Christmas is my favorite holiday!
My mom made it extra special by making Christmas Hot Cocoa. I have a beautiful vegan version of this recipe here if you’re interested.
There’s something so beautiful about sipping on a warm, cozy drink when Christmas lights are twinkling and soft music fills the air. I love listening to Jim Reeves or Elvis Presley. It just makes my heart sing.
Now, these festive holiday drinks are rich, creamy, and beautiful enough to star in a Christmas movie scene.
Whether you’re craving peppermint hot chocolate, cranberry punch, or something with a little spice, these recipes will make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart feel full.
Brownie points if you sip on them while watching Home Alone. 😉
So grab your mug, throw on your favorite sweater, and let’s make these nine cozy holiday drinks.
1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly pepperminty.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream + crushed candy cane
Instructions:
Heat milk, cocoa powder, and sugar together over medium heat until warm and smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and candy cane pieces.
2. Gingerbread Latte
Like a hug in a cup.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp molasses
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
Heat milk, molasses, and spices in a pan until warm and frothy. Pour over espresso. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. Cranberry Apple Cider
Sweet, tangy, and smells like Christmas morning.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2–3 cloves
- Orange slices
Instructions:
Combine everything in a pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove spices before serving. Pour into mugs and garnish with an orange slice.
4. White Hot Chocolate
Snowy, creamy, and cozy.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream + white chocolate shavings
Instructions:
Warm milk over medium heat, add white chocolate chips, and stir until melted. Add vanilla. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and shavings.
5. Eggnog Chai Latte
Rich and spiced perfection.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ cup brewed chai tea
- ½ cup eggnog
- ½ cup milk
- Cinnamon + nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
Combine tea, eggnog, and milk in a saucepan and heat until warm. Pour into a mug and dust with cinnamon and nutmeg.
6. Spiced Mocha
Deep, chocolatey, and a little exotic.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of chili powder (optional)
Instructions:
Heat milk, cocoa, sugar, and spices in a pan until hot. Pour over espresso and stir. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
7. Cranberry Rosemary Sparkler
A bubbly mocktail for festive mornings.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: None
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup sparkling water
- Fresh cranberries
- 1 small rosemary sprig
Instructions:
Pour cranberry juice into a glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Serve chilled.
8. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Sweet, rich, and totally indulgent.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Whipped cream + caramel drizzle + sea salt
Instructions:
Heat milk, cocoa, caramel, and sugar together until warm and smooth. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
9. Christmas Morning Matcha
For when you want cozy but light.
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Cook time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup hot milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk matcha with a splash of hot water until frothy. Add hot milk, honey, and vanilla. Stir and top with milk foam.
✨ Conclusion
These cozy holiday drinks are the easiest way to bring movie magic into your kitchen.
Whether you’re sipping peppermint hot chocolate by the tree or brewing a gingerbread latte before unwrapping gifts, each one will make you feel warm inside!
