Five drinks to keep you warm as the weather gets cold

As the snow sends us into hibernation mode for the rest of the year, here are five hot drink recipes — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — to keep you and your loved ones warm while you wait for the snow to melt.

1. Spiced Mulled Wine (Alcoholic, Batch)
   This European classic is the ultimate fragrant batch cocktail, filling the room with the aroma of spices. It requires a dry red wine base and is best served immediately after heating to avoid simmering off the alcohol.
   
   Two 750-milliliter bottles dry red wine (e.g., Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
   
   1/2 cup apple brandy or Cognac
   1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
   1 large orange, sliced
   4 cinnamon sticks
   10 whole cloves
   
   5 star anise pods
   
   Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Heat gently over low heat for 20 minutes, ensuring the mixture is hot but does not boil. Serve warm in heatproof mugs, garnished with an orange slice.
   
   
2. Ginger-Orange Wassail (Non-alcoholic)
   
   This warm, deeply cultural alternative is an excellent choice for a non-alcoholic base. It should simmer throughout the evening, acting as a fragrant humidifier and a source of continuous warmth. Fresh ginger juice is critical for delivering the required heat and spice, and strong black tea provides a necessary tannic backbone.
   
   8 cups apple cider
   
   4 cups fresh orange juice
   1/4 cup fresh ginger juice
   5 star anise pods
   10 allspice berries
   8 cups strong black tea
   
   
   Combine all ingredients in a stockpot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. The wassail can be held at a low simmer for several hours. Serve in heatproof mugs, garnished with an orange twist.
   
   The showstoppers: individual classics
   These recipes are best prepared individually at a small bar station for guests seeking a custom, spirited, or rich beverage.
   
   
   
3. Hot Buttered Rum (Alcoholic, Individual)
   
   This is a rich, satisfying classic that requires a pre-made batter but minimal effort per serving. The batter can be made days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
   
   
   For the Batter (Yields approximately 8 servings):
   1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
   1/2 cup packed brown sugar
   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   Pinch of salt
   Cream the batter ingredients together until smooth. Store in an airtight container.
   
   Per Serving:
   2 ounces aged dark rum
   2 tablespoons prepared batter
   6 ounces boiling water
   
   Place the prepared batter and rum into a warm mug. Pour the boiling water over the mixture and stir vigorously until the batter is fully dissolved and incorporated. Garnish with a fresh grating of nutmeg.
   
   
4. Maple-Apple Brandy Toddy (Alcoholic, Individual)
   
   The Hot Toddy format is essential for warming up on a cold night. This variation uses seasonal apple brandy and maple syrup for a rich, northern flavor profile.
   
   1.5 ounces apple brandy (or regular brandy)
   1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
   1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
   4 ounces hot water or hot apple cider
   
   Combine all ingredients in a warm mug. Stir well until the maple syrup is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a lemon wheel studded with cloves.
   
   The closer: indulgence and richness
   This final recipe offers a spiced, decadent non-alcoholic option that works perfectly as a dessert substitute or a late-night treat.
   
   
5. Cinnamon-Chili Hot Chocolate (Non-alcoholic, Individual)
   
   Elevate standard hot chocolate with a blend of warming spices. The addition of cayenne pepper provides a hint of heat that cuts through the richness of the dark chocolate.
   
   6 ounces whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
   2 ounces quality dark chocolate chips or chopped bar
   1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
   1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   Heat the milk gently in a small saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Once warm, whisk in the chocolate chips, cinnamon, and cayenne until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.