5 Drinks to Warm you Up

by Paul Hope


Hot Chocolate

Making Hot Chocolate is a relatively easy task, and the end product is always satisfying. I typically make mine by gently heating milk in a small saucepan and stirring in chopped chocolate. It takes a little longer and requires whisking so if you're in a hurry, try using a cocoa mix. If you're making a single cup, a microwave works just as well. Top it off with some fresh homemade whipped cream. (Get our picks for best hand and stand mixers to whip the cream) or for a healthy alternative, try frothing some skim milk with a milk frother.

Spiced Latte

A homemade latte is easily within reach. In an 8-ounce mug, combine an ounce of brewed espresso with 7 ounces of steamed milk. Use a handheld milk frother to foam milk and top the latte. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a curl of orange peel, or even a shot of peppermint syrup. Don't have an espresso machine? Use powdered espresso instead or try making a café au lait instead by combining 8 ounces of coffee with 8 ounces of warm milk. 

Warm Apple Cider

It doesn't get much simpler than this. Try heating large batches over the stove with spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, or star anise. If you want to brew a single cup, heat  the cider in the microwave then steep with spices inside a tea ball (just make sure not to use the metal tea ball inside the microwave!)

Chai Latte

For a real spiced chai latte, you shouldn't have to go all the way to Starbucks. All you need is a French press (we like those from Bodum and Bonjour) and a smattering of spices. Grab a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, star anise, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, brown sugar, honey, and some loose-leaf black tea. Combine all the ingredients with water in the French press and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Slowly press down the press, trapping all of the spices at the bottom. Combine this spice-tea concentrate with warm milk to make the perfect chai.

Mulled Wine

A grown-up favorite in wintertime, this classic drink can be mulled in a slow cooker. Combine the wine, spices, and some sweetener in the slow cooker and simmer on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours. 

If you want to take that drink on the road, make sure you get the right mug

Just don't take the wine if you'll be the person driving.