When you want to cozy up with a warm cup this holiday season, you have quite a few drink options to consider. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, something spiced and aromatic, or something with a little kick, one of these recipes is sure to do the trick. Serve up some homemade hot chocolate, ginger tea, or mulled wine to keep the cold at bay.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Sure, you can always buy some hot chocolate mix and follow the packet instructions, but nothing beats a homemade cup. It only takes a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

Ingredients (4 servings)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
1. Combine milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan and heat until warm.
2. Add the chocolate chips and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the hot chocolate.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and serve.

Ginger Tea (4 Servings)

Ginger tea is a light, spicy drink with bright flavours that is perfect for the holiday season. It’s also a common home remedy for soothing an upset stomach.

Ingredients
• 4 cups water
• 2 inches of fresh ginger root
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions
1. Peel and slice the ginger root into thin rounds for maximum exposure to the water.
2. Add water and ginger root into a pot and bring to a simmer. If using cinnamon, add it now.
3. Boil for 10 minutes or longer for a stronger tea.
4. Remove from heat, strain out the ginger (and cinnamon), and add in honey or lime juice to taste.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is wine that’s infused with all of the classic spices of the holidays and served warm. It will fill your home with a beautiful fragrance while you make it.

Ingredients
• 750 ml bottle of red wine such as Zinfandel or Merlot
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Citrus slices

Instructions
1. Combine the wine, brandy, cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, syrup, and citrus slices in a saucepan.
2. Heat on medium-high heat until the mixture is just simmering. Keep it from bubbling so that too much alcohol doesn’t boil off.
3. Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Give it a taste and add more syrup if necessary. If not spicy enough, continue simmering and check again in a few minutes.
5. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and discard the cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and citrus slices.
6. Give it a final taste, sweeten it as needed, and serve!

Cold winter nights aren’t so bad when you have a warm drink in one hand and your favourite book in the other. Treat yourself, your family, and your friends this season with these tasty and toasty drinks.