The Solution to a Cold Winter Weekend? These Warming Drinks.

With temps frequently in the single digits these days in some parts of the country, none of us should be going outside on the weekends if we don’t have to. Ideally, we can all build a fire (or crank up the thermostat) and hibernate on the couch until Monday morning. As if you needed any inspiration to stay put, we’ve rounded up our best warm drinks that’ll make you want to cozy up. And no, they don’t all have booze in them, either.

1. Mint Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing more winter-appropriate than a big mug of hot chocolate. Unless you also happen to have a big chunky knit blanket, too. This is an old recipe of ours, and we haven’t changed a thing because it’s perfect and oh-so-easy to pull together. Of course, if you’d rather not deal with melting your own chocolate, we have a few ready-to-go mixes that you can add to your cart the next time you’re shopping.

2. Brûléed Cappuccino

Don’t settle for a regular cappuccino when you can have a brûléed cappuccino! You’ll just need a culinary torch (we’re partial to this one) in order to caramelize the sugar, which gets sprinkled on top. This recipe makes a smooth, caffeinated drink that’s just a little more special than your usual weekday morning coffee run.

3. Hot Buttered Rum

This drink couldn’t be easier to make or double (or even triple!) for a larger group. You simply mix up some brown sugar, butter, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves; divide it all into some mugs; add rum; and pour in some boiling water.

4. Hot Spiced Cider with Calvados

Cider isn’t just for the fall! Especially this cider, which is made with crystalized ginger and Calvados (or whatever apple brandy you happen to have on hand). More of a rum fan than a brandy fan? We’ve got something for you, too: this recipe features cider concentrate and golden or dark rum.

5. Lemon Verbena and Mint Tisane

This is technically a summery drink (lemon verbena is a lemon-scented herb that can usually be found at farmers’ markets during the warmer months) but you can make it during the winter by using the peel from one or two lemons or a stalk of lemongrass. The resulting drink is super soothing, and a nice reminder that summer will be around again—eventually.

6. Chai

We strongly believe that every kitchen needs a mortar and pestle. It’s a fun way to really learn about deep, rich flavors of freshly ground spices. It’s also the key to making this spicy, warming tea. To make it, you’ll start by crushing up cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and peppercorns. Steep that with cardamom pods and ginger, and then with some black tea. Serve your mixture with milk and honey, and snuggle up with a good book.

7. Williams Sonoma Chocolate Truffle Coffee

Don’t have time to make a special drink? Just swap out your usual morning coffee grinds for this bag of rich, indulgent pre-ground coffee. It’s silky, well balanced, and brimming with decadence. To make it, we take our premium South American Arabica coffee beans, medium roast them, and then expertly ground them to the perfect consistency. Brew a big pot and bring a travel mug along with you as you run all those errands. Just promise us you’ll take it easy later!