As the temperature freezes outside, the heat inside warms up thanks to the indulgent and delicious feel-good drinks on offer.

This season is a busy one, so whether you opt for a cozy night in or a family orientated party, the variety of drinks available this winter will keep everyone hydrated and happy.

What to serve…

From gingerbread latte to must-have mulled wine, the spicy flavours and toasty temperatures will create inspiring and memorable drinks to suit the whole family.

Whether you stick to serving drinks traditionally or mixing them up, here are Your Kitchen’s winter warmers to get you through the season.

Time for tea

The good old cuppa remains a firm favorite, but why not try a twist on tradition and mix the traditional cup of tea with ingredients and spices to make it something more special?

• Add fresh fruit, cinnamon or star anise to warming blends like fruity raspberry and pomegranate or lemon ginger, or an Earl Gray hot toddy is a nice alternative to the normal one!
• Using whiskey, honey and lemon, like a regular hot toddy, the addition of Earl Gray brings a hint of the citrus fruit bergamot to the drink.
• If you’re entertaining family or friends, why not make a hot tea mocktail? Lapsang Souchong tea can be mixed with orange juice for a zingy burst of flavor, or for a zesty drink, pair green tea with mint and lime for an interesting take on the popular mojito.
• If you’re planning a new year detox or health kick Kombucha, the fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea has benefits for the digestive system.

Coffee break

The basic latte, cappuccino and espresso may still be the go-to drink for many, but with so many innovations out there, the sky’s the limit when it comes to being creative with coffee.

• Liven up your mid-morning espresso by stirring in a drop of flavored syrups such as vanilla, hazelnut or caramel.
• If you’re sick of the caffeine jitters and fancy giving it up for the new year then a turmeric latte is the one for you! A caffeine free, healthy alternative to coffee it is made up of milk (preferably almond), turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, maple syrup and black pepper.
• Spice up your serve by adding a drop of Baileys with autumnal spices and topping it with whipped cream to make your evening Americano more memorable.

Taste of indulgence

Nothing screams winter more than a hot chocolate. Indulgent, delicious and a drink the whole family can enjoy, nothing quite beats a steaming hot chocolate on a cold day.

• Pumpkin butterbeer hot chocolate is a seasonal delight which the kids will love, or topping a traditional hot chocolate with a flake, caramel sauce, fudge or honey, or marshmallows will help give it that indulgent feel.
• A drop of rum dropped into hot chocolate will go down a treat with adults and a hot chocolate Mocha – an espresso shot on top of a hot chocolate – is a rich, decadent drink perfect for these cooler months.

A traditional tipple

Mulled wine is a seasonal must-have and no gathering with family and friends would be the same without it. But why not mix up the traditional tipple so that everyone in your group can drink it!

• Spiced winter berries cordial topped with white wine, cloudy apple juice, cinnamon stick and orange peel make for a tasty alternative.
• Cranberry mulled cider is perfect for this time of year thanks to its warm and spicy flavor. Remember to add garnishes like cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries and orange slices, and to make it extra boozy, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon. Make it family-friendly by swapping the apple cider with apple juice.
• Another great alcohol-free version is using hot ginger beer with cinnamon or spiced apple juice for the whole family to enjoy.

Hot Toddy

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This classic recipe ticks all the boxes this season. Not just a medicinal remedy to soothe the soul when germs take hold, it works as a warming fuel after an afternoon’s winter’s walk and the quick and easy combination packs a punch for the perfect serve to impress friends or family while entertaining.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 50ml whiskey
• 3 tsp honey
• 1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half
• 1 lemon, half juice and half sliced
• 2 cloves
• 20ml boiling water

Directions

• Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between two heatproof glasses.
• Add half of the cinnamon stick to each and top with 200ml boiling water.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to each, studded with a clove and serve.

Apple Spritz

This fruity and sophisticated cocktail not only looks the part, it tastes delicious too. Perfect for a party toast or to sip for a special occasion, the refreshing flavor is just the tonic this season.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 80ml Aperol
• 140ml apple cider
• 80ml prosecco
• 1 apple, sliced
• Soda water
• Ice

Directions

• Put a handful of ice cubes and two apple slices in two cocktails glasses and split the Aperol equally between each one.
• Add the cider and prosecco between the glasses, top with soda and serve.

Hot Chocolate

Winter isn’t winter unless someone serves hot chocolate! The indulgent delight is perfect for the cooler season and the best thing is it’s loved by young and old so everyone is happy! Keep it simple for the kids and just top with whipped cream but add a pinch of chili, cinnamon or even slug of rum to treat the adults.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 500ml milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa
• 2-4 tbsp soft light brown sugar
• 50g dark or plain chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp whipped cream

Directions

• Heat the milk, cocoa, sugar and chocolate into a small pan over a medium heat until the chocolate has melted.
• Whisk to dissolve the cocoa.
• Pour into two mugs, add the cream and grate some chocolate on top and serve.