Warm Drinks for the Season as Chosen by a Sommelier

It’s getting cold outside and instead of being depressed that I had to prune back my fig tree (I already am, too late), I’ve decided to focus on some things that make me happy about the cooler weather.

There’s a reason we cling to mugs when the sky turns that blue/grey of winter, when the wind knocks across the window‐pane, and when our calendar reminds us daylight retreats for another few months (happy daylight savings day!). A warm drink does more than warm our hands, it helps ground me on days my nervous system is firing off too aggressively.

This morning I wanted to think about not just what we drink, but why we drink it (because, you know me) the chemistry and the muscle memory behind it. And on my little journey I pulled together ten warm drink recipes (and comforts) you can lean into that I’ve personally enjoyed over the colder seasons and made for my husband as well.

Why “Warm Drink Season” Is a Thing

When the temperature drops outside, our bodies respond if we want them to or not. More than that though, our brains respond. Warm drinks engage thermoreceptors (those little nerve endings that say, ah yes, we’re warm and safe) and trigger parasympathetic nervous system responses, which helps ease that fight/flight signaling. That primal connection between temperature and comfort is ancient to us; it’s how a fire-pit told our ancestors everything would still keep turning if we closed our eyes for the night.

I’ve personally used this tactic more times than I’d care to share. A lot of therapists have recommended it when I’m in the middle of an episode to play around with temperature. Normally I use something cold to shock my system a little, then I move onto something warm after for more soothing feelings.
It works surprisingly well.

“Comfort” Drinks to Enjoy

1. Smoked Black Tea (Lapsang Souchong Style)

That camp-fire aroma hits a few happy things in my brain when I drink this particular tea. Historically, one origin story I could find online says in 1646 civilians fleeing Qing soldiers dried tea leaves over open fires to preserve them. The resulting smokey flavor was very favored by the Dutch traders and the rest is taste history.
Deep amber notes with wisps of smoked oak, dark honey sweetness aftertaste.
Steep 1 tsp of Lapsang Souchong (or use a teabag which is pre-measured) in 8 oz hot water (just under boiling) for 3 minutes. Add a splash of milk and honey if you want softness. If you have a fancy cappuccino machine at home, like this one with a wand, you can steam the milk before adding it with a dash of cinnamon.

2. Chai Latte with Teff or Oat Milk

Such a classic comforting drink in my house with those aromatic spices (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove) activating warm receptors and memory of being snuggled up in a ski lodge with my sisters. Adding teff or oat milk gives a great texture and modern flair if you’re looking for a fun little twist.
Creamy tan, steam rising with spice perfume, and a gentle sweetness that reminds you that you don’t need to add honey to all your warn drinks.
The spices say “holiday” and “cozy,” the milk says “settle down.”
Brew strong black tea; simmer with your milk alternative, add 2 tsp chai blend, sweeten lightly.

3. Dark Hot Chocolate with 70% Cacao

You knew hot chocolate was coming if you know me at all. This one reminds me of my mom more than anything. Cacao contains theobromine and small amounts of anandamide (a brain-compound linked to mild euphoria, because duh). Add some delicious warmth, and you’ve got moody intelligence in a mug.
Velvety dark brown, steam rich with cocoa aroma, sweetness controlled.
Chocolate is something everyone deserves a little more of in their lives, especially on a hard day.
Melt 30 g (I use a kitchen scale but you can really do whatever you want for this and make it as chocolatey as you want) of 70% chocolate into 8 oz hot milk (whole milk or milk alternative works best in my house). Whisk until nice and frothy then top with a pinch of flaky sea salt for depth. If you happen to work at Jean Georges (like me) toss in some of their homemade vanilla bean marshmallows if you want to change your life.

4. Golden Turmeric Milk (a.k.a. “Golden Latte”)

In case you didn’t know my husband is a bit of a health-nut. He introduced me to turmeric and I never went back.Turmeric’s curcumin has anti-inflammatory potential, add some milk (or your alternative again) which gives richness, and a dash of black pepper to increase absorption.
Warm gold, deep complexity throughout the whole drink, with a smooth and slightly spicy finish.
Take 8 oz of your milk + ½ tsp ground turmeric + pinch black pepper + honey/syrup to taste. Heat gently and whisk so you don’t get any where clumps (trust me on that one).

5. Rosemary + Lemon Earl Gray Tea

Okay, completely unconventional and I feel like I just lost half of you and we’re only halfway through, but the combo of citrus and herb with hot water triggers a lightness in winter, sort of a “green breeze” in cold months.
Pale gold with a fresh herbal scent the complements a nice lemon zing, and some subtle comfort.
Bring 1 cup water to boil, add your Earl Gray Tea with 1 sprig rosemary, and steep for 5 minutes, strain, add a lemon wedge.

