16 Festive Holiday Drinks to Warm Up Your Winter Nights

The holidays are all about staying cozy and enjoying the little things. A warm drink in hand makes those chilly nights even better, whether it’s something classic like mulled wine or a creamy peppermint mocha. These festive drinks are perfect for relaxing by the fire or catching up with friends and family. Let’s dive into some ideas to keep you warm this winter.

Classic Eggnog

A traditional holiday favorite, eggnog is a creamy blend of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks, often spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon. To prepare, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until creamy. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and a pinch of nutmeg; heat until just boiling. Slowly whisk the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then return to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup rum, and refrigerate. Before serving, fold in 4 beaten egg whites for a frothy texture.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a comforting drink combining rum with a spiced butter mixture. To make the batter, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. For each serving, place 2 tablespoons of the batter into a mug, add 1.5 ounces of dark rum, and top with 1/2 cup boiling water. Stir until the batter dissolves, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. This rich and warming beverage is ideal for cold evenings.

Coquito

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink similar to eggnog but with a coconut twist. Blend together 1 can each of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, along with 1 cup of white rum, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. This creamy and tropical beverage brings a taste of the Caribbean to your holiday festivities.

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a warm cocktail combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. In a heatproof glass, dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 4 ounces of hot, strong coffee. Stir in 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey. Gently float 1 ounce of lightly whipped heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Do not stir; drink the coffee through the cream for a smooth and warming experience.

Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced apple cider is a non-alcoholic beverage made by heating apple cider with spices. In a large pot, combine 1 gallon of apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 3 star anise, and 1 sliced orange. Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Strain and serve warm, garnished with apple slices or cinnamon sticks. This fragrant drink is perfect for family gatherings.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint hot chocolate is a festive twist on the classic hot chocolate, infused with peppermint flavor. In a saucepan, heat 2 cups milk until steaming. Whisk in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and stir well. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a delightful holiday treat.

Glögg

Glögg is a Scandinavian mulled wine, traditionally served during the holiday season. In a pot, combine 1 bottle of red wine, 1/2 cup port or brandy, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 3 cardamom pods, and the peel of 1 orange. Heat gently until steaming, but do not boil, for about 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup blanched almonds, and let sit for another 10 minutes. Serve warm, ensuring each cup has some raisins and almonds.

Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a classic warm drink made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. In a mug, combine 1.5 ounces of whiskey, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Top with 1/2 cup boiling water and stir until the honey dissolves. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. This soothing beverage is often enjoyed as a remedy for colds.

Cranberry Mulled Wine

Cranberry mulled wine adds a tart twist to the classic mulled wine recipe. Combine 1 bottle of red wine, 2 cups cranberry juice, 1/4 cup honey or sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, and 1 sliced orange in a pot. Heat gently for about 20 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil, to meld the flavors. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices. This delightful drink offers a bright and slightly tangy flavor perfect for cold winter nights.

White Chocolate Peppermint Martini

This creamy martini is a decadent mix of white chocolate and peppermint flavors. In a shaker, combine 1-ounce vodka, 1-ounce white crème de cacao, and 1-ounce peppermint schnapps with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy canes. Garnish with whipped cream and a candy cane for an extra festive touch. This dessert-like cocktail is ideal for holiday parties and adds a touch of elegance to your celebrations.

Chai Tea Latte

A chai tea latte offers a warm and spiced drink for non-alcoholic enjoyment. In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon black tea, 2 teaspoons sugar, and a mix of spices (1/4 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, plus a pinch of cloves). Strain the mixture into a mug and top with steamed milk for a frothy finish. The earthy spices and creamy texture make it a cozy choice for winter evenings. Its soothing aroma aligns perfectly with the season’s relaxing vibes.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

This holiday hot chocolate combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with rich cocoa. Heat 2 cups milk in a saucepan, then whisk in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until smooth, then add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or crushed gingerbread cookies. This drink is a festive twist on a classic favorite that feels like a warm hug in a cup.

Spiked Eggnog

Spiked eggnog is a richer, boozy version of the classic eggnog. Prepare traditional eggnog as outlined earlier, then stir in 1 ounce of bourbon, rum, or brandy per serving. Chill the mixture before serving in a glass garnished with freshly grated nutmeg. The addition of alcohol enhances its depth of flavor, making it an indulgent holiday treat. It’s a celebratory drink that’s synonymous with the festive season.

Peppermint Mocha

A peppermint mocha combines coffee, chocolate, and mint for a decadent winter drink. Brew 1 cup of strong coffee and mix it with 1/2 cup steamed milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Stir well until the ingredients are combined, then top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies. This drink is a favorite for coffee lovers looking to enjoy seasonal flavors. Its rich and refreshing taste is a perfect pick-me-up for chilly days.

Cinnamon-Spiced Horchata

Cinnamon-spiced horchata is a Mexican-inspired drink with a sweet and creamy texture. Soak 1 cup of rice in 2 cups water for 4 hours, then blend with 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Strain through a fine sieve and chill before serving over ice, garnished with a cinnamon stick. This drink offers a festive yet refreshing flavor profile for winter celebrations. Its spiced notes make it a perfect non-alcoholic option.

Spiced Cranberry Punch

This non-alcoholic punch is a fruity and festive addition to any gathering. In a pot, simmer 4 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups apple juice, 1/4 cup honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, and 1 sliced orange for 15 minutes. Strain and serve warm, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices. The combination of tart cranberries and warm spices creates a drink that embodies the holiday spirit. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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