Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Seasonal Meals 15 Hot Drinks to Warm You Up and Make You Feel Cozy Whether it's chocolate, coffee, tea, cider, or something a little boozy, we have hot beverage options for you. By Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 08, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Franceso Lagnese We love prioritizing all things warm and comfy—from lounging in fuzzy socks and slippers to cozyfying our beds, to—of course—hot drinks. 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 hot drink recipes to warm you up from the inside out. Make one (or several), grab a blanket, light a fire, and settle in until spring. If mixing your own hot drink isn't for you, pick up a store-bought warming beverage or a bottle of wine for cold weather. 01 of 15 Sweet and 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. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 15 Easy Chai Tea Crystal Hughes This café classic is easier to make than you think. Simply bring crushed spices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and milk to a boil. Next, add tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. For an extra caffeine kick, add a shot of espresso for a DIY dirty chai. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 15 Spiced Vanilla Almond Milk Greg DuPree This warm drink recipe calls for almond milk, but any milk, whether that's dairy or non-dairy, will work. If you don't have nutmeg in the pantry, swap it with a sprinkle of allspice or ginger. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 15 Warm Mulled Cider Francesco Lagnese Aromatherapy meets delicious in this hot drink recipe! 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. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 15 Creamy Caramel Latté 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. Froth the milk in a Mason jar, and drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra-sweet way to start the day. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 15 Mexican Hot Chocolate Grace Elkus To turn up the heat in this winter classic, add an extra touch of ground cayenne pepper and cinnamon. This hot chocolate recipe calls for all-natural unsweetened cocoa, but you can use a package of hot cocoa mix in a pinch. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 15 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. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 15 Spiked Hot Apple Cider With Molasses 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. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 15 Magic Cocoa Melanie Acevedo This hot chocolate 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. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 15 Chai Hot Toddy 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. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 15 Chai and Irish Cream Getty Images All you need is the two titular ingredients to make a warming cocktail you'll crave all winter long. Somehow, magic happens when a glug or two of Irish cream mingles in a mug of spicy, freshly brewed chai tea, resulting in rich, sweet, and creamy in every sip. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 15 Pink Hot Chocolate Alison Miksch For a warm drink that's fun and whimsical, you can't beat a pink hot chocolate. To make it, start with grated sweet white chocolate, and then add your milk of choice with a bit of natural beet juice (instead of artificial dye) for color. Finish with whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, and smiles all around. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 15 Spiked Cider Tea Emma Darvick What happens when you mix hot apple cider, freshly brewed black tea, a little vanilla, and gin? This recipe answers that query with a cozy cocktail that's flavorful, rich, and satisfying. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 15 Spiced Hot Toddy Greg DuPree Created as a whiskey-based cure for colds and sniffles, today's hot toddy and its many variations are more than medicinal. 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. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 15 Easy Blender Eggnog Tom Schierlitz To save time without sacrificing taste, use your blender to prepare this holiday classic. The recipe calls for whirling heavy cream, sugar, and nutmeg until frothy and then adding brandy (or Bourbon or cognac—or not). Serve warm. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit