6 Hot-Drink Recipes to Warm Your Winter Evenings

Cozy up with these delicious winter warmers.

Published December 5, 2019

Cold
weather calls for hot drinks, and there’s nothing cozier than a warm mug in a
cupped hand on an icy evening. Try our family-friendly hot-drink recipes to
keep your loved ones toasty when the weather turns wintry.

Mulled Apple Cider

Some local supermarkets will stock glass jugs of cider from a local press. Grab the best bottle or jug you can find! The more local, the better; it will be fresher and more tangy. Pour your cider in a slow cooker on low with some cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and some whole cloves. Serve and garnish your mugs with fresh orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Epicurious stumps its own Texas cider recipe with a punch of pineapple.

Spiced Hot Cocoa

Whether you’re dressing up a packet, sifting sugar and cocoa powder together, or going whole hog and melting bars of chocolate into gently warmed milk, nothing gives you the glow of a snuggly snow day (we can dream) like a cup of hot chocolate. Get inventive and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder for an Aztec take on an old favorite. Top with homemade marshmallows if you’re feeling really festive.

Chai Tea

Try this recipe for a cozy winter warmer made with your spice-cabinet staples.

Fresh Mint Tea

This
is the simplest recipe you can imagine. If you grow fresh mint in the garden,
all you have to do is step outside to pick some leaves; if you have to travel
to the store, that works too! Simply put a handful of fresh mint leaves in a
glass and pour hot water over them. Let steep for a few minutes, then enjoy
your refreshing brew. You can even leave the mint in your glass, as the aroma
will only add to the experience.

Ginger Infusion

Thinly slice some fresh ginger and place in a mug. Quarter a fresh lemon or other winter citrus and add it to your mug. Pour boiling water over your concoction and let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Sweeten with honey and add cloves or star anise for warmth. The perfect pick-me-up for quiet winter evenings.