11 Cozy Hot Drinks That Make Cold Nights Feel So Much Better

There is nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug when it is cold outside. These cozy hot drinks are easy to make at home, cost much less than the coffee shop and taste just as good. Some are rich and chocolatey, some are spiced and soothing, and a few are perfect right before bed. Grab your favorite blanket, because you are going to want to try them all..

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate, the Queen of Cozy Hot Drinks

This is the mug that makes winter feel magical. Real chocolate melts into warm milk for a rich, velvety drink, and a little peppermint gives it a cool holiday twist. Top it with a big pile of marshmallows and a crushed candy cane. It is perfect for movie nights, snow days or any time you need a little comfort. Who would you share a cup with tonight?

You will need: 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup half and half, 3 oz semi sweet chocolate chopped, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp peppermint extract, pinch of salt, marshmallows, crushed candy canes.

How to make it: Warm milk and half and half in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa, sugar and salt. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Do not let it boil. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows and candy cane bits.

2. Spiced Apple Cider (Cozy Hot Drinks for the Whole Family)

Hot apple cider is the smell of fall in a mug. Apple cider simmers with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices and a touch of brown sugar until your whole house smells amazing. It is caffeine free, so kids can enjoy it too. Keep a pot warm on the stove during parties and let guests serve themselves. Quick poll: A) cinnamon stick or B) caramel drizzle on top? It is one of the most kid friendly cozy hot drinks.

You will need: 8 cups apple cider, 1 orange sliced, 4 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 3 allspice berries, 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional), apple slices for garnish.

How to make it: Pour cider into a large pot. Add orange slices, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Stir in brown sugar if you like. Simmer gently on low for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain out the spices. Ladle into mugs with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

3. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Why wait in line when you can make your favorite fall latte at home in five minutes? This version uses real pumpkin, warm spices and a little maple syrup for a creamy drink that tastes like autumn. Use strong coffee or espresso and top it with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Be honest: are you a pumpkin spice fan or not? Coffee shop style cozy hot drinks are so easy at home.

You will need: 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp pumpkin puree, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup strong coffee or 2 shots espresso, whipped cream.

How to make it: Warm milk, pumpkin, maple syrup and spice in a small pan, whisking until hot and frothy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour coffee into a mug and add the pumpkin milk. Top with whipped cream and a pinch of spice.

4. Creamy Spiced Chai Latte

Chai is like a warm hug in tea form. Black tea simmers with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, then gets mixed with steamed milk and a little honey. The spices are comforting and the flavor is rich without being heavy. Make a big batch of the chai base and keep it in the fridge, so a cozy latte is only a minute away any night of the week. It is one of the most comforting cozy hot drinks for tea lovers.

You will need: 2 cups water, 4 black tea bags, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 cardamom pods crushed, 4 slices fresh ginger, 4 whole cloves, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cups milk.

How to make it: Simmer water with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add tea bags and steep 5 minutes. Strain and stir in honey. Heat and froth the milk. Fill mugs half with chai and half with milk.

5. Salted Caramel Latte

This drink tastes like dessert in a cup. Sweet caramel sauce is stirred into steamed milk and strong coffee, then topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of more caramel with a pinch of sea salt. The salt makes the caramel taste even richer. It is a perfect treat on a chilly afternoon. Would you have it A) hot B) iced or C) both depending on the mood? Sweet cozy hot drinks like this feel like a treat.

You will need: 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp caramel sauce plus more for drizzling, 1/2 cup strong coffee or 2 shots espresso, pinch of flaky sea salt, whipped cream.

How to make it: Warm the milk and whisk in the caramel until dissolved. Froth it with a whisk or frother. Pour coffee into a tall mug and add the caramel milk. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel and a pinch of sea salt.

6. Honey Vanilla Matcha Latte

Want something warm with gentle energy instead of a coffee jolt? Matcha green tea gives a calm, steady lift and a smooth, earthy flavor. Whisk it until frothy, then pour it into hot milk sweetened with honey and vanilla. It is creamy, bright green and so pretty. Have you tried matcha yet, or is this your first time? Not all cozy hot drinks need coffee.