6. Mulled Apple Cider (Alcohol Optional)

Brings me back to when I was really small and my parents wanted to make me feel included when their friends or family was over and drinking some of the hard stuff (I always got the kiddie version).
Warm apple and cinnamon has holiday identity and the heat and aromatics make it an instant comfort trigger.
It’s cider, but slow, warmed, and more thoughtful until you’re pulled into the moment.
Simmer 1 qt apple cider with 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 1 orange sliced up into pieces, and 1 star anise for 10 minutes. If you want to go crazy add that dash of flaky sea salt again and a spring of lavender. Serve it warm of course. Few things can inspire as much comfort as this drink. If you’re adding alcohol, I’d recommend using a Calvados (made from apples).

7. Miso-Ginger Broth

If I haven’t lost you by now, it’s a small miracle. Anyway, not all of these need to be sweet to hit the spot. Savory hot drinks can be as comforting as sweet and those added electrolytes are enough to make my husband happy. This one nods to both warming and nourishment. The miso gives that delicious umami while the ginger gives heat.
Good when your body says “give me warmth” not just sweetness. I swear by this when someone has a cold as well. Something about it is just so magical.
Dissolve 1 tbsp white miso into 8 oz hot water, add ½ tsp grated ginger, with an optional dash soy sauce or tamari (that little extra kick hits really well).

8. Spiced Almond & Cinnamon Milk

Come on now you have to know that, nut milk + spice creates richness without heaviness and is so beyond good for late-night comfort. It’s almost like a dessert, but a little less sweet than stuffing your face with that chocolate bar (no shade if you have both).
Light tan in color with an aroma of cinnamon and almond, just a whisper of sweetness that lingers on the finish.
Leans gentle, so it’s good when you’re winding down rather than powering up.
Heat 8 oz almond milk add ½ tsp cinnamon also ¼ tsp vanilla extract (or paste!) and sweetener as needed (honey is my preference).

9. Lavender Chamomile Nectar

Oh yes, this is pure comfort in a mug. If the nervous system needs a nice little lull rather than spark, this is it. Lavender is calm and chamomile is just pure warmth, sweetened lightly.
Delicate floral scent that my husband and I drink almost every night before bed, so it reminds me of softness in a cup.
Perfect pre-bed or slow read, it says time to “settle in.”
Steep 1 tsp dried chamomile and 1 tsp dried lavender (it’s okay to use bags too!) in 8 oz hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and add a tablespoon of honey for some perfect sweetness. I also add a dash of lavender bitters to ours which is just some extra complexity.

10. Cardamom & Date Coffee

A twist on your morning coffee, but think more warm and seasonal. Cardamom oddly reminds me of Coca-Cola with all the nostalgia that comes with that, and date adds a sweet depth that makes you feel guilt-free (it’s good for you!), while coffee gives structure.
Deep brown, spicy swirl, and the slight sweetness on the finish that reminds you of home.
Comfort for the thinker who still needs caffeine.
Brew strong espresso or dark coffee, add 1 crushed cardamom pod, ragged date (or date syrup) to taste, 8 oz milk.

11. Smoky Lapsang & Almond Affogato

Because sometimes comfort needs a twist of indulgence, and really, is there anything wrong with some ice cream? The smoky tea above with a scoop of almond gelato (or dairy free alternative) is the crossroads of where warm meets cold in an elegant tension you won’t forget anytime soon.
Deep smoke brown, white creamy swirl, aroma of fire and milk (did I watch too much Game of Thrones?). A little luxury, but still grounded.
Brew Lapsang tea strong (4 minutes), place a scoop of almond gelato in your mug and pour tea over gently. Let the cream melt or drink it while it’s still in the process. Either way is really the correct way.

My Take

I’ve adopted a rule in my house that when my eyes can barely stay open (I work nights, don’t forget!), or my anxiety is so high it’s hard to breathe anymore, and my knees remember cold wind, I choose one of these drinks to end the night or start the day. Not to fix everything, because, unfortunately, nothing is a magical miracle worker, but to be able to feel more like myself again.

Some nights are bold (dark chocolate) while others are gentle (lavender chamomile).
I believe the real comfort doesn’t live in the hype that drives all those cute reels on social media. It lives in the moment about halfway through your warm drink when your hands are warmer than your torso, your stomach is starting to feel full, and your mind has a moment or two of silence before you have to be “on” again.

I hope you enjoy some of my drinks, and send me an email if there’s one you swear by that I should try (and maybe add to this list).