’t know you needed.

I love any excuse to eat eggnog before Christmas, and I may even like this pumpkin spice eggnog even more than our traditional eggnog! Both are liquid gold, easy to make and taste so much better than store-bought. If you don’t think you like eggnog, then you haven’t had it homemade.

How to make Pumpkin Spice Eggnog:

Simmer Milk: In a medium saucepan add sugar, cream, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and salt then stir. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches a bare simmer.

Temper Eggs: Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl. Scoop a ladle-full of the hot milk mixture and slowly drizzle it into the egg mixture, while stirring, to gradually heat the eggs. Repeat with another spoonful of simmering milk.

Combine: Add egg mixture to saucepan on the stove then whisk for a few seconds, until it reaches 160 degrees F on a thermometer. Remove from heat then stir in vanilla (and alcohol, if using). Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or other container, cover and refrigerate until chilled. If you’d like a thinner eggnog, stir a little extra milk in before serving.

Serve pumpkin spice eggnog with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, if desired.

Make Ahead Instructions:

To Make Ahead: Prepare as instructed and store in the fridge for up to one week. Pour in a serving glass and top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

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Pumpkin Eggnog

Creamy and delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Eggnog is better than anything you can get at the store, and is my favorite way to welcome the fall season. Serve it non-alcoholic or alcoholic.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 342kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost $3

Ingredients

6 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
alcohol , optional – see note

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl.
Simmer Milk: In a medium saucepan add cream, milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and salt and stir. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches a bare simmer.
Temper Eggs: Scoop a ladle-full of the hot milk mixture and slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg yolks, while stirring, to gradually heat the eggs. Repeat with another ladle-full of simmering milk.
Combine: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan on the stove. Whisk for a few seconds, until it reaches 160 degrees F on a thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla (and alcohol, if using). Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or other container and cover with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate until chilled. If you’d like a thinner eggnog, stir a little extra milk in before serving.
Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, if desired.
Store in the fridge for up to one week.

Video

Notes

Yield: about 4 cups Serving size: about 1 cup

Alcohol: Stir in ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whisky when removing the pan from heat. Add more to taste, if desired.

Nutrition

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Oreo Milkshake

Lauren Allen — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Our 4-ingredient Oreo Milkshake recipe is thick, creamy, and everyone’s favorite dessert!

Looking for more frozen treats? I’ve got you covered with Ice Cream Sandwiches, Frozen Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Milkshake, and Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream!

The best Oreo Milkshake I can’t take credit for.

My husband is not a cook, but Oreo milkshakes have been his thing since before I knew him. You wouldn’t think a recipe is needed for them, but I love how he creates the perfect thickness and balance of chocolate vs Oreo, so I asked him to measure out the ingredients so I could share this recipe. And now my kids can make “Dad’s” drive-thru worthy Oreo Milkshakes with this recipe as their guide.

How to make an Oreo Milkshake:

Blend: Add ice cream, milk, chocolate sauce, and Oreos to a blender and blend until desired consistency. If you like your homemade Oreo milkshakes chunkier, blend all of the ingredients except the Oreos. Add the Oreos briefly at the end, or crush them by hand and stir them in. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Other Shake Variations:

Healthier Oreo Shake: Use slow churn vanilla ice cream, skim milk and only 6 Oreos.
Vegan Oreo Shake: Use vegan vanilla ice cream and almond milk. Omit whipping cream.
Caramel Oreo Milkshake: Add a few Tablespoons caramel sauce.
Banana Oreo Shake: Add a frozen banana.
Double Chocolate Oreo Shake: Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate.

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Oreo Milkshake

Our 4-ingredient Oreo Milkshake recipe is thick, creamy, and everyone's favorite dessert!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 675kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost $6

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

6 cups vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup milk , or a little more if needed
1/3 cup chocolate sauce
12 Oreos cookies
Whipped Cream , optional, for topping

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a blender combine ice cream, milk, chocolate sauce, and Oreos. Mix until smooth, using a blender tamper if needed.
Top with whipped cream.

Video

Notes

Healthier Oreo Shake: Use slow churn vanilla ice cream, skim milk and only 6 Oreos.

Vegan Oreo Shake: Use vegan vanilla ice cream and almond milk. Omit whipping cream.

Caramel Oreo Milkshake: Add a few Tablespoons caramel sauce.

Banana Oreo Shake: Add a frozen banana.

