Classic Fall Drink Recipes

For many, fall is a time to indulge in spice-filled, heartwarming drinks that complement the cooler weather. That’s why hot beverages enhanced with cloves, ginger, and nutmeg hit the menu of every coffeehouse across America at the first whiff of cool, crisp autumn air. Get your fix of classic fall drinks with these delicious, easy-to-make recipes that you and your guests will love. Find essential supplies to make any of the drinks below at up to 20% off with our selection of fall drink supplies.

Chai Latte Drink Recipes

Our lineup of autumn drinks starts with a cool-weather staple: chai lattes. Chai is a fall favorite thanks to its incredibly aromatic makeup of exotic spices. Stick with the classics, or switch up your menu offerings with these fun fall takes on a chai latte.

Maple Chai Latte

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Oregon chai concentrate
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 oz. Monin maple pancake syrup
• 1 oz. Monin vanilla syrup
• Optional: ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine chai concentrate and milk. Heat mixture in the microwave or with a steaming wand.
2. Stir in syrups.
3. Pour into a hot cup or over ice.
4. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Pumpkin Chai Latte

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Oregan spiced chai concentrate
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 oz. Monin pumpkin pie syrup
• 0.5 oz. Monin cinnamon syrup
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• Optional: whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Combine chai concentrate and milk. Heat mixture in the microwave or with a steaming wand.
2. Stir in syrups and ground nutmeg.
3. Pour into a hot cup or over ice.
4. Top with whipped cream

Hot Fall Drink Recipes

With cold weather around the corner, it’s no wonder why consumers are turning towards hot drinks this time of year. Ditch the coffee and cream and offer up indulgent flavors instead with these hot drink recipes.

Cinnamon Bun White Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 oz. white chocolate
• 1 oz. Monin cinnamon bun syrup
• 1 oz. vanilla syrup
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Garnish with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and candied pecans

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a sauce pan, microwave, or steamer.
2. Slowly whisk in chocolate until it has melted completely.
3. Stir in syrups, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Garnish with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and candied pecans.

Salted Caramel Mocha Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup coffee
• 2 oz. chocolate syrup
• 1 oz. Monin salted caramel syrup
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: whipped cream and caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a sauce pan, microwave, or steamer.
2. Meanwhile, prepare coffee in a French press.
3. Mix syrups and salt into the milk until combined.
4. Add milk mixture to blender and pulse until the milk becomes frothy.
5. Pour milk into a hot cup.
6. Carefully pour the coffee into the cup, being sure to stay close to the side of the cup so as not to disturb the frothy milk.
7. Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Cold Fall Drink Recipes

Bring a seasonal spin to classic dessert drinks by incorporating fun fall flavors like apple, cinnamon, caramel, and pumpkin. Replace your sweet summer classics with these cool fall drinks.

Apple Cider Float

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• Optional: whipped cream and caramel sauce

1. Heat apple cider with cinnamon stick and nutmeg in the microwave or over the stove.
2. Pour hot cider into a float glass and top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup of ice
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 oz. Monin pumpkin spice syrup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• Pinch of cinnamon and ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

As the cool weather approaches, customers are looking for classic fall flavors to fill their mugs. Incorporate warm spices, aromatic blends, and indulgent flavors into your drink menu to keep customers happy. Use any of the recipes above to put a seasonal twist on the classic drinks your guests already love.

Posted in: Coffee & Tea | Recipes | Seasonal | By Rachel Jenkins

Advice from a Young Business Owner: Interview with Taylor Glessner of Dough and Co.

Since we were kids, we’ve all been told that cookie dough is something we can’t eat. That being said, most of us would probably sneak a taste out of the mixing bowl when our parents weren’t looking. Today, eateries are popping up around America to give us egg-free cookie dough that we don’t have to feel bad about eating. We spoke with Taylor Glessner, owner of Dough and Co. in Lancaster, PA, to learn more about her edible cookie dough business. Taylor shared with us how Dough and Co. came to be and what she thinks is the greatest tool for growing a small business.

The Story of Dough and Co.

After some time working as a wedding photographer, Taylor made a career change and opened Dough and Co. in March 2018 at the age of twenty-two. While she has always liked working with people, Taylor told us that she had never imagined herself owning a business with a storefront.

