15 Hot Drinks to Take the Chill Off

This vanilla chai latte is the equivalent of putting on a fuzzy sweater and curling up by a roaring fireplace. It's flavored with the spices of masala chai: cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Add to it the frothed milk foam from a cafe latte, and you’ll feel like you’re drinking a hot drink from your local coffee shop.

Here’s my very best homemade hot chocolate recipe: it’s creamy, rich, chocolaty, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla on the finish. All you need are a few ingredients and 5 minutes to put it together!

Also try my Spiked Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Vegan Hot Chocolate or Healthy Hot Chocolate.

When temperatures drops, I reach for this classic spirit-forward cocktail. Bourbon, hot water, lemon, and honey create something warming and soothing: perfect for sipping slowly by the fire. I've created several variations: my Brandy Hot Toddy, Rum Hot Toddy, Bourbon Hot Toddy, and Apple Cider Hot Toddy.

If there’s any hot drink that makes the cold better, it’s hot apple cider. It makes your kitchen smell amazing and has the power to gather people, cupping their hands around the warm mugs. The aroma makes any party cozier!

Also try my Spiked Apple Cider.

Here’s a hot drink that’s ideal for sipping on a chilly 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.

This French-style coffee combines equal parts strong brewed coffee and steamed milk for a smooth, satisfying drink. It's less fussy than a latte but still feels special, especially when you pair it with a croissant on weekend mornings. Also try my Cafe con Leche.

When I can't decide between coffee and dessert, I reach for a mocha. Espresso, steamed milk, and real chocolate make a hot drink that doubles as a rich treat.

This Indian spiced milk tea is a hot drink that's popular all around the world. There’s something about the mashup of creamy milk, black tea, warm cinnamon and cardamom, and a nuanced sweetness: it's like a hug in a mug.

Making a pot of mulled wine fills the whole house with the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Keep it simmering on the stove during cool evenings or holiday gatherings so people can help themselves throughout the evening.

This coffeehouse standard is perfect for a morning pick me up. Each sip is herbal, lightly sweet and subtly bitter from the matcha, contrasted by the rich and creamy milk. It's got a brilliant green color and smooth, calming flavor.

There's nothing quite like the combination of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, and fresh whipped cream. I've experimented with variations too: try my Amaretto Coffee, Kahlua Coffee, or Baileys Coffee.

Here's a drink to add to your homemade latte repertoire: the London Fog! This latte with Earl Gray tea is sweet and creamy, with the gentle essence of honey, vanilla and lavender blossoms.

This healthy hot drink is cozy and warming: full of spicy ginger flavor, with a hint of tangy lemon and sweet honey. It’s a good substitute for coffee, if you’re trying to avoid caffeine, and there's not alcohol either. Also try my Lavender Tea, Sage Tea, Rosemary Tea, or Thyme Tea.

The French press is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to brew a great cup of coffee. It’s a forgiving method that works for all sorts of coffee beans and roasts, and you don’t need lots of extra equipment.

Then there’s quite like a steaming cup of matcha, aka Japanese green tea! This Japanese beverage has spread across the world: and for good reason. It’s full of anti-oxidants and a great healthier caffeine boost.