4 Easy, Hot Drinks for Winter

These beverages will keep you warm when cold weather strikes.

With winter on the way, it's time to trade iced lattes for soothing, warm drinks that heat you up from your core. Instead of hitting the pricey coffee shop, make something delicious in the comfort of your own home. Rite Aid has all the ingredients you need to get cozy and creative, from mochas to hot toddies! The whole family will love these hot drinks for winter:

Spiced Latte

The ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte returns year after year. If you aren't a big pumpkin fan—or just want to avoid the hype—this drink offers a tasty alternative.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk

• 1 shot of espresso or 1½ ounces of strongly brewed coffee

• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Dash of cinnamon

• Honey to taste

Instructions

Pour the milk into a pan and heat it over medium-low until steaming. Whisk to create a little froth. Make a shot of espresso in a mug and pour the steamed milk over the espresso. Add vanilla and swirl in a drizzle of honey, adding it slowly and adjusting for the right level of sweetness as you go. Sprinkle with cinnamon for the finishing touch. For an extra jolt of fall-flavored goodness, try topping your drink with some freshly grated nutmeg alongside the cinnamon.

Tea Latte

There's nothing quite as calming as a cup of tea. However, adding creamy, steamed milk can make it even better. The best part? This combination will work with a variety of different types of tea, from Earl Grey to Matcha green tea, to the all-time classic, Masala chai.

Ingredients

• 1 Honey Vanilla Chamomile teabag from Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea pack

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• Honey to taste

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine the milk and water. Heat the mixture over medium-low until it begins to simmer. Break open the teabag and pour the loose tea into the pan. Allow it to simmer for about two minutes over the heat. Then, remove from the heat and let steep four to five minutes. Add in the vanilla and sweetener to taste. Strain into a cup. For a vegan version, use soy or almond milk and agave nectar.

Creamy Mocha Hot Cocoa

Sometimes the best hot drinks are the simplest. Turn to this sweet and creamy drink any time you want dessert in a cup.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 envelope Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix

• 1½ teaspoons Folgers Instant Coffee

• Reddi-wip Dairy Whipped Topping, Original, or mini marshmallows

Instructions

Heat milk in a pan over medium-low heat until simmering. Mix in cocoa mix and instant coffee until blended. Top with a serving of Reddi-wip and enjoy! If you want some extra heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the hot chocolate.

Virgin Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is bursting with therapeutic spices and Vitamin C. The traditional drink includes whiskey, but this version leaves it out so the whole family can enjoy it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Apple and Eve 100% Apple Juice

• 1 cup water

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 6 cloves

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• A squeeze lemon

• A pinch ground turmeric

Instructions

Pour the apple juice and water into a pan, cover with a lid, and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Add the ginger, cloves, and cinnamon and simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for another five minutes. Strain into a mug. Add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of turmeric. This drink isn't just tasty, it's also good for your health. Ginger has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and turmeric is sometimes used to treat arthritis and other forms of joint pain.

Make one of these delicious hot drinks for winter the next time you're in the mood for something soothing and comforting to beat the chilly weather.

By Rebecca Desfosse

Sources:

Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, The Amazing and Mighty Ginger

Arthritis Foundation, Turmeric