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15 Cozy Winter Coffee Recipes (Easy & So Tasty!)

winter coffee

There is no better time of year for a hot cup of coffee than winter. Getting out of bed and leaving the protection of your warm blankets is only possible if there is a tasty cup of coffee waiting for you and no holiday gathering is complete without some coffee after dinner. If you are looking for some new ideas to stir it up this winter, this guide is for you! We’ve put together this list of delicious coffee recipes with a winter twist to help you stay warm and impress your family around the holidays.

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Top 15 Delicious Winter Coffee Recipes

1. Eggnog Latte Recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs

Eggnog is a classic winter beverage that everyone loves. It is creamy and sweet which got us thinking: this would be perfect for a latte! Eggnog in coffee acts as a creamer and makes a delicious, unique latte.

Ingredients
  • 1-cup of coffee
  • ⅔-cup eggnog
  • ¼-cup cream or half & half
  • ⅛-teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • pinch of ground nutmeg
  • sugar (optional)
  • whipped cream
  • Nutmeg
Instructions

Step 1

Heat the eggnog in a small pot over low to medium heat. Keep the eggnog below a rolling boil and simmer. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar if you want a sweeter drink. Whisk continuously for 3 minutes or until the mixture is thick.

Step 2

Make a cup of coffee. Stronger is better to handle the sweetness of the eggnog.

Step 3

Add the thickened eggnog to the coffee.

Step 4

We like to top with whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg over the top as a finishing touch.


2. Butterscotch Caramel Coffee Recipe from Livinglocurto

This sweet coffee treat is perfect for sitting around a warm fire after dinner or after shoveling snow. You’ll need some butterscotch syrup – or some flavored schnapps if you’re after something stronger – for this one.

Ingredients
  • 1 large cup of coffee
  • A large pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 1 ounce butterscotch syrup (or 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps)
  • 1 ounce heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream
Instructions

Step 1

Brew one large cup of coffee. We like to make the coffee strong.

Step 2

Combine the coffee, butterscotch syrup (or schnapps), heavy cream, and caramel and stir until the syrup and caramel are well incorporated.

Step 3

Top with whipped cream. We also like to add a drizzling of caramel and a pinch of cinnamon to give it that coffee shop vibe.

RELATED READ: Harry Potter-Inspired Butterbeer Latte Recipe


3. Gingerbread Latte Recipe by Coffee Affection

gingerbread latte recipe cookies
Image: P Maxwell Photography, Shutterstock

What could be more wintry than a gingerbread house? A gingerbread latte, of course! We love this recipe because it is low maintenance and makes a delicious winter beverage. And you can top your tasty latte with a gingerbread cookie for extra cheer.

Gingerbread Latte Recipe
If holidays make you think of cozy nights by the fire and spiced gingerbread cookies, this is the latte recipe for you! Whisk espresso, molasses, and spices and top with velvety steamed milk for the perfect winter treat.
Try this delicious recipe!
gingerbread latte recipe cookies

4. Winter Spiced Coffee Recipe from Dominican Cooking

This spiced coffee is a delightful way to add a little heat in the middle of winter. It takes a little more effort to make than some other recipes, but we think it’s more than worth it.

Ingredients
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup whole coffee beans
  • 10 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 2 star anise
  • ½ quart water
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup Kahlua (substitute ½ cup coffee for a non-alcoholic version)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Instructions

Step 1

Leave the whipping cream, mixing bowl, and beater in the refrigerator overnight. This will prevent sticking when you mix the ingredients.

Step 2

Combine the coffee beans, star anise, and ½ quart of water in a medium pot. Simmer on low heat until the liquid component is reduced to ¼ quart.

Step 3

Whisk the cream in the chilled mixing bowl with the chilled beater until it starts to peak. This usually takes 1-2 minutes of vigorous beating. At this point, add the sugar and whisk for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Strain the coffee bean mixture and discard the solids. Combine the Kahlua (or coffee) and brown sugar.

Step 5

Serve in a large mug and top with cream and a pinch of cinnamon and cocoa.


