
Winter Drinks
Toast the season with these enticing winter warmups.

Recipe by Sarah Mccullen | Photographed by Joe Worthem
When the weather outside is frightful, a steaming mug of hot cocoa or tea can warm the soul. For a twist on the traditional, mix up a batch of one of these hot adult drinks to share with friends and family this winter.
Coconut Hot Chocolate
2 cups milk
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons coconut vodka
Whipped cream, optional
Chocolate shavings, optional
In a medium saucepan, heat milk and chocolate chips, whisking constantly, until chocolate is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in coconut vodka, and serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Mulled Red Wine
2 oranges, plus more orange slices for garnish
1 bottle dry red wine
8 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
2 star anise
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
¼ cup brandy or grand marnier, optional
Thinly slice 1 of the oranges; juice the remaining orange. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced oranges, orange juice, wine, cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, honey and, if desired, brandy. Heat over low until just barely simmering, about 15 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer, pour wine mixture into a mug, discarding fruit and spices; and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.