drinks Archives - Our Tiny Nest

4 In drinks/ Recipes

Homemade whipped cream hot cocoa toppers

Elevate your hot chocolate with these sweet homemade whipped cream hot cocoa toppers.

If you are looking for a way to make your next cup of hot cocoa extra magical, these homemade whipped cream hot cocoa toppers will do the trick! Not only will it make your hot cocoa extra creamy, but is there anything cuter than a little teddy bear floating on top? These are perfect for the holidays or to have a cozy winter!

Why you will love these homemade whipped cream hot cocoa toppers

These whipped cream hot cocoa toppers are pure cuteness and are easily customizable. Simply add whatever toppings your heart desires. And you can also totally cheat if you want and use canned whipped cream or cool whip! But I think the homemade stuff is always the best!

Homemade whipped cream hot cocoa toppers

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
sprinkles
mini marshmallows

Directions:

1.) In a mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low until everything is combined. Then increase the speed, whipping until peaks form.

2.) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3.) Use a spoon to spoon mounds of whipped cream on the lined baking sheet.

4.) Top with your desired toppings – sprinkles, marshmallows, teddy graham, candies, etc.

5.) Freeze

6.) Use to top your hot cocoa right away, or store in the freezer in an air tight container.

Enjoy!!!!

Sign up below for more recipes right to your inbox

My earl grey hot chocolate

My red velvet hot chocolate

This warm apple chaider

Pin the recipe for later

January 5, 2026 By Nicolle

9 In drinks/ Recipes

Pumpkin pie espresso martini

This post contains affiliate links

Just in time for Thanksgiving, this pumpkin pie espresso martini is the perfect cocktail.

If you love a good espresso martini, then you will love this pumpkin pie espresso martini which is so festive for fall, Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

Espresso martinis are my jam because your girl needs some espresso to keep her going and of course, vodka! This one is made with pumpkin, a dash of pumpkin spice, and topped with whipped cream as a nod to the beloved pumpkin pie around Thanksgiving. These are perfect to kick off the holiday while you’re watching the Thanksgiving parade in the morning or as an after dinner liquid dessert that’s not too overly sweet.

Scroll down for my recipe. And if you love espresso martinis as much as I do, be sure to try my peppermint espresso martini or my gingerbread espresso martini for Christmas time!

Pumpkin pie espresso martini

Ingredients:

1 cup freshly brewed espresso (I used a pumpkin spice Nespresso pod)
1 Tbsp fresh pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp maple syrup
2 shots vodka
2 shots Kahlua
cream or half and half (optional)
whipped cream

Directions:

1.) Start by brewing a cup of espresso or you can use iced coffee.

2.) Add the espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice.

3.) In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup, mixing well.

4.) Add the pumpkin puree mixture to the cocktail shaker.

5.) To the cocktail shaker add vodka, Kahlua and cream if desired.

6.) Shake well.

7.) Pour into 2 martini glasses.

8.) Top with whipped cream

Cheers!!!

For more Thanksgiving ideas check out

This apple pear fall sangria

My beloved sweet potato casserole

These free printables for the kids table

And for the leftovers, this Thanksgiving galette

Pin the recipe for later

Sign up below for more recipes right to your inbox

Pumpkin pie espresso martini

This pumpkin pie espresso martini is the perfect drink for fall or your Thanksgiving celebration. Made with just a hint of pumpkin and not overly sweet, it's a nice nod to the beloved pumpkin pie and will keep you buzzing.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Course Drinks

Servings 2 drinks

Ingredients

1 cup espresso freshly brewed
1 Tbsp fresh pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp maple syrup
2 shots vodka
2 shots Kahlua
cream/half & half optional, to taste
whipped cream for topping

Instructions

Start by brewing a cup of espresso or you can use iced coffee.
Add the espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice.
In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup, mixing well.
Add the pumpkin puree mixture to the cocktail shaker.
To the cocktail shaker add vodka, kahlua and cream if desired.
Shake well.
Pour into 2 martini glasses.
Top with whipped cream

Keyword alcohol, cocktails, drinks, espresso martini, fall, holiday

November 20, 2024 By Nicolle

2 In drinks/ Recipes

Warm Apple Chaider (Chai+Cider)

Warm apple chaider (cider + chai tea) in a glass mug topped with whipped cream. Cinnamon sticks and cloves on cutting board.