5. Peppermint Toddy with Coffee Recipe from kitchn


Candy canes are about as wintry as it gets, and this coffee drink is basically a candy cane in a mug. This is a simple recipe, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients
  • 4 cups coffee
  • 1 cup peppermint schnapps
  • ¾ cup créme de cacao
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Mint leaves (optional, but fancy)
  • Candy canes (optional, but tasty)
Instructions

Step 1

Combine the peppermint schnapps, coffee, and créme de cacao in a large pot. Heat over low heat until just before boiling – usually about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Once the mixture is hot, slowly stir in the heavy cream.

Step 3

Top with whipped cream and mint leaves if you have them or candy canes for an additional blast of peppermint.


6. White Chocolate Mocha Recipe from Heathers Dish

You probably see a pattern developing. These drinks are mostly just desserts with coffee in a mug. But that’s what winter is all about. White chocolate isn’t everyone’s favorite, but if you like it, this drink is a must-try.

Ingredients
  • 6 cups coffee
  • 2 cups milk (we recommend almond milk)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream
Instructions

Step 1

Heat the milk over low to medium heat in a small saucepan. Turn the heat down to low once bubbles start to form. Don’t let the milk boil!

Step 2

Add the white chocolate chips to the milk and stir until they are fully melted to make a thick syrup.

Step 3

Combine the coffee and chocolate syrup and garnish with whipped cream.


7. Caramel Brûlée Coffee Recipe from Foxes Love Lemons

This is a quick and easy recipe, but boy, do we love it! There are only a few ingredients and it doesn’t take long to make. It’s the perfect drink for a quick cold-weather pick-me-up!

Ingredients
  • 2 cups coffee
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Whipped cream
Instructions

Step 1

Brew 2 cups of coffee using your favorite method. Standard strength coffee works well.

Step 2

Stir together the milk, caramel sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Once they are well mixed, heat on medium for 4-5 minutes while stirring often. Don’t let the mixture settle or you risk burning the brown sugar.

Step 3

Split the coffee into two mugs and fill each with an equal amount of the milk mixture.

Step 4

Top with whipped cream. We like to drizzle with extra caramel sauce for some added sweetness.


8. Peppermint Mocha Recipe from The Recipe Rebel

We could easily fill this list with only peppermint drinks, but we’re holding back in the interest of variety. This mocha blends chocolate, coffee, and peppermint in a distinctly wintry – and delicious – drink. It definitely deserves a spot.

Ingredients
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup espresso (or strong coffee)
  • ½ teaspoons mint extract or ½ peppermint candy cane
  • ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Pinch of chocolate shavings
Instructions

Step 1

Add milk, unsweetened cocoa, and sugar to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir occasionally.

Step 2

While the milk mixture is heating, brew ¾ cup espresso or strong coffee.

Step 3

Pour into large mugs and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle chocolate shavings on the whipped cream for an extra flourish.


9. Cold Brew Martini Recipe from Tasty

coffee cocktail martini
Image credit: Goskova Tatiana, Shutterstock

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cold beverage. This is a little bit different than our other drinks so far. It uses a cold brew concentrate, so the resulting drink is smooth and naturally sweet. You might want to grab another blanket, though.

Ingredients
  • ¾ cup coarse ground coffee
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup ice
  • 3 tablespoons vodka
  • 3 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
Instructions

Step 1

The night before, make a cold brew concentrate. In a large glass container, mix the ground coffee and water. Stir until all of the coffee grounds are saturated. Cover and leave on the counter for 12-16 hours.

Step 2

After 12-16 hours, filter the cold brew to remove all of the coffee particles.

Step 3

Combine the vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and cold brew concentrate in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15-30 seconds.

Step 4

Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a few whole coffee beans.


10. Spiced Cold Brew Recipe from Fuss-Free Flavours

Sticking with the cold brew theme, we have a recipe for spiced coffee. Cold brew is a great coffee to add spices to because of it’s naturally sweet, chocolatey flavor. This spiced coffee can be served hot or cold.

Ingredients
  • 50 g ground coffee
  • 500 ml water
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions

Step 1

Add the spices, coffee, and water to a glass jar or container. Stir until all of the coffee grounds are wet.