You will need: 1 tsp matcha powder, 2 tbsp hot water (not boiling), 1 cup milk of choice, 1 to 2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: Sift matcha into a mug. Add the hot water and whisk quickly in a zigzag until frothy and smooth. Warm the milk with honey and vanilla and froth it. Pour the milk over the matcha and enjoy.

7. London Fog Tea Latte

The London fog is a cozy classic for tea lovers. Earl Grey tea, with its bright bergamot flavor, gets mixed with vanilla and frothy milk for a drink that is soft, floral and calming. It is lighter than coffee drinks and perfect for a slow evening with a good book. Use decaf Earl Grey if you want to sip it right before bed.

You will need: 1 cup water, 2 Earl Grey tea bags, 3/4 cup milk, 1 to 2 tsp honey or vanilla syrup, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, dried lavender (optional).

How to make it: Steep tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Remove bags and stir in honey and vanilla. Heat and froth the milk until foamy. Pour the milk over the tea, spooning the foam on top. Sprinkle with a little lavender if you like.

8. Soothing Golden Milk, the Calmest of Cozy Hot Drinks

Golden milk is a warm, bright drink made with turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Many people love it as a calm, caffeine free bedtime ritual. A pinch of black pepper and a little fat from the milk help bring out the flavor of the turmeric. Sweeten it with honey and enjoy a mug while you wind down. Would you try golden milk before bed? It is one of the best cozy hot drinks before bed.

You will need: 1.5 cups milk of choice, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of black pepper, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1/4 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: Add milk and spices to a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in honey and vanilla. Strain if you like a smoother drink and pour into a mug.

9. Mexican Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate has a little kick that makes it extra cozy. Cinnamon and a pinch of chili powder warm up rich chocolate milk for a drink that is sweet, spicy and smooth all at once. Whisk it until frothy, the traditional way. It is a fun twist for anyone who thinks they have tried every hot cocoa. Quick question: A) a pinch of heat or B) no spice for me? Spiced cozy hot drinks like this are great for parties.

You will need: 2 cups milk, 3 oz dark chocolate chopped, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of chili powder or cayenne, 1/4 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt.

How to make it: Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. Add chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, chili and salt. Whisk until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Whisk hard for 30 seconds to make it frothy. Pour into mugs and dust with cinnamon.

10. Thick European Sipping Chocolate

If regular hot cocoa feels too thin, you need this. European style sipping chocolate is thick, silky and almost like a melted chocolate bar in a cup. It is very rich, so small cups are perfect. Serve it after dinner as a special dessert with a cookie or a chocolate truffle on the side. This is the drink to make when you want to treat yourself. It is the most decadent of all cozy hot drinks.

You will need: 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chopped, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp sugar, pinch of salt.

How to make it: Whisk cornstarch into 2 tbsp of the cold milk. Heat the rest of the milk and cream until steaming. Stir in chocolate, sugar and salt until melted. Add the cornstarch mix and simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until thick. Serve in small cups.

11. Honey Lemon Ginger Tea to Round Out These Cozy Hot Drinks

On cold nights when you feel a little run down, this simple tea feels like a warm blanket. Fresh ginger simmers in water until spicy and fragrant, then gets mixed with lemon juice and honey. It is warming, soothing and naturally caffeine free. Make a big pot and sip it all evening. What is your go to drink when you feel under the weather? Thanks for sipping along with these cozy hot drinks. Need a sweet bite with your mug? Try our cozy fall desserts.

You will need: 3 cups water, 2 inch piece fresh ginger sliced, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp honey, cinnamon stick (optional), lemon slices for serving.

How to make it: Bring water and ginger to a boil, then simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Add the cinnamon stick if using. Remove from heat and strain. Stir in lemon juice and honey. Pour into mugs and add a lemon slice.