12 Best Spiced Drink Recipes to Cozy Up With This Winter!

There's something about winter that just begs for a cozy beverage in hand, don’t you think? Whether it's the chill in the air or shorter days, nothing warms me up quite like a comforting drink with a hint of spice. I've spent countless winter evenings experimenting in my kitchen, and now I'm sharing my 12 Best Spiced Drink Recipes to Cozy Up With This Winter!

From classic hot cocoa to creative spins on traditional favorites, these recipes are sure to become your go-to drinks this season. So grab your favorite mug, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, and let's get started on making these delightful beverages that are guaranteed to warm your soul.

1. Spiced Hot Chocolate

I can't think of winter without hot chocolate. The spice adds a perfect kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
3. Continue whisking until everything is dissolved and the mixture is steaming.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream if you like, and enjoy!

2. Chai Tea Latte

Perfect for sipping while watching the snow fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the tea bags, honey, and spices.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Remove tea bags and cinnamon stick.
5. Pour into mugs and serve hot.

3. Mulled Wine

This will make your home smell amazing.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves
• 3 star anise pods

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes. Do not let it boil.
3. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Strain and pour into glasses. Garnish with additional slices of orange or star anise if desired.

4. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Who says PSLs are just for fall?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until hot. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Froth the mixture using a whisk or blender.
5. Pour the brewed coffee into a mug and top with the pumpkin mixture.
6. Add whipped cream if desired.

5. Gingerbread Hot Toddy

A festive twist on a classic hot toddy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 oz whiskey
• Lemon slice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine honey, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon.
2. Pour hot water into the mug and stir to dissolve.
3. Add whiskey and stir again.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice if desired.

6. Cinnamon Apple Cider

Warm and fragrant, it's a fall and winter favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 2 star anise pods

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients.
2. Heat over medium heat until steaming. Reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes.
4. Strain and serve in mugs.

7. Peppermint Mocha

Just like your favorite coffee shop but better.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
4. Pour brewed coffee into a mug and add the milk mixture.
5. Top with whipped cream if you like.

8. Spiced Cranberry Punch

Great for serving a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups apple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• Orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all juices, honey, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Heat over medium heat until steaming. Reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes.
4. Strain and serve warm with orange slices.

9. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Rich and indulgent, with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 oz chopped dark chocolate
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of chili powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk and water over medium heat.
2. Add chocolate and stir until melted.
3. Whisk in cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chili powder.
4. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and hot.
5. Pour into mugs and serve.

10. Spiced Eggnog

A classic holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup rum or bourbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream and heat over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
3. Slowly add the milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
6. Add rum or bourbon if desired.
7. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

11. Orange-Spiced Tea

A simple yet flavorful warm drink.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Add tea bags, honey, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove tea bags and strain.
5. Serve hot.

12. Cardamom Coffee

Infused with exotic cardamom for a unique flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons ground coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil water in a small pot.
2. Add ground coffee and cardamom.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in sugar if desired.
5. Pour into a mug, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom.

Conclusion

Warm up your winter with these delicious spiced drinks; they’re sure to bring cheer and warmth to even the coldest days. Experiment with these recipes, and find your new favorites. Enjoy each sip and let the comforting flavors make your winter season even more special. Cheers!