12 Winter Drinks for the Season

First up in our winter drinks: the coziest of them all, mulled cider! This apple cider is simmered with whole spices until it's full of warm spiced flavor. Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise make the best wafting aroma possible. Everyone will want a mug of this one! Add a splash of rum if you'd like. You can make it in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stove.

What's better than homemade hot chocolate in winter? This simple recipe uses cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, chocolate chips, and milk—that’s it! You simply combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk them together over the stovetop. Top with a little whipped cream if you're feeling decadent! And there are endless variations.

Also try: Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Spiked Hot Chocolate, Baileys Hot Chocolate or Kahlua Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing quite like a cup of masala chai. This Indian spiced milk tea is popular all around the world. There’s something about the mashup of creamy milk, subtly herbal tea, warm cinnamon and cardamom, and nuanced sweetness that hits 100% on the cozy drink meter. This is the best fall drink for when you pull out your sweaters, or a warming drink for the depths of winter. 

Here’s a winter drink that’s ideal for sipping by the fire on a chilling evening: Hot Buttered Rum! Even just saying the name makes you warm inside. This historic drink has been around for centuries. This version is subtly sweet, cozy-spiced with cinnamon and allspice, and spirit-forward with boozy dark rum. Oh: and there’s just enough butter to make it lightly creamy.

Next up: what's a more classic winter drink than a hot toddy? There’s no simmering with mulling spices or ladling out of a punch bowl here. The hot toddy is humble and made for quick and easy preparation at home for drinking around the fire! Add bourbon or rum, honey, hot water and a squeeze of lemon and you're good to go. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Also try: Brandy Hot Toddy, Rum Hot Toddy, Bourbon Hot Toddy or Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Meet a fantastic winter drink: the Cranberry Margarita! This bright red drink is absolutely stunning to look at, and the sweet tart flavor is crisp and refreshing. It’s got all the character of the classic margarita, but a beautiful new look and nuance to the flavor.

Also try: Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Here's spiked cider: the perfect hot winter drink! This one is simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, then stirred together with a healthy swig of rum. The rum adds a warm roundness to this winter cocktail that's like a warm and cozy hug.

How cozy does this winter drink look? Yes, this vanilla chai latte is the equivalent of putting on a fuzzy sweater and curling up by a roaring fireplace. This tea is flavored with beautiful chai spices: cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Add to it the frothed milk foam from a latte, and you’ll feel like you’re drinking a fancy tea latte from your local coffee shop.

Also try: Chai Latte, Perfect Tea Latte, Dirty Chai Latte, Vegan Chai Latte

Ever tried mulled wine? It's another classic winter drink that tastes like roaring fires, fuzzy blankets and wool sweaters, all in one! Here you'll combine red wine with honey and orange zest, then simmer with, cloves, cinnamon and allspice. It makes for a savory sweet flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Once apple cider season rolls around, there’s one cocktail you absolutely must make with it. This Apple Cider Margarita! It’s tangy and balanced: the zingy tequila and lime pairs beautifully with the sweet cider. Top it off with a cinnamon sugar rim, and every sip is a delight.

Here’s a tasty, sweet tart spin on the vodka martini that you’ve got to try: the Cranberry Martini! It’s refreshing, zingy and perfectly balanced, starring Cointreau orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Cranberry drinks are perfect for wintery weather, and this one is particularly tasty.

Also try: Pomegranate Martini

Last up in our winter drink recipes: another cocktail! This apple cider sangria recipe is so beautiful and full of flavor, it's absolutely perfect for wintertime entertaining. It pairs sparkling apple cider with red wine, orange and cinnamon. For serving, keep the layers separate so you get a jewel-tone effect. In a word: wow.