Double Chocolate Oreo Shake: Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate.

Gluten-free Adaptation: use gluten-free Oreos.

Nutrition

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I originally shared this recipe March 2020. Updated July 2024.

Ginger Shots

Lauren Allen — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:33:48 +0000

This Ginger Shots recipe is ready in just 10 minutes and costs a small fraction of what it does at the store. It’s fresh, flavorful, and delicious!

If you also love yummy drinks to start your day, you have to try our Green Smoothie, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Vanilla Protein Shake, or Chocolate Protein Shake!

Homemade Ginger Shots: Your Secret Weapon Against Overpriced Wellness

We’re a little obsessed with these Ginger Shots that give your immune system a healthy boost (you can read what the experts have to say about why Ginger Shots are good for you, here), and our homemade recipe is SO much more affordable. These are often $3 each at the grocery store. With this recipe, you can make five days of ginger shots for a fraction of the cost. Plus, no fancy juicer needed; just a blender and strainer and you’ll be enjoying your ginger shot in 10 minutes. You just became your own wellness boss.

How to make Ginger Shots:

Blend: Add pineapple, ginger, and water to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Stir in lemon juice, ground turmeric, and add a dash of cayenne, if you like a little kick of heat. Enjoy homemade ginger shots in a 2 oz portion, 1x daily. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Storage Instructions:

To Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days. Enjoy a 2oz portion each day.

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Ginger Shots

We love starting our day with these homemade Ginger Shots, made in just 10 minutes and they cost a small fraction of the store-bought counterpart. What a flavorful and delicious way to boost your immune system.

Course Beverage

Servings

Calories 38kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Ingredients

2 cups pineapple , fresh, chopped
10 grams fresh ginger , peeled and chopped
1/4 cup water
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 dash cayenne pepper , optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add pineapple, ginger, and water to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Stir in lemon juice, ground turmeric, and add a dash of cayenne, if desired.
To serve, enjoy a 2 oz portion, 1x daily. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Video

Notes

Yield: 10oz (1 ¼ cups)
Serving Size: 2oz (makes 5, two oz portions)

Nutrition

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Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Lauren Allen — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We love this Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe because it’s ready to drink in 5 minutes and uses fresh or frozen fruit, so you can enjoy it year round.

If you love smoothie recipes you have to try our Green Smoothie, Orange Julius, Healthy Breakfast Smoothie, Chocolate Protein Shake, and Vanilla Protein Shake.

Why I love this smoothie recipe:

5 Minutes – This easy strawberry banana smoothie recipe couldn’t be quicker! I love to pour it in a tumbler and enjoy it on the go too.
Enjoy Year Round – My favorite part of this smoothie is that I can enjoy it anytime by using fresh or frozen fruit.
Family Favorite – Everyone in our house inhales this smoothie! From the youngest to the oldest and even the pickiest, it’s a refreshing treat we can make anytime of day or alongside a delicious breakfast.

Ingredients Needed:

Strawberries: use fresh or frozen. If fresh, be sure to wash and hull them.
Bananas: fresh or frozen.
Milk: use low-fat milk or dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Honey: optional, depending on how sweet the berries are, to add additional sweetness
Ice to thicken it. Less ice needed if using frozen fruit.

How to make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice, to your preference.

Enjoy! I love to serve this healthy strawberry banana smoothie to my family for breakfast with Whole Wheat Pancakes, Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, or Yeasted Waffles.

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Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe is sweet and refreshing and ready to drink in just 5 minutes. Enjoy it year round by using fresh or frozen fruit.

Course Beverage, Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 132kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries , or frozen
1 banana fresh or frozen
1 cup almond milk low-fat milk, soy or oat milk
1/2 Tablespoon honey , optional
½ – 1 cup ice cubes*

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender (if using frozen fruit, don't add additional ice). Blend until smooth. Add a splash of milk, to thin, or additional ice, to thicken, if needed.

Video

Notes

Add Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, or ½ cup Greek yogurt, or ¼ cup rolled oats.

Nutrition

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I originally shared this recipe January 2017. Updated May 2021 and April 2024.

Hot Cocoa

Lauren Allen — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This easy Hot Cocoa recipe is rich and creamy and will warm your soul. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make a cup of homemade hot cocoa.

Looking for more beverages? Try Wassail, Homemade Eggnog, Frozen Hot Chocolate, or even a Chocolate Milkshake!

