As winter arrives, the cold weather makes us crave warm and comforting drinks. A good winter beverage can warm us up and transform a chilly day into a cozy experience. This season offers a variety of rich, creamy options along with fragrant hot beverages, all of which can lift our spirits and keep us warm.
One of my favorite winter drink memories is from the 1990s when I visited Disney World with my family. The weather was cool for Florida in December, especially at night. Just before the fireworks show at EPCOT, we saw a Disney cast member selling steaming cups of hot chocolate and hot apple cider. The smell of spices filled the air, mixing with the excitement of the evening, creating a magical feeling. It felt cozy as we huddled together, sipping our drinks while the sky lit up in a beautiful display.
As the fireworks lit up the sky, I felt a warm feeling that went beyond just the drink. In those moments with my family during the celebration, I realized how a simple beverage can create lasting memories. Whether sitting by the fireplace or enjoying winter outdoors, these cozy times remind us to appreciate the warmth and joy of winter. Let's look at some flavors that will improve your winter experience!
1. Classic Hot Chocolate
What could be more comforting than a hot cup of hot chocolate? This popular drink mixes cocoa powder and sugar with warm milk or water. Adding whipped cream, marshmallows, or cinnamon can make it even better. A clear glass mug lets you see the pretty layers of chocolate and cream, making it enjoyable for your eyes and taste buds.
Hot chocolate is a canvas for your creativity. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cup, a hint of peppermint, or an adult version with a splash of rum, there are countless ways to make this beloved winter drink your own. A survey shows that 70% of hot chocolate fans like it with marshmallows, so feel free to experiment and create your own tasty versions of this comforting beverage.
Bonus Tip: If you find milk chocolate instant hot cocoa too sweet, try dark chocolate instead. I have tested several brands of dark chocolate instant hot cocoa. However, I need to be ready for that change in flavor. I added vegan marshmallows to balance it out, which made it a little sweeter.
2. Spiced Apple Cider
Warm up with a comforting mug of spiced apple cider. This tasty drink mixes apple juice or cider with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and star anise. You can add apple slices for extra flavor.
To make it, heat the ingredients on the stove and let them simmer. This helps the spices bring out the natural sweetness of the apples, and the smell can remind you of home and family.
Serve the cider warm to create a cozy atmosphere for everyone. One cup of apple cider gives you about 10% of your daily Vitamin C needs.
3. Gingerbread Latte
Start your day with a festive gingerbread latte. This drink mixes the flavors of gingerbread cookies with warm coffee. To make it, combine espresso with steamed milk, ginger, and molasses. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a holiday touch.
This tasty drink adds a bit of spice and can help keep your energy up throughout the day.
4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Add peppermint to your hot chocolate for a refreshing flavor. This complements the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a cool twist.
You can use peppermint extract or crushed candy canes. Both can enhance the taste and make your drink look nice. I like to finish my peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. A recent study found that 60% of people enjoy sipping peppermint hot chocolate while watching holiday movies.
It's a great treat after a long day of shopping or while relaxing with family and friends.
5. Chai Tea Latte
If you want a tasty drink, try a chai tea latte. This drink mixes black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, resulting in a warm, creamy drink that also features steamed milk. You can add flavors like vanilla or star anise for extra taste.
You can choose different types of milk to match your taste, such as dairy, oat, almond, or coconut. Each sip makes you feel like you're in a cozy café.
Bonus Tip: You can enjoy chai tea, also known as masala chai, without milk as a comforting alternative. My favorite brand for masala chai is Rishi.
6. Mulled Wine
On a cold evening, mulled wine is a great drink to help you feel warm. It comes from Europe and is made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, anise, and cloves, plus slices of citrus for sweetness. People have enjoyed this popular winter drink for centuries, especially at festive gatherings.
To make any holiday celebration better, serve mulled wine warm in a festive mug or mason jar.
Surveys show that over 50% of people think mulled wine's warmth boosts their festive spirit, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.
7. Matcha Latte
Try a matcha latte for a tasty winter drink. This bright green drink mixes matcha green tea with warm milk.
A matcha latte not only tastes good, but it's also a health-conscious choice for the winter. You can sweeten it with honey or vanilla syrup without sacrificing its nutritional value. Matcha has up to 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea, making it a great winter choice. It keeps you warm and alert without causing a caffeine crash, helping you feel energized and healthy. Enjoying a matcha latte is an excellent way to celebrate winter while taking care of your health, leaving you feeling refreshed and aware of your well-being.
8. Hot Toddy
Try a hot toddy for a warm and relaxing drink. This comforting mix of whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon is perfect for cold nights. It warms you from the inside and helps you unwind.
The honey in a hot toddy can soothe winter colds and create a sense of calm. Add a cinnamon stick or a lemon slice to improve the flavor. It's a great drink to enjoy on a chilly evening, providing warmth and comfort. Surveys show that about 70% of people choose hot toddies when they feel unwell, making it a trusted remedy.
9. Eggnog (or Holiday Nog)
Eggnog is a popular drink during winter celebrations. It is a comforting and nostalgic treat made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cream. It is usually flavored with nutmeg. Some recipes add rum or bourbon for extra flavor, which makes the drink festive.
You can serve eggnog chilled or warm, bringing back memories of festive gatherings. About 60% of people say winter wouldn't feel complete without eggnog, showing how important it is during the holiday season.
Bonus Tip: If you want a vegan holiday drink, you'll find recipes that use almond, oat, cashew, or coconut milk instead of dairy and eggs. If you prefer not to make your own plant-based eggnog, many dairy-free options are available in stores. I recommend trying Califia Farms Holiday Nog. It is a delicious option for the holiday season! I also like to use a candy cane as a stirring stick in my holiday nog—yum! I'd love to hear your suggestions for other holiday nog brands I should try!
10. Coconut Hot Chocolate
Try a new twist on hot chocolate by using coconut milk instead of regular milk. This adds a creamy, tropical taste to the classic drink.
For a special touch, top your hot chocolate with toasted coconut flakes. This extra step will help you enjoy a taste of the tropics during winter.
These winter drinks keep you warm on cold days. They also help you make special memories with loved ones. Try new recipes together and enjoy the joy that winter brings.
This list is just the beginning of your winter drink adventure. Feel free to explore different flavors to find your favorite cozy drink. Cheers to winter and all the delicious beverages it offers!
Do you have a favorite winter drink? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Blogger
Kelly Mercer loves cozy living and promotes the concept of hygge. She enjoys writing about the beach, home decor, and cozy activities. Kelly lives with her family in Wilmington, North Carolina, where they create a warm atmosphere at home, especially in winter. She hopes you enjoy these winter drink ideas as much as she does!
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