Cold snowy weather has arrived in Colorado, which makes for an opportune moment to enjoy the warmth of classic winter drinks. Whether you are looking for something to serve guests during the holiday season, looking for a warm and relaxing libation following a long week, or something to tag along with for a Broncos tailgate, this selection of delicious but easy to make winter drinks will be sure to deliver.

For those with children or folks who choose not to imbibe alcoholic beverages, recipes like hot cider or hot chocolate sans the alcohol can still be equally enjoyable.

Here’s a look at five classic yet easy to make winter drinks:

Hot Buttered Rum

This is a winter and holiday warm drink classic that can be traced in some accounts to colonial times. The heartiness of butter and spices is combined with the warm spirit and spiciness of rum. The key to this recipe is making a “batter” which is topped with hot water and rum. For those who are time strapped or less culinary inclined, pre-made hot buttered rum batter can be purchased from retail outlets like Walmart and Amazon, but expect to pay a premium.

To make your own version, which can be highly customizable, here’s how:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup softened butter

1 tablespoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground gloves

1-2 shots rum

6-12 ounces hot water or hot cider per serving

Optional: scoop of vanilla ice cream, cinnamon stick for garnish

Combine the brown sugar and spices in a mixing bowl until incorporated into a batter. Can use immediately or store in a refrigerated container for later use. Scoop 2 tablespoons of the batter into a serving mug and top with 1-2 shots of rum to taste and hot liquid (water or cider). For a richer flavor, you can add one scoop of vanilla ice cream before topping with the hot liquid.

Hot Toddy

This classic winter drink is one of the simplest to make, combining hot water, your preferred spirit (usually whiskey), lemon and honey. Traditional holiday spices such as clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon can also be added to taste and preference. In some cases, this has been used as a home remedy for sore throats experienced during winter cold and flu season.

1 shot whiskey

1 shot lemon juice

2 tablespoons honey

8-10 ounces hot water

Optional: 1 cinnamon stick and 2-3 whole cloves for garnish, added flavor

Combine whiskey, lemon juice and honey at the bottom of a heat safe mug, top with hot water and stir to mix ingredients. Can serve with cinnamon and whole cloves to taste.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is another warm classic holiday drink that can be enjoyed by folks of all ages. It should be noted that “hot chocolate” is made from actual chocolate, while “hot cocoa” is the version that utilizes cocoa powder. Both can be enjoyed equally, depending on preference, convenience, and the local availability of ingredients. Arguably one of the best takes on the recipe is “French Hot Chocolate” or “Chocolat Chaud”, which incorporates a rich darkness and depth of flavor.

Here is one take on the popular winter drink:

1 ½ cups warm milk

½ cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons sugar, to taste

8 ounces of chocolate

whipped cream, for topping

Gradually warm the milk and heavy cream while incorporating and dissolving the sugar. Once it is warm, melt and dissolve the chocolate until it is all incorporated. Milk and cream can be substituted for preferred non-dairy milks given dietary restrictions. Once mixture is warm and consistent, serve in a mug and top with whipped cream.

For those of legal drinking age who choose to imbibe, 1 ounce of crème de menthe or crème de cacao can be added to the serving glass.

Mulled Wine

Infusing red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest creates a unique flavor profile that provides warmth for the holiday season. The drink has been a staple for centuries in many European countries including Italy (vin brulé), France (vin chaud) and Germany (glühwein).

Here’s one take on the popular drink, which has many variations:

1 bottle fruit forward red wine (like a merlot or cabernet)

1 cup orange juice

2 cinnamon sticks

5-6 whole cloves

1 tablespoon ground or grated fresh ginger

1 shot brandy (flavored or unflavored)

¼ cup honey, to taste

Simmer ingredients until liquid is hot and spices are incorporated, approximately 15-20 mins. Can serve with a ladle or transfer to a thermos for a portable holiday drink.

Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced apple cider has become a classic holiday drink due to its warm and comforting blend of seasonal flavors. The combination of fragrant spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg infuses the cider with a festive aroma that instantly evokes the spirit of the holidays. Here’s how to make it:

¼ cup packed brown sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon whole cloves

½ teaspoon whole allspice

¼ teaspoon salt

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 large orange, quartered with peel

2 quarts apple cider

Heat it in a slow cooker or a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Bring the ingredients to a slow simmer, but not a boil, stirring slowly to incorporate and dissolve the sugar. Serve in a heat proof mug.

For an alcoholic version, add one shot of apple or vanilla flavored brandy to a serving glass before topping with the hot cider.

Hot Toddy

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