Festive Sips for Everyone: Warm Christmas Drinks for Kids and Adults

I love a warm cosy drink I can sip in the colder evenings as I read a book, watch a movie, or just hang out with friends and family. The holiday season is all about creating special moments, and nothing sets the mood like classic Christmas drinks.

Whether you’re looking for indulgent hot chocolates for the little ones or spiced cocktails to elevate your celebrations, we’ve got you covered. This collection of Christmas drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will bring a little extra cheer to your holiday gatherings.

So grab your favorite mugs and glasses, and let’s toast to a season filled with joy and delicious drinks!

Easy Mulled Wine Recipe

This is my favourite drink to make around Christmas Time. Nothing says cosy like a warm glass of mulled wine on a chilly evening. This recipe combines the rich flavors of red wine with fragrant spices and a hint of citrus. Your kitchen and house smells amazing as it simmers over the stove. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in, this comforting drink is as delightful to smell as it is to sip.

Choose a good mid-range red wine for this recipe—something that’s flavourful but not too pricey, as the wine’s taste is the star of the show. This mulled wine is incredibly simple to make, with no prep work required, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner or any festive gathering.

Ingredients:

1 750ml bottle of Red wine
2 oranges (zest and juice)
250 ml apple juice (or apple cider)
5 cloves
2 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of nutmeg
Honey (optional)
Brandy (optional)

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, combine the orange zest, orange juice, apple juice, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Heat gently over medium heat until it starts to steam but avoid boiling.
Lower the heat to simmer and pour in the red wine. Stir to combine. Continue to warm the mixture gently—do not let it boil, as this will burn off the alcohol. I added just 2/3rd of the bottle and the remaining after I turned off the heat.
Add a pinch of nutmeg and stir. Taste the mixture. If you’d like it sweeter, add honey, starting with 1–2 tablespoons, and adjust as desired.
Let the mulled wine simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Stir occasionally.
Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses to remove the cloves and other spices. Add a shot of brandy if you want a strong one!

Hot Toddy Recipe

When the weather turns chilly or you’re feeling a little under the weather, there’s nothing quite like a warm, soothing drink to lift your spirits and soothe the throat. The Hot Toddy is a classic remedy for sore throats with a blend of ginger, honey, lemon, and a splash of whiskey (optional). This drink is perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day or easing the discomfort of a cold. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own cozy Hot Toddy at home.

Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider (substitute with water)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp honey (or more to taste)
1 shot of whiskey (optional, for an extra kick)

Instructions:

Bring 1 cup of water (or apple cider) to a simmer in a small saucepan.
Once the water is hot, stir in the grated ginger. Let it steep for about 1-2 minutes to infuse the water with its spicy flavor.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and honey, adjusting the sweetness as desired.
If you’re including whiskey, pour in the shot now and stir gently.
Pour the mixture into a mug, give it a final stir, and enjoy while warm!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

Homemade hot chocolate is the ultimate winter treat, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This rich and velvety recipe, with its blend of cocoa, spices, and real chocolate, is not only easy to whip up but also makes a thoughtful gift.

Layer the dry ingredients in a jar, add a ribbon and a note with instructions, and you’ve got a charming DIY gift for friends and family. Whether you enjoy it yourself or share it as a holiday surprise, this hot chocolate is guaranteed to spread warmth and joy!

Ingredients:

4 tbsp cocoa powder
4 tbsp sugar
½ tbsp cornstarch
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg powder
¼ cup chopped chocolate
2 cups milk (or plant-based alternative)
Marshmallows (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat until it starts to steam (but do not boil).
Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the warm milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Add the chopped chocolate to the saucepan and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy consistency. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring often.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder or grated chocolate over the marshmallows.

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of homemade apple cider on a chilly day. Bursting with the natural sweetness of apples, the tangy zest of oranges, and some cosy winter spices, this cider is the perfect way to welcome the season. Slow-simmered to perfection, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you enjoy it as-is, sweeten it to your liking, or add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist, this apple cider is a treat that warms both the body and the soul.

Ingredients:

8 apples (any variety, roughly chopped)
2 oranges (sliced, with peel)
2-3 cinnamon sticks
5-6 cloves
2 star anise
1 tsp ground nutmeg (or freshly grated)
1 vanilla pod (split open)
Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Optional Additions:

1 tbsp sweetener (brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
Alcohol (a shot of bourbon or rum per serving)

Instructions:

Wash and roughly chop the apples, keeping the peels and cores intact for maximum flavor. Slice the oranges into rounds (no need to peel them).
Place the apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and vanilla pod into a large pot. Add enough water to fully submerge the fruit and spices and then add another 2 cups on top.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
After simmering, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to crush the softened apples and oranges, releasing more flavor.
Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot and carefully strain the mixture. Press the fruit pulp gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
Taste the cider and add your preferred sweetener (brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup) if desired. Stir well until dissolved.
Serve warm in mugs. If desired, add a shot of bourbon or rum.
Let the cider cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

What are some of your favourite winter drinks? Have you tried making eggnog?