Upgrade Your Winter Mug
It's that time of year when you find yourself digging your favorite sweater out from the back of your closet. Your morning cup of coffee or tea starts asking for a little something extra. A swirl of chocolate milk. A cap of frothed whole milk. Maybe even a splash of eggnog or a scoop of ice cream.
As California's oldest dairy, we've learned a thing or two about what makes a drink worth sipping slowly.
It starts with the milk. A good pour softens the bitter edge of strong coffee or black tea, so every sip tastes smoother and, in our opinion, more comforting. Froth it, and you get that velvety, café-style top. Chocolate milk, on the other hand, brings sweetness and real, rich cocoa flavor in a single pour. It can transform your basic black coffee into a simple mocha, no syrups required.
In addition to making your pick-me-up more creamy and flavorful, milk adds some extra protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to your morning ritual.
So let’s get brewing! Here's how to put milk, chocolate milk, and, yes, even eggnog to work in your mug this season.
Cozy Coffee & Tea Drinks That Feel Like a Treat
Coffee S'mores Latte
Add some campfire nostalgia to your AM—or PM—routine with this Coffee S'mores Latte. Instant coffee and creamy Deluxe Whole Chocolate Milk come together with toasted marshmallows and graham cracker crumbles so every sip makes you feel like a kid again. Quick tip: If you have an espresso machine, feel free to swap instant coffee for a strong shot of freshly made espresso.
Eggnog Blended Coffee
If you’re someone who still wants their coffee cold come December, but craves some holiday flair, you’ll want to pour yourself a glass of our Eggnog Blended Coffee. This frosty, spiced drink blends creamy eggnog with coffee and ice. Pour it into your favorite festive mug and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and whipped cream. Quick tip: Make it a cocktail by adding a bit of spiced rum or Kahlua.
Salted Caramel Affogato
At Crystal, we always have room for dessert, especially when it involves ice cream. Our Salted Caramel Affogato takes hot espresso and pours it straight over Classic Vanilla Ice Cream before getting topped off with a heaping spoonful of homemade caramel sauce and chopped chocolate. Serve it after a special family dinner and watch it disappear in seconds.
Matcha Grinchmas Latte
Matcha lovers, your morning ritual just got a holiday makeover. This Matcha Grinchmas Latte whisks earthy matcha into creamy whole milk for a bright, playful sip that tastes as good as it looks. For the smoothest cup, whisk the matcha into a splash of water around 175°F before the milk goes in, since boiling water pulls out bitterness.
Pumpkin Spice Turmeric Latte
Looking for a cozy caffeine-free option? Our Pumpkin Spice Turmeric Latte brings together warm spices, golden turmeric, and steamed milk for a soothing afternoon sip. Quick tip: Add a pinch of black pepper for extra health benefits.
Easy Upgrades
These three need no recipe, just a pot or kettle and whole milk:
- Chai Latte: Steep a strong black chai tea, then top with an equal amount of steamed milk and a drizzle of honey.
- London Fog: Brew Earl Grey tea, add a dash of vanilla, and finish with frothed milk for a floral, creamy cup.
- Hot Chocolate Mocha: Make a batch of hot chocolate and pour it over a shot of espresso. Add a touch of cinnamon for an instant café de olla-inspired mocha.
After 125 years, our recipe for winter-worthy sips hasn’t changed much because it’s simple: good quality coffee or tea, real California dairy, and a little culinary creativity.
