It’s getting cold outside, and besides hibernating under a pile of cozy blankets (very hygge, as the Danes would say), the next best way to stay warm is by sipping on something hot and steamy. In many parts of the world — including, perhaps, your own country — a cup of black tea or a mug of coffee is the go-to. But in other places, hot winter drinks are more varied and unique to the local culture.
If you’re looking to spice up (literally, as you’ll see in many of these recipes) your beverage rotation this season, try filling your mug or portable tumbler with one of these warm, comforting drinks from around the world.
Champurrado (Mexico)
In many countries, hot chocolate is a wintertime staple. However, there’s a good chance you haven’t had this classic drink the Mexican way. Champurrado, Mexico’s take on hot cocoa, is thick, rich, and indulgent, yet its unique flavor profile keeps it from being overly sweet. The beverage is made using masa harina (corn flour) along with milk for a creamy consistency. Most recipes also call for Mexican chocolate (though other types of meltable chocolate will usually do), piloncillo (raw cane sugar that can be swapped with brown sugar), and cinnamon for extra warmth. Best of all, champurrado is highly customizable. Add water if you want a thinner drink, sprinkle some salt into the mix to contrast the chocolate, or use milk substitutes if you’re not a fan of dairy.
Hojicha (Japan)
It’s no secret that green tea is a common drink in Japan, but even if you’re already familiar with the antioxidant-rich refreshment, you might’ve never had it hojicha style. Hojicha, in essence, is roasted green tea, and its woodsy and slightly nutty flavor is especially comforting in the winter. Like standard green tea, hojicha is typically enjoyed plain, without any added sweeteners or flavors. Still, this toasty drink is anything but boring. Steep the brown leaves in a pot or use a hojicha powder (we like this one from Jade Leaf) to make a quick cup of tea or a cafe-style latte.
Glögg (Sweden)
In Sweden, no drink represents a merry Christmas quite like glögg. Glögg is a festive, alcohol-based traditional beverage made of wine, spices (cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom are the most popular choices), sugar, a bit of fruit (think orange zest and raisins), and some other boozy additions, such as rum or bourbon. This Nordic mulled wine has been around for centuries, and though it’s most commonly associated with Sweden, you’ll also find variations of glögg in Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and other countries in the region. Save this one for a special wintertime occasion.
Masala chai (India)
Masala chai tea is hardly exotic these days. You can find versions on cafe menus around the world and cartons of the stuff on grocery store shelves. But in India, masala chai looks a little different. When prepared the authentic way, chai consists of black tea, ground spices, fresh ginger, sugar, and whole milk all simmered together. Many Indians consume the beverage regularly throughout the day. Even if you don’t have the time to boil a fresh batch daily, you might want to add masala chai to your winter routine. The tea’s spices can be warming on cold days, and the mixture is thought to offer a range of other health benefits, from improved digestion to lowered blood pressure.1
Po cha (Tibet)
Bulletproof coffee — coffee made with butter — may have been trendy at one point, but the concept of adding butter to hot drinks has been around far longer than any weight-loss fad. Head to Tibet (or one of its neighbors, such as Nepal, Bhutan, or Mongolia) and you might be served a cup of po cha, or butter tea, on a cold day. The concoction is generally a mixture of slowly boiled black tea, nak (female yak) butter, and salt, a combo that creates a sort of tangy, fatty broth ideal for high-altitude conditions. Assuming you’re not hanging out in the mountains of Asia, you can create a simpler version of po cha using familiar ingredients. Prepare a cup of black tea. Then, add a little salt, a spoonful of butter, and some milk or half and half. Finish by using a shaker bottle, a frother, or a blender to blend it all together.
Sahlab (Egypt)
Floral flavors might not be what usually comes to mind when you think of hot winter drinks. But in Egypt (and a handful of other countries, including Türkiye, Greece, and Palestine), flowers go hand in hand with the cold season thanks to sahlab. Sahlab, also known as “salep” in some places, is a warm, milky beverage traditionally made with an orchid base. Outside of the region, you might have a hard time getting your hands on edible orchid powder, but you can still recreate the drink’s flavors using different ingredients. Just heat some milk, cornstarch, rose water or vanilla extract, and sugar, and finish off with a few toppings (cinnamon, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts are a few popular options). Alternatively, you can try this creamy coconut and sesame version, which uses a powder that can be stored and heated up whenever a sahlab craving strikes.
Api morado (Bolivia)
If your usual smoothie is giving you goosebumps this winter, replace it with a warm and fruity cup of api morado instead. This Bolivian beverage is commonly enjoyed on cold mornings and can pack enough vitamin C to help you power through flu season. Api morado gets its purple hue from purple or blue corn flour (like this one on Amazon), although white corn flour (like the masa harina used in champurrado, above) can also work in a pinch. The flour, pre-soaked in water, is added to a boiling pot of water along with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until it thickens. For fruitiness, top it all off with some pineapple chunks.
Rooibos tea (South Africa)
Chances are you’ve heard of rooibos tea before and have maybe even consumed it numerous times. Still, this often-overlooked tea deserves a spot on the list of hot winter drinks to grab instead of your usual hot black tea or cup of coffee. Rooibos leaves are native to South Africa, and the tea is consumed routinely by South Africans of all ages. Unlike black tea, green tea, and coffee, rooibos tea contains no caffeine, which makes it the perfect choice for a comforting evening beverage. It’s also thought to boost physical health in multiple ways, including balancing blood sugar and fighting cancerous cells.2 To enjoy rooibos, simply pop a rooibos tea bag in a cup of hot water or steep loose rooibos leaves. For added flavor, try mixing in a little milk, some honey, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of cinnamon.
Bombardino (Italy)
Visit any Italian ski resort in winter and you’ll surely come across the iconic bombardino beverage. This cozy, boozy drink is sort of like a cross between a cocktail and Christmastime eggnog. It’s creamy, warming, and slightly indulgent. Even if you’re far from the slopes of the Italian Alps, you can whip up a bombardino at home using bottled eggnog, brandy, sugar, and whipped cream. To make the butter-yellow drink extra fun, top the whipped cream with chocolate chips, a stick of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or star anise.
Anijsmelk (The Netherlands)
Milk and spices make an appearance in many warm winter drinks from around the world, and the Netherlands’ anijsmelk is no exception. However, this hot beverage might be the simplest of them all. In the winter, many Dutchies warm milk with some anise seeds and sugar, creating a licorice-like flavor. Then, they strain the seeds and enjoy the remaining sweet and spicy milk from a glass or mug. For an even easier preparation method, swap anise seeds with anise powder and mix it into the milk until combined.
