Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Originally published on December 18, 2021.
During winter at the lake, outdoor activities aren’t always in the cards. Sometimes, you just want to get cozy on your front porch with a nice, hot beverage. Whether you choose a simple cup of herbal tea or a flavorful peppermint mocha, nothing is better than a little wintertime warmth. Check out these best winter beverages to enjoy at the lake for some recipe inspiration. All you need is a mug!
Morning Mocha
Mochas are the delicious intersection between chocolate and coffee. With this sweet, caffeinated beverage from Taste of Home, you also get hints of cinnamon. The mix of flavors is the perfect drink to transition your palate from late fall to early winter. Since this recipe makes six servings, it’s perfect for a group gathering at your lake house.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of hot coffee
- ¾ cup half and half cream
- 6 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 7 teaspoons sugar
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- Whipped cream
Directions: Combine coffee, cream, chocolate syrup, and sugar into a large saucepan and stir over medium heat. When sugar is dissolved, pour into six mugs and stir with a cinnamon stick.
Holiday Eggnog
Nothing says “winter holidays” like a mug filled with eggnog. As the name suggests, it consists of several egg yolks mixed with milk-based ingredients and warm flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. This classic recipe from Stay at Home Chef can be served both with or without alcohol — and it’s delicious either way.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 7 egg yolks
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions: Mix the milk, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and vanilla into a saucepan on the lowest heat for 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Then, turn the heat under the milk to medium high and remove the cinnamon. Whisk in ¼ of the hot milk into the egg and sugar mixture, then pour it all into the saucepan. Whisk for 3 minutes. Then pour eggnog into a large bowl and let it cool for one hour. Finally, stir in the remaining ingredients and cool for 4 hours.
Marvelous Mulled Wine
For a warm alcoholic beverage that’s perfect for wintertime, look no further than mulled wine. This recipe from Cookie and Kate combines quintessential cold-weather seasonings such as cinnamon, anise, cloves, oranges, and cranberries and marinates them in warm wine on a stovetop. Serve fresh to a group of guests at cocktail hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 small oranges
- 1 bottle of Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha
- ¼ cup brandy
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- Optional: whole cranberries, cinnamon sticks, additional orange rounds
Directions: Slice oranges and place into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Squeeze juice from remaining oranges into the pot. Pour wine, then brandy into the pot and add 1 tablespoon of sweetener. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Warm mixture over medium heat until steaming, then reduce heat when you see bubbles. Continue to add sweetener to taste, then serve with your desired garnishes!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ditch the Swiss Miss instant packets in favor of this amazing hot chocolate recipe from Striped Spatula. From a health standpoint, the peppermint flavoring provides digestive benefits, while the chocolate and marshmallows bring out an extra element of sweetness.
Serving size is 1 large or 2 small mugs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- 3 ounces of finely chopped semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes
Directions: whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extracts, and salt. Heat on the stove until bubbles form. Reduce to low heat, add chocolate and extracts, then whisk together until melted and thickened. Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows and candy canes.
Orange Spiced Cider
If you’re looking for a less sweet, more citrus flavor, try out this spiced cider recipe from Tablespoon. The mixture of fruit flavors and autumnal spices makes for a flavorful afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Mango Orange frozen juice concentrate
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean
- ½ tablespoon almond extract
Directions: pour juice concentrate into a large pot, then add 60 ounces of water. Add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, vanilla bean, and almond extract. Heat over low heat and allow flavors to melt together for 20-30 minutes. Serve in big mugs with gingersnaps.
We hope these beverages help you stay warm and cozy at the lake!