Taylor's shift in focus came while taking a business course, for which one assignment required drawing up a hypothetical business concept. She created Dough and Co., but she did not decide to pursue the business until she received some encouragement from others. With the initial planning stage of her business behind her, Taylor said, "It's been awesome, overall, to see people come together and support someone like me in this entrepreneurial journey."

Making Dough and Co. a Part of the Lancaster Community

When we asked why she chose cookie dough as the center of her business, Taylor emphatically answered, “Why not?” She explained that she believes cookie dough is something that is loved by all ages, and because it’s something that most people grew up with, cookie dough can bring people together. In Lancaster, that has proven to be true.

Dough and Co. had 2,000 customers at its grand opening. “That means that we helped someone from order to checkout every 30 seconds,” Taylor says about their busy first day.

The shop has seen a lot of growth since opening in March, and if you visit, it’s not hard to see why. A welcoming space with Instagram-worthy decor, comfortable seating, and a plant-adorned patio keeps customers coming back. Not to mention, Taylor greets customers with a smile, introducing herself and offering help to patrons who are tempted by too many options to decide what to order. In the shop, you’ll see families, couples, and friends coming in to chat over some dough and enjoy the homey atmosphere.

The Challenges and Advantages of Being a Young Entrepreneur

Because she opened Dough and Co. at twenty-two, Taylor has approached her business in a different way than many other business owners. “You have to have the spirit of learning,” she says. Taylor argues that her age has given her a unique drive and perspective, but her youth also means that she doesn’t have quite as much experience to bring to the table as a seasoned business owner. As a result, Taylor said that she realized how important her support system is.

People Are Your Greatest Asset

Taylor credits people as the most useful tool for growing her business. "I think something that is very important is finding people who can cover your weaknesses and bring out their strengths," she said, reflecting on the aid she received while working to bring her business to fruition. "When you have a good team surrounding you," she said, "I think that can be your greatest asset."

When we asked for her advice to young people who are interested in starting a business, she replied, “Go for it. You never know what you’re capable of until you try, and you can probably do more than you think you can.”

There’s No Co. without the Dough

Taylor told us that a lot of trial and error went into making Dough and Co.’s recipes just right. First, they developed a base recipe that is used for all of their flavors. From there, experimentation and adjustments led to the creation of the twelve flavors that the shop currently offers. These range from classics like chocolate chip to fun varieties like birthday cake and s’mores. Plus, they offer limited-time and seasonal flavors.

But don’t walk into Dough and Co. thinking that the cookie dough will look like it did when we’d sample from the mixing bowl in childhood. The shop has a long, chilled display case that shows off the flavors just like in an ice cream shop. You can get your scoops in a cup by themselves or with some ice cream, or you may opt for a cookie dough milkshake or crepe sundae to really indulge.

What’s Next for Dough and Co.?

A few months after opening, Taylor bought a food truck to bring Dough and Co. to events like weddings, birthday parties, and more. Plus, August 2018 saw the shop introduce its first line of baked goods for sale. In Dough and Co.’s future, Taylor hopes, there will be “new products, more from the food truck, and more exposure to the community.”

Dough and Co.’s story shows how a great business can become integrated into its community. Despite some obstacles brought on by Taylor’s age, this edible cookie dough shop has provided Lancaster, PA with a spot to spend time with friends and family while eating a familiar—if not usually forbidden—treat.

To learn more about Dough and Co. and their offerings, check out their website or visit them at 46 N Prince St. in Lancaster, PA.

Posted in: Foodservice Trends | Interviews | By Christine Potts

Milkshake vs. Malt: What Is the Difference?

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing cold milkshake from your favorite ice cream parlor on a hot summer day. You may have also heard the word “malt” used for this sweet ice cream drink. That leads us to ask, what is the difference between a milkshake and a malt? Are the terms interchangeable, or are they two entirely different drinks? Below, we explore the difference, go into a little history, and provide you with a recipe to make your very own malted milkshake.

What Is a Milkshake?

