Cold-Weather Comfort: 15 International Hot Drinks to Try This Winter

Hot Drinks Around the World to Warm You Up This Winter☕🌍

Winter is here, and that means cozy drinks, layered fits, and finding any excuse to stay inside and sip on something warm. But let’s mix it up a little! Sure, we all know and love hot chocolate, but what if you could warm up with some hot drinks from across the globe? Imagine a winter with a little Moroccan mint tea in hand, or a mug of Scandinavian glögg. Get ready for an international sipping experience that'll level up your winter vibes. Here’s your guide to warming up with flavors from all over the world.

1. Scandinavian Glögg: The Ultimate Cozy Vibe

Think: Red wine, spices, and a little buzz.

This one’s for everyone who lives for the hygge aesthetic. Glögg (pronounced "gloog") is a mulled wine that’s a staple in Nordic countries, especially around Christmas. Think of it like a hot sangria, but with spices that make your home smell like a holiday candle.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 bottle of red wine (a dry one works best)
• 1/2 cup of brandy (optional, for those who want an extra kick)
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5-6 whole cloves
• 3 cardamom pods (optional but highly recommended)
• Orange slices
• Raisins and slivered almonds (for garnish)

How to Make It:

1. Pour the wine into a saucepan and add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and orange slices.
2. Heat it up on low—don’t let it boil, just keep it warm and let the flavors meld for about 20 minutes.
3. Add the brandy right before serving, if you're feeling it.
4. Pour it into mugs and top with raisins and almonds if you’re keeping it traditional.

Vibe Check: Best enjoyed while watching the snow fall outside your window or curled up in a fuzzy blanket with fairy lights.

2. Korean Yujacha: The OG Immune Booster

Think: Sweet, citrusy, and all-around comforting.

Yujacha is like Korea’s version of a hot lemon tea, but with a twist. It’s made with yuja, a Korean citrus fruit that’s kind of like a lemon and orange hybrid. Yuja’s high in vitamin C, so it’s perfect for keeping those winter colds at bay.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 jar of yuja-cheong (yuja marmalade) – can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online
• Hot water

How to Make It:

1. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of yuja-cheong into your mug (adjust to your sweetness preference).
2. Pour in hot water, and stir well until the marmalade dissolves.
3. Sip and let that sweet, citrusy goodness work its magic.

Vibe Check: Perfect for those winter study sessions or when you’re binge-watching your favorite K-drama (yes, it tastes even better if you’re watching Crash Landing on You).

3. Moroccan Mint Tea: Fresh, Sweet, and Calming

Think: Tea with a burst of fresh mint, served with a lot of love.

Mint tea is a big deal in Morocco—like, if you visit someone there, this is the drink they’ll serve you. It’s sweet, minty, and an absolute mood-booster on a cold day.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 tsp loose green tea (usually Chinese gunpowder tea)
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 3-4 tbsp sugar (Moroccan tea is sweet!)
• Boiling water

How to Make It:

1. Start by rinsing the loose tea with a little boiling water, just to remove some of the bitterness.
2. Add the tea to a pot, along with the mint leaves and sugar.
3. Pour in boiling water, and let it steep for about 5 minutes.
4. For the Moroccan touch, pour the tea from high up into small glasses to get that foamy top. You’ll look like a pro, and it actually makes the tea taste smoother.

Vibe Check: Ideal for a chill night with friends or a solo journaling session. It’s sweet and energizing but won’t leave you jittery.

4. Indian Masala Chai: A Warm Hug in a Mug

Think: Spicy, creamy, and seriously addictive.

Chai has become a mainstream favorite, but traditional Indian masala chai is next-level cozy. The combo of milk, black tea, and warm spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tsp loose black tea or 2 tea bags
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 cardamom pods, crushed
• A small piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• Sugar to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a small pot, bring the water, spices, and ginger to a boil.
2. Add the tea and milk, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes (or until you get that deep, rich color).
3. Strain the tea into a mug, add sugar, and enjoy!

Vibe Check: Perfect for early winter mornings or while listening to a chill lo-fi playlist. It’s grounding and will make you feel like you can conquer anything.

5. Brazilian Quentão: For Those Who Like a Little Spice

Think: Mulled ginger drink with some Brazilian flair.

Quentão is Brazil’s answer to cold nights. It’s a spicy, gingery hot drink made with cachaça, sugar, and warming spices. The drink has a little heat, and it's sure to keep you feeling warm and energized.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane liquor; sub with rum if you can’t find it)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Cloves (about 5-6)
• Orange peel (for an extra kick of flavor)

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, heat up the water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to let those flavors mix.
2. Add the cachaça and heat it for another few minutes (don’t let it boil).
3. Pour into mugs, sip, and let the warmth do its thing.

