10 Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Winter Drink Recipes

By Melody Chi on December 11, 2014

Image via Flickr

As winter continues and the rain makes everything wet and chilly, you need something to make the days a little brighter.

Well, these drinks are the answer for that!

In no particular order, the following alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are the ones I think are the best to warm you up from the inside out this season.

Non-Alcoholic:

1.)    Teavana’s White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos Tea:

Image via Flickr

Okay, so I lied: this one isn’t so much a recipe as a ready-made tea, but we’ll start easy, yeah?

In case anyone’s wondering what that funky word “rooibos” (pronounced “roy-bohs”) means, it just refers to a South African plant that is used to make “herbal infusions” like this winter-inspired white chocolate peppermint tea. 

In fact, I’d wager to say that you can’t get any more seasonal and cheery than this brew!

With a delicate minty zing that’s tempered by a rich white chocolate balance, this non-alcoholic (and non-caffeinated) drink gives hot chocolate a run for its money as the new winter favorite.

It’s sold for a limited time at Teavana, so run to your nearest store and snatch up this goodness before the rainy season washes it away! 

2.)    Sleigh Driver (Cider):

Image via Delish.com

Far from being boring, this hot cider is packed with flavor from items like pears, cranberries and vanilla extract.

And it’s also easy to make: just combine everything and boil!

Perfect for a family party, this beverage is sure to be a hit with people of all ages.

3.)    Eggnog Hot Chocolate:

Image via Delish.com

Those first two aren’t festive enough, you say? Well, let me throw this one at you: eggnog hot chocolate. Yeah, I said it.

This drink contains two of the most seasonal beverages in one rich delight!

Just leave out the coffee liqueur for the non-alcoholic version, but don’t be fooled into thinking that takes anything away from this decadent treat.

4.)    Spiced Percolator Punch:

Image via Flickr

This drink stands out from the hordes of spiced punch recipes because it uses unsweetened pineapple juice and cranberry juice cocktail instead of apple juice or cider.

Best of all, you just have to put all the ingredients into their proper places in a coffee maker, run it, and then applaud your own creation.

5.)    Roasted Pineapple Hot Buttered Rum:

Contrary to the title, the rum isn’t necessary in this recipe.

Instead, most of the flavor comes from the pineapple (yep, it’s now officially the fruit of the season), which is roasted with sugar, butter, and vanilla seeds, pureed, then strained.

Although all of that might sound like a bit of work, this recipe is definitely worth the effort.

Featuring unique, flavor-packed ingredients like cardamom pods and whole allspice berries, this one is sure to wow the crowd, and you’re sure to be showered in compliments over this drink.

Alcoholic:

1.)    Block Island Fog:

Image via Flickr

This beverage provides a triple whammy of goodness for coffee lovers: coffee liqueur, espresso or coffee itself, and coffee ice cream.

Now that’s a luxurious winter drink! (And just what you need to get through those late night cram sessions, if I do say so myself.) 

2.)    Cider Rum Punch:

Like the Spiced Percolator Punch (#4) above, this cocktail is one of a kind in a sea of overly sweet holiday drinks.

This is due to the ingenious use of thyme simple syrup (the site has super simple instructions on how to make it quickly), lemon juice, and Angostura bitters, all of which balance out this beverage.

You’re good to go once you add a splash of rum and a few other liquids, so get cooking or someone will beat you to the punch!

3.)    Pear Vanilla Sparkler:

I’m not positive, but this one might be called the Sparkler because it dazzles you with three types of alcohol: vanilla cognac, light rum and champagne.

And of course, it isn’t complete without fresh, crisp pears added to the mix, which frankly are just the things to make this cocktail a masterpiece.

So while I’m not quite sure about the title, I’m confident that this drink is one you’ll want to try again and again. 

4.)    Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale:

Image via Flickr

Just in case you’re getting tired of all the cocktails, I thought I’d throw this recommendation in here, even though it’s not technically a recipe either. (Hey, if I can make one exception, I can make two, right?)

But that’s not to say that this beer hasn’t earned its spot on this list! Actually, it’s been featured on several “best winter drinks” lists, and I just had to add mine to the collection.

After all, when this brew boasts seasonal flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, orange, and more, how could I not?

And at 9 percent alcohol content, this beer will definitely leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. 

5.)    Sugarplum Rouge:

Image via Sandralee.com

Because variety is the spice of life (or rather, winter drinks), this beverage is made with gin instead of any of the previously mentioned liqueurs or alcohols.

This elegant cocktail also grants a double-whammy of taste and presentation.

It uses peach gelatin powder, frozen lemonade concentrate, and unsweetened tropical punch mix to create a drink with an attractive peach blush color accompanied by a flavor that’s not shy at all.

Whether you’re entertaining the in-laws or just putting on a classy event with friends, you can’t go wrong with this winter wonder. 

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