Compared to a malt, a milkshake is the drink you will more commonly find in modern creameries and restaurants. It is comprised of basic ingredients, blended together in a milkshake machine until it reaches that classic creamy consistancy. The ingredients of a milkshake include:

• Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt
• Milk
• Additional flavoring (optional)

There isn’t much else to it! This perfect pairing of ingredients gives us the drink we all know and love.

What Is a Malt?

A malt, or malted milkshake, is similar to a milkshake but also contains malted milk powder. Adding a spoonful of malted milk powder after the ice cream and milk are blended together gives the beverage a sweeter and richer taste, adding a hint of savory to bring out the flavors of the ice cream. It is important to keep in mind that, although malt enhances certain ingredients, it does not pair very well with some fruit-flavored ice creams and syrups.

What Is Malted Milk Powder?

Malted milk powder is made from malted barley, wheat flour, and evaporated whole milk. The malt itself is a mixture of sugars that have been extracted from barley and other grains after they have been steeped, germinated and dried. It is then toasted to caramelize some of the sugars and give it that rich toasted flavor. The final product is the same ingredient that you find in Whoppers Malted Milk Balls.

History of the Malted Milkshake

Originally, malt sugar was prescribed to children and invalids as a dietary supplement because it was easy to digest. In 1882, a man by the name of William Horlick found a way to make malt into a powder and later went on to invent evaporated milk to create the signature powder used for malted milk drinks. In 1922, Walgreens employee Ivar “Pop” Coulson decided to add ice cream to malted milk, creating the first-ever malted milkshake. It rose immensely in popularity during Prohibition as customers were forced out of saloons and into ice cream parlors and soda shops.

The practice of adding malted milk powder to milkshakes dates back to the 1920’s, and you can still find this old-time drink in retro diners today. You can even make your very own malted milkshake right at home with our recipe below.

Malted Milkshake Recipe

You can add a personal twist to the recipe by substituting the ice cream or syrup with other flavors and finishing off the delicious drink with your favorite toppings.

Yields: 2

Ingredients

• 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
• 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1 tablespoon of malted milk powder
• Malt candy (garnish)
• Whipped cream (garnish)
• Cherry (garnish)

Directions

1. Add the scoops of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and milk into a blender jar. Mix using a blender or milkshake machine until creamy but still thick.
2. Add malted milk powder.
3. Blend for a few more seconds so the powder is thoroughly mixed in.
4. Rim the inside of your cups with chocolate syrup and pour the malt mixture into the glass.
5. Top with your favorite garnishes! We recommend malt candy and whipped cream with a cherry on top.

Posted in: Foodservice Trends | Recipes | Kitchen & Cooking Tips | By Janine Jones

Top 5 Ways to Drink Apple Cider this Fall

Apple cider offers a sweet, crisp taste perfect for pairing with cool air and Autumn leaves. This fall favorite can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile treat to be enjoyed by all. Spice it up with a few of our suggestions below and learn a few important facts about your favorite fall beverage including how apple cider is made and what alcohol it pairs with best.

How Is Apple Cider Made?

Apple cider is made by first grinding and then pressing ripe apples into an unfiltered juice. Within a few days of the ripe apples being picked, they need to be washed before being mashed and ground into a pulp. While this can be done with the skin, core, and stem still on, doing so may mean you need to filter out larger sediment once the juice has been extracted. Once your apples are mashed into a pulp, the pulp is pressed, usually by a hydraulic press, to release the juices. This juice, which will still contain tiny bits of apple and pulp, is what’s known as apple cider.

What Are the Best Apples for Cider?

Common sweet apple varieties used to make cider include Fuji, Gala, Pink lady, and Jonagold apples. More acidic or sharp varieties typically include Mcintosh, Cortland, and Granny Smith apples.

The apples used for cider typically depend on the type of cider being produced, whether you’re looking for something sweet or more on the acidic side. No matter what type of cider you decide to produce, however, you’ll want to incorporate a variety of apples for depth of flavor and to achieve various notes of bitter, sweet, and sharp or tangy tastes.

Does Apple Cider Go Bad?

No, apple cider won't technically go bad. But that doesn’t mean its shelf life is limitless.

While apple cider doesn’t sour like milk or spoil like orange juice, it does have a fairly short shelf life. Typically after two weeks of being opened, exposure to oxygen and airborne yeast particles will cause a buildup of acid in the cider. This means your apple cider will begin to undergo fermentation. As the process continues further, it will become frothy, sour, and develop a vinegar-like taste.

Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice

Apple cider and apple juice undergo the same process mentioned above. The difference, however, is that apple juice is then put through a more stringent filtration process to remove any solid particles of pulp. This leaves a clear liquid that is then pasteurized to avoid unwanted fermentation. This gives apple juice a longer shelf life than its cider counterpart.

Apple Cider vs. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is simply apple cider that has undergone further fermentation. The sugars in apple cider turn into alcohol under initial fermentation, which then converts into vinegar upon secondary fermentation.

Apple Cider Recipes

A warm cup of cider on a crisp fall day is sure to warm your customers from the inside out while providing a treat to satisfy their sweet tooth. Try any of these apple cider recipes, from classic flavors to fun festive twists, to bring the warm flavors of fall to your guests and friends.

Classic Apple Cider

Here’s a traditional recipe to create classic apple cider. It’ll warm you up as the days get colder, and the aroma of apples can make any kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients:

• 6 to 10 apples
• 1/2 to 1 cup sugar
• 4 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 4 Tbsp. allspice

Instructions

1. Quarter apples and cover with water in a large pot.
2. Wrap spices in cheesecloth. Add spices and the sugar to the pot.
3. Boil on high heat for 1 hour, then simmer for 2 hours.
4. Remove spices, mash apples, and strain into another container.

Hard Apple Cider with Rum

Unlike the store bought version, this hard apple cider is not carbonated. It’s actually spiked with warm, smooth rum, which makes it a great option for adding to punch bowls at parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. allspice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 cup dark rum
• Cinnamon sticks for optional garnish

Instructions:

1. Stud apple with cloves and combine with all other ingredients except the rum in a pot.
2. Slowly bring to simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, discard the apple, and add the rum.

What Alcohol Goes with Apple Cider?

Apple cider offers a sweet, tangy taste that pairs well with a number of alcoholic beverages. Combine it with hard liquors such as tequila to make apple cider margaritas, bourbon for an upgraded hot toddy, or moonshine for an apple pie moonshine cocktail. Additionally, you can combine apple cider and sparkling wine for a fall take on sangria or even pair it with beer for a delicious apple cider shandy.

Orange Ginger Apple Cider

Ginger and orange blend together well to create a warm, holiday feeling. Add some apple cider and aromatic spices, and you’ve got warm mug of classic cold-weather flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 an orange, sliced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Strain and serve.

Salted Caramel Apple Cider

Decadent and sweet, salted caramel apple cider has a creamy texture your guests will get lost in. This indulgent recipe can be served as an after-dinner treat or even as a dessert topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 cup caramel syrup or sauce
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• Pinch of salt
• 2 Tbsp. caramel syrup or sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook cider and cinnamon until warm. Add 1/4 cup caramel sauce to the mixture.
2. Whip cream and salt together.
3. Add 2 tbsp. caramel sauce to whipped cream and top off cups of cider with it.

Cranberry Apple Cider

This refreshing twist on classic apple cider blends tart cranberry juice with sweet apples. This palatable recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and the rich color emulates the changing color of the leaves.

Instructions:

• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1 1/2 quarts cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves

Ingredients:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Garnish with orange slices and cranberries, if desired.

Spiked Pumpkin Apple Cider

Everyone loves pumpkin in their cakes, scones, coffee, and beer. In fact, you can find pumpkin and pumpkin spice in so many foods and beverages, it's surprising that pumpkin apple cider isn't more popular. Serve this cider at your bar during the holidays or offer it as your specialty drink of the fall season.

Instructions:

• 1 1/2 oz. pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka
• 2 oz. apple cider
• 1 1/2 oz. ginger beer

Ingredients:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, pumpkin puree, vodka, and apple cider.
2. Shake and strain into glass, then add ginger beer.

With these recipes, you can expand your menu offerings and entice customers to come inside your business on colder days. Whether guests are seated at your dining tables or at your bar, a fresh cup of classic apple cider or a not-so-traditional option will revive them.

Posted in: Recipes | Seasonal | By Rachel Jenkins