With a mountainous landscape, stunning natural scenery, vast lakes and amazing weather, Switzerland is the ideal place to enjoy some warm and some cool refreshing drinks. As travelling yet seems like a distant dream, Switzerland brings to you some of its well-known Swiss drinks that you can enjoy from the comfort of your homes. 

Here are the 5 Swiss drinks from the gourmet paradise along with easy recipes to try at home

1. Hot Chocolate 

Switzerland is the land of chocolate after all, so a steaming mug of hot chocolate is definitely a go-to drink for a cozy weekend. Hot Chocolate is popularly known as Heisse Schoggi or Heisse Schokolade and can be served in a few different ways. 

You can pick your favourite pre-made chocolate powder like the famous Cadbury Hot Chocolate Drink, Cadbury Cocoa Powder or Ovaltine if you are in a mood for something  more malty. Mix your chocolate powder with steaming hot milk and voila! You are ready to sip onto a soul satisfying, warm chocolatey drink. This can be your go-to drink these rainy days and will certainly keep the kids happy as well.

Expert tip: Add a generous helping of whipped cream or heavy cream on the side.

2. Cranberry Mule

While you celebrate your Friday evening indoors with your family, do not forget the cocktails! Switzerland’s seasonal twist on a Moscow Mule is sure to become your new favourite while you chit-chat your way into the weekend. 

Get crafty with ice cubes and garnishes. Make ice in a tray and place a fresh cranberry into each section and freeze. You could pick up a pack of inexpensive cocktail picks and thread a few fresh cranberries on them for garnish or add a sprig of mint along with a lime wedge. If you are looking to cut calories you can substitute diet ginger ale and diet cranberry juice to make it a little lighter. 

Moscow Mule is popularly served in copper mugs, but you can use any short glass you have and jazz the presentation. Enjoy with friends and family. Cheers!

3. Kafi Luz 

This drink is for the die- hard coffee lover and for someone who is up for an experiment. Famously known as Kafi Luz or Kafi Fertig, this traditional drink that originated in the 18th century smells more like alcohol than coffee. It is a treat to sip on while you sit next to your partner on a Saturday night and binge watch your favourite TV show. 

The Kafi Luz is a Swiss coffee that is usually made with Träsch—a fruit brandy produced from pear and apple pomace that is mainly enjoyed in Central Switzerland. The recipe includes 4 ingredients like Träsch, sugar, boiling water, and instant coffee. Combine them and you're good to go!

The drink should be pale and transparent, and it is typically served in a tall stemmed glass. 

4. Pimms

Glass of Pimms is truly a classic for a hot sunny day. A favourite with the English, this light, refreshing drink has a dark rich colour, fruity content and surely is an easy DIY drink while you dream of the Alps. 

So how do you make the perfect Pimms? It’s easy and takes all of 5 minutes, all you need is 1 part Pimm’s and 3 parts lemonade add in lots of ice cubes, 1 slice each of orange and lemon, 2 slices cucumber, 1 strawberry sliced and a sprig of mint. 

Fill a glass 1/2 full of ice & pour in the Pimm’s. Add fruit and some more ice. Top with lemonade, stir and serve to your family and friends in tall glasses. 

5. Apérol Spritz 

Aperol Spritz cocktail has a fabulous orange colour that screams summer time. This bright drink is a combination of sweet liqueur and white wine or fizzy Prosecco. It is refreshing with a bitter-sweet after taste.

Here is how you make it-  take 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Apérol, 1-part soda/ sparkling water and ice cubes. Place ice cubes in a wine glass, add the Aperol, Prosecco, soda and top with a slice of orange for the perfect drink.