5 Warm Festive Drinks to Keep You Toasty This Season
As the nights grow longer and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm drink brimming with festive flavours. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, curling up by the fire, or just want to treat yourself, these delightful, warm, festive drink recipes are guaranteed to bring seasonal cheer to every sip.
Here are five warm festive drinks to spice up your winter celebrations.
Classic Mulled Wine with a Twist
Bring the essence of Christmas markets to your home with this vibrant classic. The twist? A splash of cranberry juice for added tartness.
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
1 bottle of red wine
150ml cranberry juice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
2-star anise
Zest of 1 orange
4 tbsp brown sugar
Method
- Combine the wine, cranberry juice, spices, and orange zest in a pot.
- Heat gently—don’t let it boil!
- Stir in the sugar and let the mixture infuse for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick.
Gingerbread Latte
Move over, coffee shop chains—this homemade gingerbread latte is easy, delicious, and sure to impress.
Serves: 1
Ingredients
250ml milk of your choice
1 shot of espresso (or strong coffee)
1 tbsp gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
Whipped cream
Ground ginger for garnish
Method
- Heat the milk and froth it using a whisk or frother.
- Mix the espresso with gingerbread syrup.
- Pour the milk over the coffee mixture and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground ginger.
Hot Buttered Rum
This cosy drink is rich, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent—a great way to end a chilly evening.
Serves: 1
Ingredients
1 shot of dark rum
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
150ml hot water
Method
- Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl to form a smooth paste.
- Add the butter mixture to a heatproof mug.
- Pour in the shot of dark rum and stir to combine.
- Top up with hot water, stirring continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve warm.
Tip: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste, and for an extra festive touch, add a top of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg before serving.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A festive spin on a classic, this peppermint-infused hot chocolate is pure comfort in a cup.
Serves: 2
Ingredients
500ml milk
100g dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish
Method
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
- Stir in the chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar until melted and smooth.
- Add peppermint extract and pour into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
Spiced Apple Cider
Perfect for non-alcoholic gatherings or a child-friendly option, this cider is like a hug in a mug.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1L apple juice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
1-star anise
1 vanilla pod, split
Orange slices
Method
- Pour the apple juice into a saucepan and add the spices and orange slices.
- Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm in mugs with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick
These warm, festive drinks are the perfect accompaniment to winter festivities, whether you’re hosting a party or simply embracing some downtime. Try one (or all) of these recipes and let the aromatic spices, velvety textures, and comforting warmth fill your home with seasonal joy.
Cheers to a cosy and delicious festive season.