This post contains affiliate links

This drink is pure coziness in a mug – warm apple chaider or Chai and Cider topped with whipped cream.

Warm apple cider and chai go together beautifully and is such a comforting drink in the chillier months of fall and heading into winter. Apple cider is always a popular beverage in the fall with apple season but recently I discovered my love for chai.

With warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon and cloves, chai tea cuts some of the sweetness of the apple cider. I love to add some apple pie moonshine to mine (Ole Smokey is my fave), and you’ve got the perfect hot toddy. (Fireball would also be another great choice.) Make for your friends for Friendsgiving, or just curling up on the couch at home.

Warm Apple Chaider (Chai + Cider)

Ingredients:

1 jug apple cider
2 cups Chai tea concentrate (This is the one I use)
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp cloves
apple pie moonshine or fireball (optional)

Directions:

1.) In a medium size pot, add cider, Chai tea concentrate, cinnamon sticks and cloves.

2.) Bring to a boil.

3.) Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

4.) Pour into mugs.

5.) Optional – add a shot of some apple pie moonshine or Fireball.

6.) Top with whipped cream

Enjoy!!!

Pin for Later

This delicious fall apple pear sangria

My pumpkin cold foam cold brew

My Irish Cream Cold Brew

Sign up below to never miss a recipe

Warm Apple Chaider (Chai + Cider)

Warm apple cider and chai tea make a delicious and cozy mug of chaider. Top with some whipped cream and add some apple pie moonshine or fireball whiskey for a hot toddy for the adults.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 15

Course Drinks

Ingredients

1 jug apple cider
2 cups chai tea concentrate
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp cloves
whipped cream optional
apple pie moonshine optional

Instructions

In a medium size pot, add cider, Chai tea concentrate, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Pour into mugs.
Optional – add a shot of some apple pie moonshine or Fireball.
Top with whipped cream

Keyword alcohol, christmas drinks, drinks, fall, tea

November 6, 2024 By Nicolle

21 In drinks/ food/ Recipes

How to make an iced lilac latte

This post contains affiliate links

This iced lilac latte is a delicious spring dream. Homemade lilac syrup and iced espresso elevate your afternoon pick me up.

Today we’re talking lilacs and lattes. Two of my favorite things. If you’ve been here awhile, you probably remember my lilac lemonade that goes viral every spring over on Pinterest. Being that it’s lilac season, I decided to try a lilac latte. I love lavender in coffee, so I thought, why not lilac?

It’s surprisingly really easy to make with only three ingredients – espresso, lilac syrup and cream. And if you’re nervous to try floral flavors in your coffee, just do it! The floral is very subtle and just takes your average espresso and makes it even more magical.

Are lilacs edible?

Yes lilacs are in fact edible! They are part of the olive family believe it or not. So not only can you cut and enjoy the smell of lilacs, but you can also capture their essence in some amazing recipes using lilac syrups, sugars, and adding their blooms to different foods.

I have some more lilac recipes and other ways to use lilacs in this post here.

How to make lilac syrup

I used this recipe from The Spruce Eats to make my lilac syrup for my lilac latte.

You will want to make sure that you know the source of your lilacs to ensure that they are free of any pesticides and other chemicals. Also the longer you allow the lilacs to infuse, the stronger the flavor will be.

I stored my syrup in a dispenser like this one so that I could use it to add to my coffee. Keep refrigerated for 2 weeks.

(You can also use lilac syrup over ice cream, or use to make whipped cream for just a few other ideas!)