Backpacking Drink Recipes
Below are recipes for drinks to make while in the backcountry that have been reviewed and used by Wild Backpacker.
Many backpackers and hikers prefer to not stop and cook in the middle of the day on the trail. For some alternatives to backcountry food that require cooking, check out our Backpacking Food Ideas article.
Original Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup Hershey’s cocoa
- 1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
At home: combine all ingredients into a zip lock bag.
In camp: to make a single serving, combine a 1/4 cup of mix to 3/4 cup boiling water.
Makes 16 servings
Caramel Apple Cider
- 1 0.74 ounce packet instant hot apple cider mix
- 1 2-ounce container caramel apple dip
At home: pack the cider mix and caramel apple dip separately.
In camp: first, add 8 oz hot water to your cup. Then, add the cider mix and caramel dip.
Makes 1 serving
Cherry Lemonade
- 2/3 cup lemonade powder
- 1/3 cup sweetened cherry flavored drink mix
At home: combine all of the ingredients in an air tight container.
In camp: add 1-2 tablespoons mix to 8 ounces cold water. Stir and enjoy.
Makes 1 serving
Spiced Cocoa Mix
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 2 Tbsp non dairy creamer
- 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
At home: combine everything in a zip lock bag.
In camp: add 1-2 tablespoons of mix into a cup of hot water.
Makes 1 serving
Note: To make this a spiced mocha, add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee.
Snickerdoodle Coffee Mix
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 1/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
At home: combine all of the ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.
In camp: add 3 tablespoons of mix to 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir and enjoy.
Makes 8 servings or 1 1/2 cups mix
