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

Whether it's chocolate, tea, cider, or something a little boozy, we have hot beverage options for you.

hot-drinks: mulled cider
Photo: Franceso Lagnese

We're prioritizing all things warm and comfy this winter—from lounging in fuzzy socks and slippers to cozy-fying our beds, backyards, and (of course) beverages. After all, when the temperature drops, what's more soothing than wrapping frozen fingers around a piping hot mug of rich hot cocoa or spicy mulled wine?

Whether you're in the mood for eggnog, warm apple cider, a creamy caramel latté, or a spirited hot toddy, we have 11 recipes to warm you up from the inside out. But if mixing your own isn't for you, check out our six favorite store-bought warming beverages and our guide to cozy wines for cold weather.

01 of 11

Easy Chai Tea

Two pink saucers on a surface with clear glasses of chai
Crystal Hughes

This café classic 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 caffeine kick, add a shot of espresso for a DIY dirty chai.

02 of 11

Sweet-And-Spicy Mulled Wine

Spicy Mulled Wine
Greg DuPree

This warm, boozy beverage is super simple to make and perfect for a crowd. Make a big batch, keep it warm on the stove, and let guests ladle it themselves. Thanks to a hearty dose of black peppercorns and spicy fresh ginger, this mulled wine recipe delivers a balanced (not sticky-sweet) cocktail.

03 of 11

Creamy Caramel Latté

caramel-latte-recipe
Getty Images

You can make this luscious latté without fancy ingredients, an espresso machine, or a milk frother. For a barista-quality beverage, replace espresso with extra-strong coffee from a French press or pour-over machine, and froth the milk in a Mason jar. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra-sweet way to start the day.

04 of 11

Warm Mulled Cider

Warm Mulled Cider
Francesco Lagnese

Aromatherapy, meet delicious. Simmer apple cider with mulling spices, orange zest, and ginger to make this warming drink that smells as good as it tastes. Sip while mulling over a good book to read on a cold winter day.

05 of 11

Spiced Hot Cocoa

Mexican Spiced Hot Cocoa
Grant Cornett

To turn up the heat in this winter classic, add a touch of ground chipotle and cinnamon. This recipe calls for a package of hot cocoa mix, but who says you can't make your own?

06 of 11

Spiced Hot Toddy

spiced-hot-toddy-1219foo
Greg DuPree

Originally created as a whiskey-based cure for colds and sniffles, today's hot toddy and its many variations serve more than just medicinal purposes. To create this spicy version, we use honey to draw the flavor of baking spices—namely cardamom and star anise—into an infused simple syrup. Add bourbon, and let the healing begin.

07 of 11

Easy Blender Eggnog

Easy Blender Eggnog
Tom Schierlitz

To save time without sacrificing taste, use your blender to prepare this holiday classic. This recipe calls for blending heavy cream, sugar, and nutmeg until frothy and then adding brandy (or Bourbon or cognac—or not). Serve warm. 

08 of 11

Slow-Cooker Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Slow-Cooker Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Greg DuPree

Change up your favorite hot chocolate by adding molasses and traditional gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Mix up a batch in the slow cooker for your family and guests to sip all day (or night) long.

09 of 11

Spiked Hot Apple Cider With Molasses

Molasses-Spiced Spiked Cider
Caitlin Bensel

Apple cider is a classic for good reason, but adding molasses, fresh ginger, and rum takes this fall favorite over the top. Pair with a cozy sweater and serve with pumpkin pie on the side.

10 of 11

Magic Cocoa

Magic Cocoa
Melanie Acevedo

This recipe calls for just two ingredients, making it a speedy and effective antidote for winter chills. Just add cocoa candy melts or semisweet chocolate chips to hot milk, stir, and let the coziness begin.

11 of 11

Chai Hot Toddy

Chai hot toddy served in tall glass and finished with frothed milk, cinnamon, and anise pods.
Getty Images

This unique, warming cocktail is worlds away from a traditional hot toddy. We punched up dark rum with a hearty dose of warming spices, milk, and black tea for a deep, complex flavor you'll love curling up with. 

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles