Blog

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many of us find comfort in warm beverages. Having spent nearly four years working in a bustling coffee shop, I’ve come to notice a remarkable pattern with our customers: their drink choices are often dictated by the weather.

During the warmer months, you’ll find my regulars happily sipping iced coffees and frappes. However, as soon as there’s a hint of chill in the air, the scene shifts dramatically. The iced drinks vanish, replaced with the comforting aroma of hot beverages filling the air. Suddenly, we find ourselves scrambling for hot cups and lids, struggling to keep up with the surge in demand.

The Comfort of Warm Drinks

There’s something undeniably soothing about holding a warm cup in your hands when it’s cold outside. It envelops you like a cozy blanket, offering not just warmth but also a sense of comfort. Whether you’re lounging at home, braving the winter chill outside, or snuggling on the couch with a book, warm drinks enhance the mood.

To help you embrace the colder months, I’ve compiled a list of delightful warming drink recipes. Each of these beverages brings a unique flavor profile and experience that can elevate your winter days. Let’s dive into these delicious creations!

1. Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

Pumpkin-flavored everything seems to dominate the fall months. This recipe for Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate combines the rich creaminess of white chocolate with the spiced warmth of pumpkin and nutmeg—a highly indulgent treat!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• Whipped cream for topping
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until hot but not boiling.
2. Add white chocolate chips and pumpkin puree, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin spice. Stir to combine.
4. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

This drink not only warms you up but also serves as a reminder of the cozy fall nights spent with loved ones.

2. Caramel Hot Apple Cider

Hot apple cider is a classic winter drink that evokes nostalgia. This recipe takes it a step further with caramel for an added sweetness that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Caramel Hot Apple Cider is an instant favorite and a festive way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat apple cider over medium heat with cinnamon sticks.
2. Stir in caramel sauce until melted and well combined.
3. Remove from heat and garnish with whipped cream and additional caramel drizzle.

Serve this drink at holiday gatherings or simply enjoy it as you unwind at home.

3. Mulled Hot Cider

Bringing a festive touch to your home isn’t too difficult with Mulled Hot Cider. The scent alone will bring warmth to your space, making it one of the best drinks to transition into the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole star anise
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Serve warm with a slice of orange in each glass.

4. Maple Cinnamon Latte

If you’re a fan of lattes, the Maple Cinnamon Latte is a must-try! It offers the espresso punch that many love, complemented with dreamy maple syrup sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
• 1 cup milk (any milk or milk alternative works)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brew your espresso or coffee.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming, then froth (using a frother or a whisk).
3. In your mug, combine the espresso, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
4. Pour steamed milk over the mixture and give it a good stir. Top with frothed milk, and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.

5. Biscoff Hot Chocolate

Biscoff cookies have taken the world by storm, and now they can enhance your hot chocolate experience too! This Biscoff Hot Chocolate is creamy, chocolatey, and has that unique caramelized flavor from the cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons Biscoff spread
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed Biscoff cookies for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming (but not boiling).
2. Add dark chocolate chips and Biscoff spread until melted and combined.
3. If desired, mix in sugar for additional sweetness.
4. Serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed Biscoff cookies.

6. Hot Buttered Rum

For those looking to indulge in something a bit stronger, Hot Buttered Rum is a classic winter drink you won’t want to miss! The buttery and spiced flavors will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark rum
• Hot water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and spices until well combined.
2. In a mug, add 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture, dark rum, and top with hot water.
3. Stir until combined, and enjoy the warmth and spice.

7. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Peanut butter lovers will rejoice with this recipe! The Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate takes traditional hot chocolate up a notch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming.
2. Stir in dark chocolate chips and peanut butter until well combined and smooth.
3. If desired, mix in sugar for sweetness.
4. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and crushed peanuts.

8. Champurrado

A Mexican twist on hot chocolate, Champurrado is a thick and rich beverage that incorporates masa (corn dough) for texture.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water or milk
• 1 cup masa harina
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate or chocolate tablets
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, mix masa harina with a cup of water or milk until smooth.
2. Gradually add the remaining water or milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Heat the mixture and then add chocolate, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Stir until thick and creamy, serve warm.

9. Cinnamon Eggnog Latte

Nothing says festive quite like eggnog! The Cinnamon Eggnog Latte combines the familiar flavors of eggnog with rich coffee for a truly special treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup prepared eggnog
• 1 cup brewed coffee or espresso
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee or espresso.
2. In a saucepan, heat the eggnog until steaming (do not boil).
3. Pour hot coffee into a mug and add hot eggnog.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

10. Hot Chai Latte

Chai lattes are a delightful blend of tea and spices. A Hot Chai Latte made from scratch can easily become your go-to in the cold months.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 chai tea bags
• 2 cups milk
• Sweetener to taste (honey, sugar, or maple syrup)
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and add chai tea bags. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
2. In another saucepan, heat the milk and froth if desired.
3. Combine the chai tea with milk and sweetener to taste.
4. Top with ground cinnamon.

11. Traditional Wassail

Traditional Wassail is a warm punch that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its blend of spices, citrus, and apple cider, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 10 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients and heat over medium heat.
2. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
3. Strain and serve warm in mugs.

Conclusion

These warming drinks are just a few examples of the delightful beverages you can make at home as the weather turns cold. They not only provide heat but also nurture the soul and create perfect moments to share with friends and family. So get cozy, mix up a batch, and enjoy the warmth of winter!

For more recipes and holiday articles, be sure to check out the Fill Your Plate blog! Embrace the season and let each sip remind you of the warmth and joy that comes with the colder months. Cheers!

For more recipes and holiday articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!

By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern