"hot drink" news and stories

When I want to keep my coffee or tea warm, I do one of three things: I drink it quickly, keep it in an insulated mug or stay reasonably close to the microwave so I can reheat it if necessary. I don't think that I would ever get to the point where I needed a drink warmer like the one pictured here. This set has two main components: a frosted glass mug and a zinc cup holder/warmer, which has a space for a tea light. It also includes the stainless steel stirring spoon/drinking straw pictured with it.

It looks a bit like a fondue set, doesn't it? Clearly, you would have to regularly stir your drink to prevent the bottom from scalding, particularly if you're drinking a dairy-based beverage.

I would rather just drink my hot cocoa quickly if the only reheating option seemed like a fire hazard.

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There are some coffee shops that have a wide variety of teas, usually loose-leaf, in addition to their selection of coffee and espresso drinks. On more than one occasion, I have seen customers become irate when trying to order tea, insisting that they "just want tea" as the girl behind the register gently tries to explain that there are, in fact, many kinds of tea. The shops should just keep a stash of Lipton teabags in the back for these types of customers because that is the generic tea that they are most often referring to. It is a tea that they have grown up with, though they often know little about it.

The mindset that there is but one type of tea is changing and the tea-drinking population is developing a newfound appreciation for different types of teas. As a result, even Lipton is coming out with some variety.

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There are any number of reasons that someone might have unsteady hands, from sheer clumsiness to a serious medical problem, but among the many difficulties that could result from such an affliction, the inability to hold a cup steady is a serious one. Not only is there the risk of burns from hot liquids, but it is just purely inconvenient. A new device called DrinkSteady from HandSteady holds cups with a rotating rubber grip mounted within a plastic frame. Once the cup is in the gadget, the suspension between the grip and the outer frame actually holds the cup steady for someone to drink from, regardless of how their hand might shake. It works with mugs, cups and even wineglasses. DrinkSteady can also be used in cars, trains or airplanes - where outside turbulence might affect the steadiness of a cup.

The gadget won the 2006 Design for Disability Award, as well as several other honors, but will not be retailed for at least another year and the company is looking to make sure there is interest in the product (perhaps to reassure investors) before going forward with production. If you think it's a good idea, you might want to drop them a line and let them know.

And, if anyone has ever had the pleasure of watching Keeping Up Appearances, no doubt you know that Elizabeth, Hyacinth's neighbor, could certainly benefit from one of these.

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A bicerin is the traditional drink of Turin, Italy. It has been made there since the mid 1700s, essentially unchanged over the past nearly 250 years. It is a mixture of milk and chocolate (locally produced in Italy), coffee and whipped cream. As you can see in the photo of David Lebovitz's lovely rendition of the drink, it is possible to see all three layers, the bottom layer being rich with milk and chocolate. As you might imagine, it is quite rich and it should be served in a small glass (called a bicerin, hence the name). His recipe makes it possible for you to whip up a batch of this decadent drink at home, to enjoy as you cheer on your favorite athletes at the Winter Olympic Games.

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