Warm Up Your Crowd: Big-Batch Hot Drink Recipes for Your Beverage Dispenser

When the temperature drops, nothing brings a crowd together like a warm drink. But if you're hosting a tailgate, a neighborhood bonfire, or a family gathering, playing bartender and refilling mugs from the stove is a full-time job.

This is where your gear's secret weapon comes into play. You know your Cubix 5-Gallon Beverage Dispenser is a champion at keeping drinks ice-cold, but its powerful insulation works both ways. It’s also incredibly effective at keeping liquids steaming hot for hours.

Stop worrying about lukewarm drinks and get back to enjoying your guests. Here are two of our favorite big-batch hot drink dispenser recipes perfect for warming up your crowd.

Important Pro-Tip: Pre-Heat Your Dispenser

Just as you'd pre-chill a cooler, you must pre-heat your dispenser. This is the most important step for maximum performance.

About 15 minutes before you add your beverage, fill the dispenser with boiling water. Let it sit with the lid on while you prepare your recipe. This heats up the insulated walls. When you're ready, empty the hot water and immediately pour in your hot beverage. This simple step will add hours of warmth.

Recipe 1: Easy Mulled Apple Cider

This is the classic, crowd-pleasing aroma of autumn. It's simple, non-alcoholic (so it's great for all ages), and makes your whole house smell amazing.

Ingredients (for 5 gallons):

• 4 gallons of high-quality apple cider

• 1 gallon of orange juice (for a brighter flavor)

• 20-25 whole cinnamon sticks

• 1/2 cup whole cloves

• 1/4 cup whole allspice berries

• Sliced oranges and apples for garnish (add these just before serving)

Instructions:

1. Combine the cider, orange juice, and spices in a large stockpot on your stove. (You may need to do this in two large pots).

2. Slowly bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Do not let it boil.

3. Reduce the heat to low and let the spices "mull" for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for the flavors to deepen.

4. While it's mulling, pre-heat your Cubix dispenser with boiling water.

5. Strain the spices out of the cider.

6. Empty the pre-heating water from your dispenser and immediately pour in the hot mulled cider. Add the fresh orange and apple slices. It will stay perfectly warm for your entire event.

Recipe 2: The Ultimate Tailgater's Hot Chocolate

This rich, creamy hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up in the stands or around a fire.

Ingredients (for 5 gallons):

• 4 gallons of whole milk (or a mix of whole milk and half-and-half for extra richness)

• 1 gallon of water

• 10-12 cups of high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder

• 10-12 cups of sugar (adjust to your taste)

• 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract

• A few pinches of salt (this enhances the chocolate flavor)

Instructions:

1. In a very large stockpot, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

2. Slowly whisk in the 1 gallon of water to create a smooth, thick chocolate "slurry." This prevents clumps.

3. Place the pot over medium heat and gradually whisk in the 4 gallons of milk.

4. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is hot and steam is rising. Do not let it boil, as milk can scorch.

5. While it's heating, pre-heat your Cubix dispenser with boiling water.

6. Once hot, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

7. Empty the dispenser and pour in the hot chocolate. Set up a "toppings bar" nearby with marshmallows, whipped cream, and cinnamon sticks!

From frigid football games to festive family parties, your dispenser is the key to being the ultimate host.

Ready to warm up your crowd? Discover the 5-Gallon Beverage Dispenser.