3 Hot Drinks For Cold Weather

Since the whole country seems to be locked in a freezer, let's all make a kettle of a warm, soothing beverage.

3 Hot Drinks For Cold Evenings

Spiced Cranberry-Apple Punch

Adjust the quantities depending on how much you want to make.

Into a saucepan, pour 2 same-size bottles of juice -- 1 apple and 1 cranberry. Add the peel of 1 orange, a few cinnamon sticks, and a few cloves if you like that taste.

Bring to a simmer. At this point you can serve it then reduce the heat to keep it warm. If you'd like to kick it up a notch, add a shot of any of these liqueurs: Frangelico, Amaretto, Cherry liqueur, applejack, brandy, or rum. The quantity depends on the quantity of juice you've used.

Old Fashioned Cocoa

I think the best cocoa is the recipe on the back of the can of Hershey's Cocoa Powder. You'll need the cocoa powder, milk, sugar, and a dash of salt. Make a cup or a batch using that recipe. When you bring it to a simmer, add a splash of heavy cream, stir. Turn heat off and add a splash of Kahlua. Again, adjust the splashes based on the quantity of beverage you made. Top with a big marshmallow.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is my all time favorite. To make 4 cups, brew some strong coffee. Pour into cups and add 1 jigger of Irish Whiskey (I like Old Bushmills.). Stir, top each cup with a nice dollop of whipped cream. You can sprinkle with cinnamon and/or nutmeg if you like. I don't.

Takeaway Truth

Sipping hot beverages is a tried and true way to feel warm during the winter.