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When the weather turns cold, one of my favorite little rituals is making a warm drink and wrapping my hands around the mug. It instantly slows me down and brings a little comfort back into the day. Because of my stomach issues, alcohol is a no-go for me, so I’ve been exploring non-alcoholic cozy drinks that still feel festive, soothing, and special.
I’ve also been more intentional this season about choosing ingredients and products from small businesses. Many of the items I use in these recipes come from makers and shops that pour so much love into what they create, and supporting them feels like another tiny way to bring warmth into someone else’s day too.
Here are the cozy drink recipes I’ve been enjoying lately; simple, gentle, and perfect for chilly nights.
🍫 Homemade hot chocolate (rich & creamy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2–3 squares of a dark chocolate bar
(this one melts beautifully → Beyond Good, Organic 70% Madagascar Dark Chocolate Bar) - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a small pot, warm the milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
- Once the mixture is hot (steam rising, small bubbles around the edge), add the dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
- Stir continuously until everything is fully melted and silky.
- Taste and adjust sweetness – add sugar or leave it rich and dark.
- Pour into your favorite mug and serve immediately.
A dollop of whipped cream doesn’t hurt either.
🍎 Mulled cider (no alcohol, still cozy)
Ingredients
- 3–4 cups cranberry juice or apple cider
- 1–2 tablespoons mulling spices
(I’ve been using this blend → Monterey Bay Herb Co Mulling Spices Blend) - 3–4 orange slices
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- honey to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Add your juice or cider to a pot along with the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and mulling spices.
- Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally (avoid boiling, if the mixture boils, the spices become bitter).
- Let it steep for at least 15 minutes so the flavors warm up and blend.
- Strain if desired, pour into a mug, and enjoy warm.
Your home will smell amazing.
🥚 Simple non-alcoholic eggnog
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- pinch of nutmeg
- optional: splash of vanilla
- optional: a bit of liquor (but I skip this)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until smooth and pale.
- Warm the milk in a pot over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling.
- Temper the eggs by slowly pouring the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Pour everything back into the pot and cook on low heat, stirring, until it thickens slightly. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Chill in the fridge or serve warm.
It’s classic, cozy, and surprisingly easy.
🌿 Homemade peppermint tea (fresh & soothing)
Ingredients
- handful of fresh peppermint leaves
- 2–3 cardamom pods
- hot water
Instructions
- Lightly muddle the peppermint leaves to release the oils.
- Add cardamom pods.
- Pour hot water over both and steep 5–7 minutes.
- Strain if desired.
This is one of the simplest drinks on the list but tastes incredible, bright, cooling, and calming.
🍵 Matcha latte (warm & earthy)
Tools
- matcha whisk set → Jade Leaf Matcha – Traditional Starter Set
- manual/electric milk frother (this one is great → Maestri House Rechargeable Milk Frother with Stand)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
(this is the one I’ve been using → AprikaLife Organic Matcha Powder – Cafe Grade) - 2 tablespoons hot water
- 3/4 cup milk (oat, whole, almond, soy, your choice)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk matcha with the hot water until smooth and free of clumps.
- Warm your milk and froth it using a whisk or frother.
- Pour the matcha into a mug, then add the warm, frothed milk.
- Sweeten if desired (honey recommended).
Gentle, grounding, and perfect for quiet mornings.
🌫️ London fog tea latte (my rainy-day favorite)
Ingredients
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag
(I like this one → Pique Organic Earl Grey Tea Crystals) - 3/4 cup milk, frothed
- 1 teaspoon honey or sweetener
- tiny drop of vanilla extract
- optional: pinch of culinary lavender (lovely addition → The Spice Way Lavender Flower buds – culinary grade)
Instructions
- Steep the Earl Grey tea and lavender buds in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
- Froth your warmed milk until fluffy.
- Add honey and a touch of vanilla to the tea and stir.
- Pour the frothed milk over the tea and gently swirl to combine.
- Sprinkle in lavender (optional).
- Serve immediately – ideally with a cozy blanket and soft music.
Final Thought
Cozy drinks really do make cold weather feel softer. Whether it’s a creamy hot chocolate or a simple peppermint tea, find the drink that brings you warmth and comfort, and make a quiet moment out of it.
