10 Cute and Tasty Winter Drinks You Need to Try Now

Winter is the season of nostalgia, not just because of Christmas and all its warm-colored movies and Dickensian ghosts. But it evokes comfort and often the most delightful childhood memories.

I remember well that my mother made me hot cocoa in a fun mug every night when I was little, and I like to think that's where my love for hot beverages began.

But when the weather turns cold, hot drinks cease to be just a passion and become a lifestyle. The hug in a mug, we all need to wake up and fall asleep with a smile on our faces, despite the bitter cold outside. Our little piece of warmth and childhood.

1. French Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is my thing. It was the first drink I learned to make (even before a good cup of tea) and is perhaps my favorite. There are many ways to make it: the classic lazy hot cocoa, with cornstarch for texture, and even a more elaborate recipe with heavy cream.

But French hot chocolate is by far the tastiest and most deserving of the name "hot chocolate." It's easy to make and perfect with whipped cream and a slightly salty snack. My recommendation for all types of hot chocolate or hot cocoa is always the same: a pinch of salt and some extra flavor (my favorites are cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, but mint is a great choice for those who like to innovate). Turn the internet recipe into a family recipe.

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2. Ponyo Tea

If, like me, you are a big fan of Studio Ghibli films, you may have already seen or heard of Ponyo tea. And what could be more delightful than preparing a nice cup of this beverage and binge-watching some of these films that are the epitome of cozy?

And don't worry, the recipe isn't difficult. With a little honey, cinnamon, water, and milk, you'll have your delicious drink.

3. Lavender Sleep Milk

Sleeping isn't always easy, especially with all the technology, exams, worries, and ghosts of Christmas yet to come. A little help never hurts. Lavender is known for being a calming plant, and besides having a lovely color that adds a touch of glamour to any drink, it can also be very tasty when used correctly.

This is a vegan recipe where, in addition to lavender, you can use honey, cinnamon, and a little vanilla extract. And if all the lavender you try to plant ends up dying in less than a week, you can buy some at a good tea shop or online.

4. Dalgona Matcha Latte

Matcha has long since ceased to be just a drink and has been elevated to aesthetic status. I have a good friend whose favorite snack is a slice of matcha cake and a good old cup of matcha latte. It's become a routine.

But if you like to innovate a little, Dalgona Matcha Latte is a good choice. Creamy, appetizing, and very cute, this drink can be prepared in 10 minutes and is perfect for matcha lovers.

5. Charlie and Lola Pink Milk

When we were little, my sister and I loved watching Charlie and Lola. That delicious pink milk they always drank was the icing on the cake for our childhood craving for sweets. But there's no mystery to it; strawberry milk is not difficult to make: just a few strawberries, honey, and milk; blend it all in a blender, and you have a drink that tastes like pink and childhood.

6. Earl Grey Hot Chocolate

If you love tea and hot chocolate, this is the perfect recipe for you. All you need is 2 Earl Grey tea bags, ½ cup dark chocolate, 1 cup water, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup cream, 1 tsp. sugar, and whipped cream to top it off. It's a great choice for cold mornings when you feel like getting out of bed is a distant dream, and the comfort of your bed is still too close.

7. Cinnamon Cappuccino

I recently learned how to make syrup, and it has been one of my favorite culinary discoveries. A little water, sugar, cinnamon, and voilà: you have cinnamon syrup. So if you don't have much time to prepare your coffee in the morning but still love a sweet treat, this recipe is for you. Just prepare some cinnamon syrup and a cappuccino mix (my favorite is instant coffee, sugar, and a little hot water), and you'll have a supply of this wonderful drink for many mornings.

8. Caramelized Apple Tea

Easy and delicious. Great for ending your afternoon with style and flavor. Just slice your apple and caramelize it a little over low heat, place it in a cup, and add hot water.

If you think it's not tea enough, I recommend preparing some apple tea bags with cinnamon before adding them to the caramelized apples for an even richer and more pronounced flavor.

If you're feeling fancy, I recommend arranging the apple slices in the shape of a flower in the cup and then adding the water.

9. Ginger Latte

Still on the syrup—and Christmas—theme, this coffee is great for those who want something comforting with a wintery flavor. A little espresso, ginger syrup, and your favorite milk are all you need to make this delicious drink.

10. Peppermint Mocha

Mint is one of the easiest plants to grow, but you don't need to be a gardener to enjoy this delicious seasonal coffee. Just a little coffee, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, peppermint flavor, vanilla extract, and a touch of whipped cream to top it off.

Little tip: Mugs are everything

If you really want to cozy up your winter, you need a good mug or cup. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something that is special to you. It could be a mug with a funny quote, a cute design, a pretty cup, or a good old mug that keeps your drink at the perfect temperature. It doesn't matter; it just needs to be something that represents you a little.

Bon appétit, and have a great winter!