Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

After a beautiful and temperate fall, a cold front has descended upon New York. After getting home from a howling wind, I needed something to warm up. My go-to drink on cold afternoons is a steaming cup of tea. Chai is one of my favorites. The cold snap made me think about other warming drinks. These drinks not only warm us up but are also seasonally festive. These beverages are so popular that entire books have been written about them.

Chai Tea

Chai tea, originally from India, offers a delightful blend of spices that can warm you from the inside out. A perfect blend of black tea and spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, brewed with milk. This aromatic and spicy beverage is both warming and invigorating, making it a great choice for winter mornings. It’s a drink that can be enjoyed hot or iced. You can learn more about not only how to prepare Chai tea, but also about the history of the drink itself in The Book Of Chai

Mulled Wine

For adults looking to enjoy a sophisticated winter drink, mulled wine is an excellent choice. Infused with spices and citrus, this warm beverage is perfect for holiday gatherings. This traditional holiday drink, popular in many European countries, is made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with citrus fruits. Mulled wine not only warms your body but also fills your home with the festive aromas of spices, making it perfect for entertaining. It’s a warm, aromatic beverage that embodies the spirit of winter festivities. Mulled Magic: 92 Warm Wine Recipes

Eggnog

This festive beverage has been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries, and for good reason. With its rich, sweet flavor and hint of nutmeg, eggnog, while served cold, is pure indulgence.

To make your own homemade eggnog, combine egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is creamy. Meanwhile, over medium heat, heat the heavy cream, milk, and nutmeg, in a saucepan. Once heated, mix the egg yolk and sugar mixture into the saucepan and whisk it together. Allow the eggnog to cool down, then refrigerate it until it’s cold, before serving.  For an extra kick, many enjoy adding brandy, bourbon, or rum to their eggnog.

Eggnog Cookbook for The Holidays

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee combines the warmth of coffee with the richness of whiskey, making it a perfect pick-me-up to boost your spirits on cold days. This adult beverage is excellent for both warming you up and providing a caffeine kick. And it’s so easy to prepare. Just combine hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar (I use brown) in a heatproof glass. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and top with whipped cream. Irish Coffee: How Bartenders Modernize the Irish Coffee: Irish Coffee Recipes That Reinvent the Classic

Hot Chocolate

My favorite winter drink is hot chocolate. To make hot chocolate at home. Start by combining milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling, whisking often until completely dissolved. Once warmed, add chocolate chips and stir until the chips melt.  Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Hot chocolate is such a universally loved beverage. There are so many versions, like peppermint, spicy Mexican, and white chocolate. Each offers a totally different vibe, if not taste. You can find more ways to prepare hot chocolate in Hot Cocoa Comfort: 50 Recipes for Comforting Cups of Chocolate.

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