Eager to make friends? Join our Ethel circle today!

Our 5 Fave Homemade Hot Drinks for Winter

These comforting beverages will chase away the winter chill.

Published December 11, 2025

Whether you're a fan of hot, herbal teas, broth-based soups, or warm, boozy beverages, winter is the perfect time for a cup of coziness to chase away the chill. Some of these recipes can be easily prepared on the stove in just a matter of minutes. In a slow cooker, the drinks simmer and make themselves, filling your home with irresistible aromas.

These five recipes will turn any ordinary winter day into something extraordinary and comforting.

Hot Toddy

Hot toddies are a delicious, citrusy drink — and are also the perfect remedy for a sore throat!

Makes 10 cups

10 cups of water

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 1/2 cups of bourbon, scotch, or aged rum

Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, lemon wedges, or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Heat water in a medium to large pan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add all other ingredients (except the liquor) and stir over low heat until the honey has melted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the stove and stir in the liquor. Pour into 10 cups and garnish as desired.

Holiday Wassail Punch

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic holiday punch that will please everyone in your crowd, this punch recipe from Taste of Home is a festive beverage for any party.

Makes 3 quarts

4 cups apple juice

4 cups orange juice

2 cups cranberry juice

1 can (11.3-ounce) pineapple nectar

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons lemon juice

3-4 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

8 whole allspice

8-10 orange slices

Optional: apple slices and fresh cranberries

In a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, mix the first 6 ingredients. Place cinnamon sticks and allspice on a double thickness cheesecloth. Gather the corners of the cloth to enclose the seasonings; tie them securely with a string. Place the spice bag and orange slices in the slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours to allow flavors to blend. Discard the spice bag and orange slices. If desired, top with apple slices and cranberries. Serve warm.

Hot Buttered Rum

This delicious beverage is my go-to drink for guests to enjoy by the fireplace, accompanied by Bing Crosby holiday songs playing in the background. If Christmas had a flavor, the aromatic spices in this drink are it!

Serves 10

2 quarts of water

1 (750-milliliter) bottle of rum

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg

Combine all ingredients (except toppings) in a slow cooker. Stir, cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon, if desired.

Vegetable Egg Soup in a Mug

Sometimes I crave a comfort stove-top soup I can drink from a mug while reading a good book. This healthy, delicious recipe is it!

Serves 4-6 mugs of soup

4 cups chicken broth

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives

1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 Tbls. water

2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

3 eggs, beaten

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

*Optional toppings: additional chopped chives, low-sodium soy sauce or sriracha sauce.

Bring broth to a boil in a medium to large saucepan. Add chopped carrots, onion, chives, ginger, and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Add to pot and stir for 30 seconds. The broth will thicken slightly. Slowly stir in the beaten eggs in a steady stream until they form a ribbon-like consistency. Turn off the heat. Add chopped spinach and sesame oil. Stir until the spinach has wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a mug with optional toppings if desired.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

This rich and creamy cocoa beverage is a classic dessert drink for a reason. It's also a favorite with my grandkids, who love to heap on the marshmallows. For an additional twist of flavor, add peppermint extract or a drizzle of caramel.

Serves 10

6 cups whole milk

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups Half & Half (or regular whipping cream)

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Toppings: marshmallows, or whipped cream with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or chocolate nonpareils

Place all ingredients into the slow cooker. Whisk, then cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the bottom and burning. Serve warm with your favorite topping.

Which of the above is YOUR favorite drink? Let us know in the comments below.