Vibe Check: Great for an outdoor winter party or bonfire night. It’s bold, spicy, and perfect if you want something that’s not your usual hot drink.

6. Japanese Amazake: Sweet and Creamy (and Almost Alcohol-Free!)

Think: Thick, creamy, and a lil' sweet.

Amazake is a Japanese drink made from fermented rice, with a texture that’s thick and creamy—kind of like rice pudding in drink form! Traditionally served warm, it’s lightly sweet and has just a hint of alcohol, though you can make or buy non-alcoholic versions too. It’s great for a little winter treat.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup koji (a type of rice culture; available in Asian grocery stores or online)
• Hot water
• Sweetener like honey or sugar (optional, if you like it extra sweet)

How to Make It:

1. In a pot, combine the rice and koji with enough hot water to get a thick, drinkable consistency.
2. Let it sit for about 8-10 hours (yup, it’s a slow brew!) to ferment slightly, which brings out the sweetness.
3. Warm it up gently and add honey or sugar if you want a bit more sweetness.

Vibe Check: Perfect for a calm, cozy morning or post-dinner chill session. It’s the kind of drink that makes you wanna curl up with a book or write some poetry.

7. Mexican Atole: The Cozy Corn-Based Drink You Didn’t Know You Needed

Think: Warm, thick, and kinda like drinking dessert.

Atole is a traditional Mexican drink made with masa (corn flour), milk, and cinnamon. It’s like a cross between a drink and a dessert, with a creamy, custardy texture and a sweet, cinnamony flavor. Bonus: it’s totally customizable—some people add chocolate to make it champurrado, another version of atole.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups milk (or water for a lighter version)
• 1/3 cup masa harina (corn flour; look for it in the Latin American aisle)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Vanilla extract (a splash for extra flavor)

How to Make It:

1. In a pot, heat the milk and cinnamon stick until it’s hot (but don’t boil it).
2. Whisk in the masa harina and sugar, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add a splash of vanilla, and you’re good to go!

Vibe Check: Perfect for weekend mornings or when you’re craving something sweet and filling. Atole is like a warm hug in a mug!

8. Turkish Salep: Creamy, Dreamy, and Floral

Think: Luxuriously creamy with a hint of floral sweetness.

Salep is a thick, creamy drink made from the ground-up roots of wild orchids. It has a uniquely floral flavor, and it’s like sipping a rich, creamy dessert. Salep isn’t super easy to find since the orchid roots are rare, but you can find instant salep mix online or in Middle Eastern grocery stores.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup milk
• 1-2 tsp instant salep powder or salep mix
• 1 tsp sugar
• Cinnamon for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat the milk in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the salep powder and sugar, whisking until the mixture thickens (around 5 minutes).
3. Pour into a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon on top.

Vibe Check: Perfect for a cold winter evening when you’re looking for a touch of luxury. Imagine this drink with a side of a quiet winter night or some ambient music.

9. Russian Sbiten: Spicy, Sweet, and Perfectly Unique

Think: Honey, spices, and herbal warmth.

Sbiten is an old-school Russian drink that dates back centuries. It’s made with honey, spices, and sometimes herbs like sage or thyme, giving it an earthy flavor. Think of it as mulled honey water with a unique herbal twist.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1-2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• Optional: herbs like thyme, sage, or mint

How to Make It:

1. In a pot, combine the water, honey, spices, and herbs.
2. Bring it to a simmer, letting it steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain and pour into mugs.

Vibe Check: Best enjoyed around a campfire or just when you want a little taste of history. It’s warming, comforting, and perfect for sipping slowly.

10. South African Rooibos Tea: Earthy, Naturally Sweet, and Caffeine-Free

Think: Earthy, sweet, and super chill.

Rooibos (pronounced “ROY-boss”) is a caffeine-free tea made from a plant native to South Africa. It’s packed with antioxidants, naturally a little sweet, and has a unique earthy flavor. It’s the perfect winter drink if you want something soothing without the caffeine.

What You’ll Need:

• 1-2 rooibos tea bags (or loose rooibos tea)
• Hot water
• Honey or lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

How to Make It:

1. Brew the rooibos tea in hot water for about 5-7 minutes (go longer if you like it strong).
2. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.

Vibe Check: Rooibos is perfect for a nighttime wind-down or if you’re looking for something relaxing during the day. It’s simple, healthy, and has that unique South African twist.

11. Egyptian Sahlab: Thick, Sweet, and Pudding-Like

Think: Creamy dessert in a cup, topped with nuts and spices.