Why I love this Hot Cocoa recipe:

Delicious – This creamy hot cocoa recipe is so much better than any of the powdered mixes you’ll find at the store. You will never buy another one again!
10 Minutes – Such a simple and quick recipe, only using one pot!
Ingredient Control: most powdered hot chocolate mixes from the store are actually “hot cocoa” (they’re made with cocoa powder, rather than real chocolate), and they’re full of strange ingredients. I love knowing, and controlling, exactly what is in my hot cocoa!

How to make Hot Cocoa:

Combine cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water. Bring mixture to a slow boil, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Add Milk: Stir in milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling! Remove from heat then add vanilla.

Serve: Divide between four mugs then add the half and half. Let it cool to drinking temperature then top with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

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Hot Cocoa

This easy Hot Cocoa recipe is creamy and will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will warm your soul! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make a cup of homemade hot cocoa.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 250kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Ingredients

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup boiling water
dash of salt
4 cups whole milk , divided
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Combine the cocoa and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water.
Bring to a slow boil, stirring continuously. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and stir continually for 2 minutes.
Stir in 3 ½ cups milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs.
Serve: Add another splash of milk to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature, if desired. Top with whipped cream.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Rewarm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

Video

Notes

Slow Cooker: Add cocoa and sugar to a slow cooker. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water. Cook over low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir in milk and cook for 30 more minutes, or until cocoa is hot. Ladle into mug, and top with half and half, as needed.

Nutrition

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I originally shared this recipe November 2013. Updated November 2019 and February 2024.

Green Smoothie

Lauren Allen — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This refreshing and delicious Green Smoothie recipe is my favorite way to start the morning, made with veggie and fruits.

If you love smoothies for breakfast as much as I do, try my Chocolate Protein Shake, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, or this Healthy Breakfast Smoothie.

What I LOVE about this smoothie:

Secret Ingredients: A little touch of fresh ginger and mint is what really sets this smoothie apart! It’s completely refreshing and delicious.
Healthy – I love kale because it’s low calorie and packed with vitamins and fiber. The flaxseed oil is a great addition no one can taste, and we often add a scoop of protein powder, or some chia seeds for even more protein and fiber.
Customizable– Use spinach instead of kale, add your favorite fruit, and try adding protein powder, nut butter, or rolled oats. See my variation ideas below.

Green Smoothie Ingredients:

How to Make a Green Smoothie:

Blend: Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.

Serve and enjoy this healthy green smoothie recipe for breakfast, or a healthy snack.

Recipe Variations:

Add rolled oats: A great whole grain that will add additional protein and fiber and a thicker texture that I love.
Nut Butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to this kale smoothie recipe for some healthy unsaturated fat and protein.
Switch up the greens by adding spinach or collard greens.
Add powder: A scoop of unflavored protein powder, collagen peptides, or acai berry powder.

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Green Smoothie

Our favorite easy Green Smoothie recipe is delicious and refreshing made with veggies and fruit.

Course Beverage, Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 161kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

1 cup chopped kale , packed, large ribs removed
4 ounces sliced apple (about ½ of a medium apple)
3 fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
½ of a frozen banana
½ cup water
1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 Tablespoon flax seed oil
1 teaspoon agave nectar
¾ teaspoon refrigerated pureed ginger , or fresh minced ginger
4-6 Ice cubes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.

Video

Notes

Variations:

Add rolled oats. Whole rolled oats are a great whole grain that will add additional protein and fiber as well as a grainy texture that I love.
Add peanut butter. A spoonful of peanut butter will also add some healthy unsaturated fat as well as protein.
Switch up the greens. Try adding collard greens or kale in place of spinach. Or try a little of each.
Add powder. Try adding a heaping tablespoon of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, collagen peptides, or acai berry powder.
Make it vegan or dairy-free. Leave out the yogurt and use soy or almond milk.

Old Green Smoothie Recipe: I’ve been making this posted version of a green smoothie for last two years and absolutely love it. The old version I shared years ago on this post is below (although not as healthy as my new version). Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

¼ cup milk
juice of 1 orange, freshly squeezed
5 ice cubes
2 large handfuls fresh spinach leaves
½ cup plain greek yogurt
1 banana
½ cup frozen fruit: pineapple, strawberries, mango, peaches, or raspberries
2 teaspoons ground flaxseed, optional
chia seeds, optional

Nutrition

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I originally shared this recipe April 2013. Updated December 2019, February 2023 and January 2024.