blonde girl drinking hot chocolate in a mug in front of a christmas tree

With winter’s arrival comes the cooler weather and the need to warm up from the inside out. There’s no better way to do that than with winter drinks that make you feel cozy and calm. Check out these winter drink recipes you can make with the kids to celebrate the season.

French Hot Chocolate

If you’re all craving hot chocolate, try this easy, rich, and silky French hot chocolate recipe. It takes just a few ingredients and five minutes to make.

You will need:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Milk (2% or whole)
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream (for whipped cream topping, optional)
  • Chocolate curls, sprinkles, and mint (optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat milk over medium low heat. Do not let it boil.
  2. Chop up the dark chocolate into small pieces, then add to the warmed milk and stir.
  3. Add the brown sugar as desired, stirring until dissolved and the chocolate has melted.
  4. Bring the hot chocolate to a simmer, stirring continuously for two to three minutes or until thick.
  5. Pour into a mug and add a dollop of whipped cream.
  6. Top with chocolate curls, sprinkles, and mint.

Pumpkin Spice Milk

You have to try this refined sugar-free pumpkin spice milk, no-coffee version of your favorite pumpkin spice latte. It’s caffeine free, so it’s kid friendly. You can serve hot or cold for a fun winter treat.

You will need:

  • 1cupmilk
  • 4-6 tbsp pureed pumpkin
  • 1 1/2tsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients (except for the whipped cream) into a glass, then whisk with a hand blender.
  2. Gently heat the mixture on the stove, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat, add in the vanilla, then pour into a glass.
  4. Top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.

Hot Spiced Ginger Lemonade

You and the kids will love treating yourselves to this cozy twist on the popular summer classic. Not only is it delicious…it’s nutritious too. The ginger gives it an extra health kick while chasing away the cold weather blues.

You will need:

  • 2 liters of lemonade
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 whole allspice berries
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2″ chunk of peeled fresh ginger, sliced or coarsely grated

Directions:

  1. Combine the lemonade, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice in a large saucepan.
  2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture into a glass pitcher or insulated carafe, and serve warm.
  4. Serves eight people.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy to make and delicious winter drink that the whole family will adore. You just need two ingredients, and you can even add some Christmas cheer with a candy cane for peppermint flavor.

You will need:

  • 3 tbsp Nutella
  • 1 1/3 cups milk

Directions:

  1. Place Nutella and 1/3 cup of milk in saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk until blended thoroughly.
  3. Add remaining milk, increasing the heat to medium-high.
  4. Whisk until hot and frothy.

Cranberry Apple Cider

Made with cranberry juice, apple juice, cider mix, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and fresh orange, this cranberry apple cider is sure to be a yearly hit in your house.

You will need:

  • 4 1/2 cups Apple Juice
  • 2 1/2 cups Cranberry Juice
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 Apple Cider Drink Mix Pouches
  • 1 tsp Whole Cloves
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • Orange, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes (lid off). Remove from heat and strain to remove cinnamon sticks and cloves.
  3. Pour the cranberry apple cider into glasses, heatproof pitcher, or punch bowl.

Pink Velvet Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate is a unique twist on traditional hot cocoa, and is made with white chocolate, milk, strawberry puree or syrup, and cream cheese.

You will need:

  • Milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • Vanilla extract
  • White chocolate
  • Cream cheese
  • Strawberry syrup or puree
  • Pink food coloring
  • Whipped cream and sanding sugar for topping

Directions:

  1. Heat the milk over medium heat in a medium saucepan for two minutes until hot but not boiling.
  2. Turn the heat to low, adding the cream cheese and vanilla extract.
  3. Whisk until melted.
  4. Stir in the white chocolate until smooth.
  5. Remove from heat, stirring in the strawberry puree or syrup.
  6. Make more pink with food coloring if desired.
  7. Pour the hot chocolate into glasses, then top with whipped cream and a dash of pink sugar.

Take a Tour of Country Home Learning Center With the Family

In between sampling these hot winter drinks, why not take a tour of Country Home Learning Center? We have many convenient locations and programs to choose from. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more.