Sahlab (also spelled salep) is an ultra-thick, sweet, and creamy drink made with milk and sahlab powder, which comes from ground orchid roots. The texture is almost like pudding, and it’s topped with nuts, cinnamon, and coconut for a warm, comforting winter treat.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp sahlab powder (available online or at Middle Eastern grocery stores)
• 1 tbsp sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• Toppings: chopped pistachios, coconut flakes, cinnamon

How to Make It:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan and slowly whisk in the sahlab powder and sugar.
2. Stir until the mixture thickens (around 5-7 minutes).
3. Pour into a mug and top with pistachios, coconut, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Vibe Check: Best for cozy winter nights, preferably with fairy lights and soft music. Sahlab is dessert-like and perfect for unwinding after a long day.

12. Ecuadorian Canelazo: Spicy, Citrusy, and Boozy

Think: Hot toddy with a Latin American twist.

Canelazo is a hot, spiced drink from Ecuador and other Andean countries, usually made with cinnamon, sugar, and aguardiente (a sugarcane liquor). It’s warm, spicy, and citrusy, with the option to skip the alcohol if you’re going for a non-boozy version.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup sugar or panela (unrefined cane sugar)
• Juice of 1 orange or lime
• Aguardiente or rum (optional)

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water, cinnamon sticks, and sugar to a boil.
2. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then add the orange or lime juice.
3. Add aguardiente or rum if you’re feeling it, and serve hot.

Vibe Check: Perfect for a winter hang with friends. It’s fun, spicy, and just boozy enough to keep things interesting on a cold night.

13. Tibetan Butter Tea: Savory, Unique, and Energizing

Think: Rich, buttery tea with a salty twist.

This one’s definitely not your typical tea. Butter tea, or po cha, is made with tea, yak butter, and salt, giving it a thick, rich, and savory taste. It’s popular in Tibet and parts of the Himalayas and is believed to help keep you warm and energized in harsh winters.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup strong black tea
• 1-2 tbsp butter (traditionally yak butter, but regular or plant-based butter works too)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: a splash of milk for a creamier texture

How to Make It:

1. Brew a strong black tea and pour it into a blender.
2. Add butter, salt, and milk (if using), and blend until frothy and smooth.
3. Pour into a mug and get ready for a unique, buttery experience.

Vibe Check: Perfect for those who love savory flavors and need a serious energy boost. Try it on a chilly day when you’re craving something out of the box.

14. Italian Bombardino: The Creamy, Boozy Treat You Need This Winter

Think: Eggnog meets hot toddy, Italian style.

Bombardino is a boozy, creamy Italian drink usually served at ski resorts. It’s made with brandy, Advocaat (a Dutch egg liqueur), and topped with whipped cream. Imagine a wintery eggnog with an espresso twist, making it rich and delicious.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 shot of Advocaat (or eggnog liqueur)
• 1 shot of brandy
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder

How to Make It:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the Advocaat and brandy together on low heat (don’t let it boil).
2. Pour into a glass or small mug and top with whipped cream.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder if you want to be extra fancy.

Vibe Check: Best served post-skiing (or just post-stress), Bombardino is a creamy, comforting drink that’s like a winter treat in a glass.

15. Ethiopian Spiced Coffee (Bunna): Bold, Flavorful, and Aromatic

Think: Coffee, but with a spicy, earthy twist.

Ethiopian bunna is coffee taken to the next level, with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes cardamom or black pepper. It’s a strong, aromatic drink served as part of Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremony, meant to be savored and shared.

What You’ll Need:

• Freshly brewed strong coffee (traditionally brewed in a jebena, but any method works)
• Cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• Optional: cardamom pods or black pepper for a spicier version

How to Make It:

1. Brew your coffee as usual.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the coffee with the spices (don’t boil) and let it sit for a few minutes to infuse.
3. Strain out the spices, pour into a mug, and enjoy the warm, spiced aroma.

Vibe Check: Ideal for chilly mornings or late-night study sessions, bunna will warm you up, keep you awake, and fill your space with the scent of earthy spices.

And there you have it—15 cozy, cultural sips to keep you toasty and inspired this winter! Each drink brings a little piece of the world to your mug, so pick one (or more!) to try and elevate your winter to a whole new level. Cheers to warming up with these unique winter warmers!

So there you have it—15 hot drinks from all over the world to keep you warm, cozy, and a little bit cultured this winter! Whether you're sipping on Moroccan mint tea, diving into creamy Italian Bombardino, or enjoying the spicy warmth of Ecuadorian Canelazo, these drinks bring a bit of global magic right to your mug. Try one (or all!) and let your taste buds travel without ever leaving home.

Stay connected for more global inspo and cozy winter recipes right here at Woke Waves Magazine!

#winterdrinks #globalcomfort #cozyvibes #internationalflavors #wokewaves