10 Warming Winter Drinks

From hot chocolates to spiced milks and lattes, these 10 dairy-free and refined sugar-free winter drinks will keep you toasty all season long.

Cold weather calls for warm winter drinks.  It goes without saying that a piping hot drink does wonders for taking the chill off but it also soothes and comforts like nothing else.  It’s just that time of year where we all want to feel cozy and warm.   Whether you are waking up, staying in for the day or heading off to bed, wrapping your hands around a cozy hot beverage always manages to feel like you are treating yourself to something special.

So when the weather gets rough, melt away the winter chill with one of these 10 warming winter drinks that are dairy-free and refined sugar-free.  You’ll find the staples like, hot chocolate, cider, tea lattes and spiced milk but with a few fun twists.  Whether you add a little pep to your step with a 5 spice hot chocolate, curl up with a cozy cup of chai spiced cranberry apple cider, or sip on a colorful red velvet tea latte to lift your spirits you’re bound to be warm and toasty all season long.

1.) Gingerbread Spice Hot Cocoa Mix 

So simple but deliciously soothing, hot cocoa is a wintertime staple.  Is there anything cozier than a warming cup of hot cocoa in your hands on a chilly evening?  This easy paleo and vegan hot cocoa mix is full of ginger spice and is the perfect winter warmer.

2.) Chinese Five Spice Hot Chocolate 

Filled with warming spices this dairy-free Chinese 5 spice hot chocolate is rich and complex in flavor.

3.) Macadamia White Hot Chocolate

This recipe will give you two mugs to share since it’s the kind of drink made for cozying up with someone you love. Totally cozy and naturally caffeine-free to-boot, this white hot chocolate is as snooze-inducing as a glass of warm milk before bed.

4.) Red Velvet Tea Latte 

This naturally colorful red velvet latte is creamy and warming with a mild, fruity chocolate flavor. I can’t think of a better drink to lift your spirits when you’ve got the winter blahs.  The color alone is enough to put you in a better mood, not to mention that it’s so creamy and soothing to sip on.

5.) Cardamom Spiced Dandelion Root Latte 

A caffeine-free, delicately spiced latte made with dandelion root to sooth your stomach any time of day. If you’re caffeine sensitive or just want to swap out your usual morning brew for something without the inevitable post-buzz crash then you’ll want to try a cup.  It has all the satisfying richness of a regular latte but without the bitterness or jitters.

6.) Rooibos Pumpkin Spice Latte

A soothing caffeine-free pumpkin spice filled latte made with rooibos tea. It’s smooth and silky without being overly rich, with a mild and pleasantly warming spiciness from cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and a hint of anise.

7.) Cranberry Spice Tea 

Cranberries aren’t just for sauces and holiday baking; the small berries make a supremely soothing and fortifying tea when paired with lemon, goji berries and a hint of spice.  Chilly days warrant some winter warmth and this spicy tart infusion is a cup of coziness.

8.) Chai Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider 

Curl up with a cozy cup of cranberry apple cider steeped with warming chai spices. A comforting cup of mulled cider is a must-have this time of year, not only does the welcoming aroma fill the air, but its spicy-sweetness warms you from the inside out.

9.) Spiced Sweet Potato Turmeric Milk

With plenty of spicy ginger and cinnamon, this spiced sweet potato turmeric milk is a cross between a sweet potato latte and turmeric milk (also known as golden milk).  It’s a creamy and sweet drink laced with warming spices and tastes like sweet potato pie in a mug.

10.) Warm Spiced Cashew Coconut Milk 

This drink most certainly falls squarely in the “comfort” category. The lightly sweetened and rich coconut and cashew milk base showcases that winning flavor combination of cinnamon and ginger.  Sip it, preferably in a comfy robe and slippers with a good book to keep you company.

Stay Warm!

Sylvie

Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she’s been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.