Toasty Tipples

The best part of a winter day? Coming back inside, peeling off those frozen mittens and wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of something delicious. Whether you’ve been sledding, skiing or just braving the driveway like a shoveling champ, these winter warmers will thaw you out in no time. From spiked sippers to cozy, booze-free delights, here are four drinks to help you shake off the chill and get back to feeling toasty.

The Classic Hot Toddy: Reinvented
The hot toddy is a winter staple for a reason. Its blend of warm whiskey, honey, lemon and spices is the perfect antidote to cold weather. But why not give it a twist? Try mixing your toddy with pear or apple flavors, or swap out the whiskey for a spiced rum or cognac. Add cinnamon sticks or a few whole cloves for extra depth, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Brazilian Mulled Wine: A Citrus Twist on a Classic
Forget the usual mulled wine — this Brazilian-inspired version brings a sunny, citrusy kick to the mix. Red wine simmers with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise, creating a fragrant, soul-warming elixir. A splash of cachaça or white rum takes it up a notch. Perfect for sipping while you thaw out and pretend you’re somewhere tropical (even if there’s a blizzard outside).

Spiked Coffee Variations: Morning to Midnight
Coffee lovers, rejoice! Winter is the perfect time to give your espresso martini obsession a break with warm, spiked coffee. Whether it’s an Irish coffee with whiskey and brown sugar, a Spanish coffee with aged rum and Kahlúa or a nutty latte spiked with Frangelico, there’s no shortage of ways to make your morning (or evening) brew a little cozier.

Nonalcoholic Warmers: Cozy Without the Booze
Sometimes, you just want something cozy without the kick. Enter spiced apple cider, a nonalcoholic dream that still brings all the warm, fuzzy vibes. Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves, and maybe even toss in some fresh ginger or a splash of vanilla for extra depth. It’s the perfect post-skiing treat. Hot tip: Pop it in the crockpot while you’re up at the mountain so when you get home the whole house will smell amazing.

MAKE IT!

Brazilian Mulled Wine (Quentão de Vinho)

1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec work best)
1/2 cup cachaça or white rum
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 oranges (1 juiced, 1 sliced)
1 lemon, cut in half
1 lime, cut in half
3 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
2 star anise
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1/2 cup water

In a large pot over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes to release the spice flavors.
Add the orange juice, orange slices, lemon slices and lime slices. Stir and let it continue to simmer for another five minutes.
Pour in the red wine and cachaça (or white rum). Reduce the heat to low and let it warm through — do not boil, as you want to preserve the alcohol and the wine’s flavors.
After about 10 minutes, remove from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves and an extra slice of citrus.

Warming Up, One Sip at a Time
Let’s be honest — after a day spent playing in the snow, you deserve more than just numb toes and rosy cheeks. Whether you prefer a spiced cider or something with a little kick, these cozy drinks are the perfect way to shake off the chill. Settle in, take a sip and let the warmth spread from your hands to your toes!

Alyson Brown is a beverage photographer and drink stylist with an appreciation for a well-built cocktail. Her passion for cocktails led to her first book, “The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers With A Twist.” Presently, Brown resides in The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery in the Old Mill District, situated right in the heart of Bend.

This article appears in The Source Weekly February 13, 2025.