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20 Best Hot Drinks to Keep You Warm This Winter

This is your cue to grab a mug!

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hot drinks
Caitlin Bensel

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The only thing cozier than a warm blanket in front of the fireplace is a mug filled with your favorite hot drink! We're talking warm winter cocktails (like cranberry mulled wine), cozy holiday punches, after-dinner drinks, and hot chocolate recipes that your kids will love, too! Whichever drink you choose, these recipes are sure to warm you right up. But before we get into the list of beverages, you might want to grab your favorite Christmas mug (or travel mug if you're ready to brave the cold).

Ahead, you'll find plenty of recipes that can liven up a fun Christmas party or tree-trimming celebration. For instance, hot buttered rum is a classic Christmas drink that's warm, spiced, and spiked with rum. Likewise, Ree Drummond's white hot chocolate drink doubles as a winter dessert. As a matter of fact, any one of these drinks would pair perfectly with a batch of warm desserts served fresh from the oven. Looking for a hot drink with a boost of caffeine? There are plenty of coffee recipes and homemade lattes on this list that'll make your mornings cozier than ever (not to mention, they'll help you get through your Christmas to-do list). If any one of these drinks sounds like an , whether it's snowing outside or not!

1

Wassail

hot drinks wassail
Danielle Daly

This variation on spiced cider is made with cranberry juice, warm spices, and a splash of bourbon or brandy. We love how pretty the pot looks with the bobbing apples, cranberries, and orange slices, too.

Get the Wassail recipe.

SHOP POTS

2

Mexican Hot Chocolate

hot drinks mexican hot chocolate
Will Dickey

What makes this Mexican hot chocolate so special? There's a pop of flavor from the cinnamon stick and cayenne. You can also add spiced rum if you're looking to make it boozy.

Get the Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe.

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3

Hot Toddy

hot drinks hot toddy
Hector Sanchez

You only need five minutes to heat up this cold-weather drink! It's a quick solve to a chilly evening that simply requires hot water, honey, lemon, and whiskey!

Get the Hot Toddy recipe.

4

Pumpkin Spice Latte

hot drinks pumpkin spice latte
Danielle Daly

Just like the PSL you might find at your local coffee shop only less expensive and made with real pumpkin puree—this latte is a must-have when the weather turns chilly. Top it off with whipped cream and extra pumpkin pie spice.

Get the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.

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5

Mulled Cider with Bourbon

hot drinks mulled cider with bourbon
Con Poulos

This is a fun way to doctor up a container of apple cider. You'll add fresh ingredients like diced apple, cinnamon, and orange peel, plus a good helping of bourbon.

Get Ree's Mulled Cider with Bourbon recipe.

SHOP MUGS

6

Hot Buttered Rum

hot drinks hot buttered rum
Caitlin Bensel

Warm, spiced butter is the key ingredient in this cozy winter drink. We use apple pie spice which has cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, but pumpkin pie spice would also be a delicious option.

Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe.

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7

Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate

hot drinks crockpot hot chocolate
Will Dickey

Making hot chocolate in a slow cooker is the best way to give your crew a warm welcome. It makes serving a crowd easy so all you need to do is ladle it into mugs and top with marshmallows!

Get the Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate recipe.

8

Cranberry Mulled Wine

hot drinks cranberry mulled wine
Ralph Smith

This drink is a favorite at Christmas markets across the globe. It's a warm, spiced red wine cocktail that has a splash of brandy in the mix.

Get Ree’s Cranberry Mulled Wine recipe.

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9

Cowboy Coffee

hot drinks cowboy coffee
Yunhee Kim

Ree serves up a version of this coffee at her restaurant at The Merc. It has sarsaparilla syrup, steamed milk and a shot of espresso for that extra pick-me-up!

Get Ree's Cowboy Coffee recipe.

10

Mulled Apple Cider

hot drinks mulled apple cider
Ralph Smith

You can use fresh squeezed apple juice to make this tasty cider recipe. It's the perfect drink to whip up after a trip to the orchard.

Get Ree's Mulled Apple Cider recipe.

SHOP DUTCH OVENS

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11

Homemade Chai

hot drinks homemade chai
Bridget Edwards / The Pioneer Woman

Chai tea is such a delight during the chilly season! This version skips the concentrate or chai-spiced tea bags for a homemade drink made from real spices, like cardamom pods, clovers, peppercorns, and nutmeg.

Get the Homemade Chai recipe.

12

White Hot Chocolate

hot drinks white hot chocolate
Brian Woodcock

Is it dessert or a drink? Who cares when it tastes this good! Instead of cocoa mix, this version of hot chocolate uses melted white chocolate and vanilla extract instead.

Get Ree's White Hot Chocolate recipe.

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13

Gingerbread Latte

hot drinks gingerbread latte
Erica Kastner / The Pioneer Woman

The only thing more seasonal than a hot drink is a gingerbread cookie! Luckily, this recipe combines the two for the perfect Christmas morning beverage.

Get the Gingerbread Latte recipe.

14

Mulled Pomegranate Cherry Juice

hot drinks mulled pomegranate cherry juice
Ralph Smith

This mulled mocktail is perfect for serving to the whole family—kids and adults, alike! It's made with black cherry juice, pomegranate juice, warm spices, and honey.

Get Ree's Mulled Pomegranate Cherry Juice recipe.

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15

Irish Coffee

hot drinks irish coffee
The Pioneer Woman

For Ree Drummond, Irish coffee is a year-round treat (not just for St. Patrick's Day!). Along with the whiskey-infused coffee, she tops her mug with a dollop of Baileys whipped cream.

Get Ree's Irish Coffee recipe.

SHOP MUGS

16

Matcha Latte

hot drinks matcha latte
Erica Kastner / The Pioneer Woman

Green tea lovers will appreciate this recipe for a homemade matcha latte! It has a rich, almost grassy flavor and creaminess that'll warm your soul.

Get the Matcha Latte recipe.

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17

Warm Gingerbread Cocktail

warm gingerbread cocktail
A Classic Twist

A spiced gingerbread syrup brings so much warmth to this holiday-inspired drink. Just be sure to top it with whipped cream and gingersnap cookies for the perfect night-cap.

Get the Warm Gingerbread Cocktail recipe at A Classic Twist.

18

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

hot chocolate
Little Sunny Kitchen

Rich chocolate and cool peppermint are a match made in holiday heaven! You can add peppermint schnapps or keep it alcohol-free for a version your kids will love too.

Get the Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe at Little Sunny Kitchen.

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19

Fresh Ginger Tea

hot drinks fresh ginger tea
Cookie and Kate

This warm, soothing beverage is both light and cozy at the same time. It has just the right amount of spice.

Get the Fresh Ginger Tea recipe at Cookie and Kate.

20

Slow Cooker Holiday Punch

slow cooker holiday punch
My Forking Life

This drink is actually made with cinnamon-flavored candy so you know it's going to have that classic Red Hot kick. Two different sweet juices help to balance out the flavor.

Get the Slow Cooker Holiday Punch recipe at My Forking Life.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

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