11 Hot Drink Recipes That'll Warm You Up This Winter

By Betty Gold
Updated November 30, 2020
Credit: Franceso Lagnese

From living in our favorite fuzzy socks and slippers to hygge-fying our backyards, beds, and (of course) our beverages of choice, we're prioritizing all-things cozy this season. After all, what's more soothing than wrapping your frozen fingers around a piping hot mug of decadent hot cocoa or spicy mulled wine in the wintertime? Whether you're in search of an easy egg nog recipe, warm apple cider, a creamy homemade caramel latte, or a spirited hazelnut hot toddy, these 11 recipes will warm you up from the inside out. (FYI, if you'd prefer to use a pre-made mix for your hot chocolate or chai fix, see our top-tested roundup of warming beverages here, and if you'd fancy yourself a glass of wine as well, check out our guide to cozy cold weather wines.)

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Easy Chai Tea

Credit: Ellie Miller
get the recipe

This café favorite is easier to make than you think: Simply bring crushed spices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and milk to a boil, add tea bags, and let steep for 10 minutes. For an extra kick of caffeine, add a shot of espresso to make a DIY dirty chai. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Spicy Mulled Wine

Credit: Greg DuPree
get the recipe

This warm, boozy beverage is super simple to make and perfect for a crowd. Make a big batch, leave it on the stove or in a slow cooker to stay warm, and let friends fill their glasses with a ladle or two full. Thanks to a hearty dose of black peppercorns and spicy fresh ginger, this mulled wine recipe delivers a balanced—i.e., not sticky sweet—cocktail. 

3 of 11

Creamy Caramel Latté

Credit: Getty Images
get the recipe

You can make this luscious latté recipe without any fancy ingredients, including an espresso machine or a milk frother. While espresso is traditional (and preferred), you can swap in extra strong coffee from a French press or pour over machine and froth the milk in a mason jar to make this barista-quality beverage. For an extra sweet way to start the day, add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. 

Advertisement

4 of 11

Warm Mulled Cider

Credit: Francesco Lagnese
get the recipe

Simmer apple cider with mulling spices, orange zest, and ginger to make a drink that smells as good as it tastes.

5 of 11

Spiced Hot Cocoa

Credit: Grant Cornett
get the recipe

Add a touch of ground chipotle and cinnamon to turn up the heat in this winter favorite.

6 of 11

Warm Hazelnut Toddy

Credit: Francesco Lagnese
get the recipe

To create this easy version of a hot toddy, mix Frangelico with hot water and top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Easy Blender Eggnog

Credit: Tom Schierlitz
get the recipe

To save time (without sacrificing taste), use your blender to prepare this holiday classic.

8 of 11

Malted Hot Cocoa With Toasted Marshmallows

Credit: Grant Cornett
get the recipe

Change up your favorite hot chocolate by adding malted milk powder and broiled marshmallows.

9 of 11

Minty Hot Cocoa Float

Credit: Grant Cornett
get the recipe

A scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream transforms traditional hot cocoa into a dessert-like winter treat.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Magic Cocoa

Credit: Melanie Acevedo
Get the Recipe

This recipe calls for just two ingredients; add cocoa candy melts or semisweet chocolate chips to hot milk and stir.

11 of 11

Mulled Wine With Cranberries

Credit: Tom Schierlitz
get the recipe

Jazz up this old standby with cranberry juice and fresh cranberries.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Betty Gold