Step 2

Steep overnight on the counter for 12-16 hours.

Step 3

Filter out the coffee and spices and serve.

Step 4

If you prefer hot coffee, heat in a small pan or in the microwave until the desired temperature.


11. Irish Coffee from Henry’s House of Coffee

Irish coffee is a staple of our winter beverage list. It couldn’t be easier to make and is perfect for sipping after dinner.

Ingredients
  • 6 ounces coffee
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions

Step 1

Brew the coffee. Robust but not bitter is the desired strength.

Step 2

While the coffee is brewing, whisk the heavy cream vigorously until it starts to thicken. Stop before it becomes too thick to pour.

Step 3

Add the whiskey to the coffee.

Step 4

Pour the cream over the back of a spoon into the coffee. Pouring the cream like this causes it to stay on top of the coffee and gives you the classic Irish coffee look and taste.


12. Pakistani Coffee Recipe from Henry’s House of Coffee

Now we head half-way around the world for a lesser known, but equally delicious winter coffee recipe. Pakistani coffee is similar to other spiced coffee but emphasizes cardamom to get a unique flavor.

Ingredients
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 cardamom pods, cracked
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons ground coffee
Instructions

Step 1

Crack the cardamom pods and them to a small saucepan with the coffee, milk, water, and a cinnamon stick.

Step 2

Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. You want to ladle the coffee twice a minute to make sure the ingredients are well mixed and heating evenly. Don’t let the cinnamon stick burn.

Step 3

After 10 minutes, strain the coffee and serve.

Step 4

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and add sugar to taste.


13. Café de Olla Recipe from Mexico in My Kitchen

We continue the world tour with a stopover in Mexico. Café de Olla is a spiced coffee with a Mexican flair to it and is country-themed unlike any other coffee drink we’ve had.

Ingredients
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 ounces authentic Piloncilla or dark brown sugar
  • ½ stick Mexican cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons ground coffee
Instructions

Step 1

In a medium pan, combine the cinnamon, dark brown sugar, and water. Simmer on medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

When the water begins to boil, add the ground coffee. Stir until the coffee is well incorporated and remove from heat.

Step 3

Cover the pot and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and serve. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.


14. Bicerin Coffee from Henry’s House of Coffee

Last stop, Italy! We finish our country themed drink section with what we like to think of as a poor man’s mocha. Bicerin coffee is a mix of hot chocolate and coffee that is a tasty way to warm up on a bitter cold winter day.

Ingredients
  • ½ cup coffee
  • ½ cup hot chocolate
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Chocolate shavings
Instructions

Step 1

Brew ½ cup of coffee using your favorite method.

Step 2

Make a cup of hot chocolate and fill ⅓ of your mug with it

Step 3

Whip the heavy cream in a small bowl until it starts to thicken. Stop before it becomes too thick to pour.

Step 4

Just like the Irish cream recipe, pour the coffee over the back of a spoon onto the hot chocolate. The coffee will sit on top of the chocolate and make its own layer.

Step 5

Now pour the cream over the spoon to float it on top of the coffee.

Step 6

Top with chocolate shavings and enjoy.


15. Spiced Wine Coffee from Javapresse

We saved one of our favorites – and one of the most unique recipes – for last. This recipe makes a batch of spiced wine coffee that serves 4-5 people. Make sure you write this one down because people are going to ask you for it.

Ingredients
  • 8 ounces of red wine (any varietal is fine)
  • 24 ounces of cold brew concentrate
  • 1 sliced orange
  • 5 star anise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions

Step 1

Combine the cold brew concentrate, red wine, orange slices, and spices in a large pot.

Step 2

Bring the entire mixture to a boil and then turn the heat down to low.

Step 3

Add the honey and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes

Step 4

Strain and serve.


Featured image credit: jolier, Pixabay

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Ollie Jones

Oliver (Ollie) Jones is a zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia. Originally from the US, he thought he loved coffee before his big move down under, but his discovery of the flat white and the cafe on every corner has taken his coffee passion to a whole new level. He's so excited to share his knowledge and experience with readers worldwide (and keep testing coffee drinks while he's at it).

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