6 Homemade Hot Winter Beverage to Cozy Up With

Warm up the season with these easy-to-make homemade hot winter beverages.

There’s just something about curling up on the couch with a blanket, a good book, and a warm, comforting drink as you watch the snow, winter rain, or mist gently fall on the homestead.

And, if you’re anything like me, a homemade, handcrafted hot beverage certainly gets my vote over a bland, sugary, pre-packaged mix from the store.

So, to usher in the coming cold, I invite you to try one of these six homemade hot beverages meant to warm your body and soul.

From traditional hot cocoa to a soothing hot toddy (for when you’re not feeling well), I’ve included some of my all-time wintery favorites.

Stay toasty, my friends!

Hot Winter Beverage #1: Traditional Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows

During the cold winter months, reading The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg while sipping homemade hot chocolate is a tradition many families, including my own, enjoy. In the story, the hot chocolate is a highlight of the children’s trip to the North Pole, being described as “thick and rich as melted chocolate bars.” (Did someone say “YUM!”?)

To bring the story to life, try this recipe for the best homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows – great for sipping as you read aloud.

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 6 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Mini marshmallows and/or whipped cream

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium to medium-high heat. Stir constantly until smooth.
2. Add the heavy cream, milk, salt and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
3. Turn off the heat and let it cool (just slightly — it’s hot cocoa after all!).
4. Serve warm, pouring the mixture into festive holiday mugs.
5. Add marshmallows and/or whipped cream and enjoy!

Yields about 6 cups of hot cocoa.

Hot Winter Beverage #2: Hot Apple Cider

Hot apple cider is the perfect drink for the cold winter months. Its crisp, sweet, tart (or a bit of both) and flavorful taste is enjoyed by everyone of all ages.

And if you followed along with our fall article, How to Press & Make Apple Cider, it’s time to pull your pre-made cider out, heat it up and sip away!

Alternatively, try this quick and easy hot apple cider recipe:

Ingredients:

• 10 apples, all quartered (no need to peel or remove the seeds yet)
• Water
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, add the quartered apples. Pour water over the apples until they are submerged.
2. Add light brown sugar, cinnamon and allspice. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil. Stir, and then let boil uncovered for 1 hour.
4. Stir, then cover the stockpot, reduce heat, and let simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
5. Let cool.
6. Strain the mixture into a large bowl using a cheesecloth or strainer until you are left with just the liquid cider.
7. Dreidel the mixture into a mug and enjoy!

Pair a mug of hot apple cider with these mini-pumpkin trifles, a savory biscuit or scone.

Hot Winter Beverage #3: Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk)

If you’re looking for a healthy hot beverage option, definitely give golden milk a try. This creamy dairy-free beverage has many health benefits, will warm you up, and is absolutely delicious (with a spicy kick).

Turmeric, the superstar ingredient in golden milk, has been used for many years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat health conditions and support the body. It’s been proven to reduce joint pain, soothe digestive and respiratory issues, and much more.

Enjoy this healthy and delicious ancient medicine beverage all season long. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk or your favorite dairy or plant-based milk
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Dash of black pepper & ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Honey (to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, all spices, coconut oil and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover for 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Drain through a cheesecloth or strainer until you’re left with the liquid. Stir in vanilla extract (if desired). Add more honey if needed.
4. Serve in a mug and enjoy!

Yields 1-2 servings

Check out 13 Home Remedies for the Homestead for more natural uses for ingredients like turmeric, onions and even rice water.

Hot Winter Beverage #4: Chai Tea Latte

Blend the flavors of black tea and creamy milk with sweet and warming spices to make a warm cup of chai tea latte.

Black tea, interestingly, has many health benefits. It contains natural antioxidants and other nutrients that have been proven to decrease inflammation in the body.

There are several ways to make a chai tea latte. Here we show you how with pre-made chai tea bags versus making a homemade concentrate. If you’d rather use a homemade concentrate, check out this recipe from The Fresh Cooky.

How to make homemade chai tea latte (makes 1 serving):

Ingredients:

• 2 chai tea bags (like this one or this one)
• ½ cup water
• 1 ½ cup milk or coconut milk
• 1 to 2 tablespoons raw sugar (judge based on your taste preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, add water and bring it to a boil. After the water begins to boil, turn off the heat.
2. Place the chai tea bags in the water. Cover with a lid.
3. Let steep for about 5 minutes (or according to the package directions). Then remove the bags and throw them away.
4. In a separate pot, add the milk and heat.
5. Add raw sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
6. Heat the milk mixture until it starts to steam. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
7. Once heated, add the tea to a mug, then add the milk mixture. 
8. Optional: Add a generous spoonful of honey to taste.
9. Enjoy!

Yields 1-2 servings

Hot Winter Beverage #5: Hot Cranberry Tea

During the most wonderful time of the year (Hint: Christmas!), a cup of holiday cheer seems fitting. And what could be more festive than a mug full of hot cranberry tea? It smells, looks and even feels like Christmas in a cup.

Here’s how to make hot cranberry tea:

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of water
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup freshly juiced oranges
• 1 juiced lemon
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Combine water and cranberries in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Using a potato masher, mash the cranberries to “juice” them.
3. Add sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the mixture.
4. Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and cover the pot to steep for about an hour.
6. Reheat to warm.
7. Using a strainer, strain the hot cranberry tea into mugs.
8. Garnish with a few cranberries and a cinnamon stick.

Yields 5-6 servings

Hot Winter Beverage #6: Hot Toddy

Feeling under the weather? Try making this soothing cough and cold-busting beverage. 

The hot toddy is a classic, natural remedy that helps ease winter ailments. Just combine whiskey, lemon, and honey to nourish and comfort the body.

Here’s how to make a hot toddy:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons whiskey
• 1 tablespoon honey (more if desired)
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, bring the water to a gentle boil.
2. Pour the water into a mug and add the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. Stir well.
3. If desired, add the ground cinnamon. Drink immediately.

Yields 1 serving.

I hope you enjoy one (or all) of these hot winter beverages this season. 

To that, I raise a mug of homemade hot cocoa to you and yours - Cheers!