Coffee might be the obvious winter beverage choice to pair with your favorite Soft-Baked Biscotti or comfort food, but who says you have to be predictable? As the temperature outside drops, try some of our recommendations on the best hot drinks for winter that are far from ordinary.

Italian Mulled Wine

Also known as vin brulé, this warm winter drink is traditionally served at outdoor Christmas markets in Italy. The difference between vin brulé and the mulled wine you might be familiar with is that the wine is boiled until no alcohol remains (although some people add a shot of brandy or sherry at the end of the process).

As with traditional British mulled wine, there are a lot of possible spice variations on this winter drink idea. Common ingredients include cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, and orange zest. Mulled wine works best with a fruity, full-bodied red wine (it doesn’t need to be expensive). If you don’t want all the alcohol to evaporate, you can simply heat it on the stove at a lower temperature until it’s warm. As for the perfect winter snack to pair with this drink, biscotti has its roots in Italy, so what better to pair Italian mulled wine than a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite?

Try it with: The Original Soft-Baked Biscotti

Homemade Chai

Chai has such complex flavors that it might seem tough to make at home, but it’s easier to master this winter beverage than you think. The key is to have the right spices on hand. Crushed green cardamom pods are essential, and cinnamon, fennel seeds, and fresh ginger are all good additions. You can also add star anise, coriander seeds, and whole cloves. You’ll find a great recipe here.

Try it with: Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Soft-Baked Biscotti (available for a limited time only)

Caramel Hazelnut Café Mocha

Alright, technically this winter drink idea could fall into the coffee category, but it’s so good that we had to include it anyway. You can make this caffeinated hot chocolate in a slow cooker using a combination of cocoa powder, espresso powder, half-and-half, caramel sauce, and Nutella. Top it with whipped cream when you really want to treat yourself. You can view the full recipe for this decadent winter drink here.

Try it with: Chocolate Chip Brownie Soft-Baked Biscotti

London Fog

The London Fog is a latte for anyone who would rather drink Earl Grey tea than coffee. To make one of these good winter drinks at home, brew yourself a strong cup of Earl Grey tea and top it with steamed milk, a splash of vanilla, and sugar to taste. To add a subtle boost to the flavor, throw a pinch of lavender into the water while you’re brewing the tea. Just make sure to strain the lavender out before you add the other ingredients.

Try it with: Banana Bread Soft-Baked Biscotti

Warm Bourbon Cider

Hot cider is the best drink to warm you up after you’ve spent a winter afternoon outside, and it’s only made better by the addition of bourbon. Make this winter beverage at home by pouring a jug of apple cider in a stockpot and adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Heat it up on the stove, and add a splash of bourbon when it’s done.

Try it with: Brown Sugar Coffee Cake Soft-Baked Biscotti

Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa

You didn’t think we’d make a list of the best winter drinks and leave off hot chocolate, did you? Even the most simple hot chocolate pairs nicely with our delicious winter-friendly snacks like soft-baked biscotti and cookies, but we recommend adding a little more excitement to your recipe the next time you have a lazy weekend afternoon. For the ultimate comfort drink, try this recipe for Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa. It’s made with half-and-half, white chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg, giving it a creamy and lightly spiced flavor that you’ll love alongside your biscotti or cookie.

Try it with: Sweet Heat Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Is all this talk about warm winter drinks and baked goods making you hungry? Shop the Marlo’s Bakeshop online store now to find the best snack to pair with your winter beverage of choice.