Best Winter Drinks to Make at Home

Winter calls for drinks that feel warm, easy, and comforting. The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle, champurrado, and mulled wine each offer a different kind of cozy, whether you want something sweet, rich, or spiced. This guide shows you how these popular winter drinks work and what you need to make them at home.

Why These Drinks Work for Winter and Home Baristas

These drinks cover the full range of winter cravings. The Golden Eagle gives you a smooth caramel coffee, champurrado brings rich chocolate warmth, and mulled wine offers a festive spiced option. They are simple to prepare with everyday ingredients and fit different moods, from quick mornings to relaxing evenings or holiday gatherings.

If you want more ideas you can make at home, try these Dutch Bros iced coffee recipes for simple step-by-step options.

Dutch Bros Golden Eagle (Copycat Recipe)

This at-home Golden Eagle is smooth, sweet, and quick to make. It blends espresso with caramel and vanilla for a cozy winter drink that works iced or hot. Perfect when you want the Dutch Bros flavor without leaving home.

A caramel coffee with whipped cream and drizzle in a clear glass on a kitchen counter.

Author	Soren Valen
Servings	1 drink
Prep Time	3 minutes
Cook Time	2 minutes
Total Time	5 minutes
Recipe Category	Coffee, Beverage, Winter Drink
Cuisine	American
Aggregate Rating	4.9 from 125 home testers
Estimated Cost	About 1 to 2 dollars per serving
Keywords	golden eagle recipe, dutch bros copycat, caramel vanilla coffee, iced caramel latte, winter coffee drink

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
• 1 to 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• Ice (for iced version)
• Optional: whipped cream and caramel drizzle

Instructions

1. Brew the espresso or strong coffee.
2. Stir in the vanilla syrup and caramel while the coffee is warm.
3. Add the milk. For a hot version, warm and froth the milk first. For an iced version, pour over ice.
4. Finish with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Tips

• A darker roast gives a stronger coffee flavor.
• Half-and-half makes the drink extra creamy.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a winter twist.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

(Varies based on milk and caramel amounts)
• Calories: ~210–260
• Protein: ~4–6 g
• Carbohydrates: ~30–38 g
• Fat: ~8–12 g

For another warm and sweet option, you can also check out my full Golden Eagle recipe breakdown to compare flavors.

Traditional Champurrado (Mexican Chocolate Atole)

This warm, chocolate-rich champurrado is thick, comforting, and perfect for winter. It blends masa harina, Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and milk into a cozy drink that feels both traditional and easy for beginners to make at home.

A mug of warm champurrado topped with cinnamon on a rustic winter kitchen table.

Author	Soren Valen
Servings	2 cups
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Recipe Category	Hot Drink, Winter Drink, Traditional
Cuisine	Mexican
Aggregate Rating	4.8 from 90 home testers
Estimated Cost	About 2 to 3 dollars per batch
Keywords	champurrado recipe, mexican hot chocolate, atole drink, winter chocolate drink, masa harina chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (or milk + water mix)
• 2 tablespoons masa harina
• 1 tablet Mexican chocolate (or 2 ounces dark chocolate)
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or chili, splash of vanilla

Instructions

1. Warm the milk in a pot over low heat and add the cinnamon stick.
2. Whisk the masa harina with a few tablespoons of warm milk until smooth.
3. Pour the masa mixture into the pot, whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Add the chocolate and sugar, stirring until melted and thickened.
5. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and velvety.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve warm.

Tips

• Whisk often to keep the texture smooth and prevent sticking.
• Add a splash of vanilla for extra warmth.
• For a mocha version, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of brewed coffee or espresso.

Estimated Nutrition (per cup)

(Varies by milk type and chocolate brand)
• Calories: ~170–230
• Carbohydrates: ~25–32 g
• Protein: ~4–6 g
• Fat: ~6–9 g

You can learn more about the history and cultural roots of champurrado from this detailed article by Mexico In My Kitchen, a well-respected resource for traditional Mexican recipes.

Cozy Holiday Mulled Wine (Warm Spiced Winter Drink)

This cozy mulled wine is warm, aromatic, and filled with holiday spices. It simmers red wine with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus to create a comforting winter drink perfect for quiet nights or festive gatherings. A non-alcoholic version is included below.

A steaming mug of mulled wine with citrus slices and cinnamon on a winter table.

Recipe Details

Author	Soren Valen
Servings	4 cups
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes
Recipe Category	Hot Drink, Winter Drink, Holiday
Cuisine	European
Aggregate Rating	4.9 from 110 home testers
Estimated Cost	About 6 to 8 dollars per batch
Keywords	mulled wine recipe, warm spiced wine, holiday drink, winter wine recipe, non-alcoholic mulled wine

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml, medium-bodied)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4–6 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 2–4 tablespoons honey or sugar
• Optional: sliced apple, lemon peel, fresh ginger

Non-Alcoholic Option
• 4 cups grape juice, cranberry juice, or alcohol-free red wine
• Use the same spices and citrus as above

Instructions

1. Pour the wine (or juice) into a pot over low heat.
2. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
3. Stir in honey or sugar to taste.
4. Warm gently for 15–20 minutes, keeping the heat low so it does not boil.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed.
6. Serve warm with citrus slices or a cinnamon stick.

Tips

• Use a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Tempranillo for best results.
• Avoid boiling or the alcohol will evaporate, and the flavor may turn bitter.
• Add more cinnamon or orange for stronger holiday flavor.
• The non-alcoholic grape juice version is great for kids or family gatherings.

Estimated Nutrition (per cup)

(Varies depending on wine, juice, and sweetener used)
• Calories: ~120–160
• Carbohydrates: ~20–28 g
• Sugar: ~18–25 g
• Alcohol content varies for traditional version.

To level up the topping on any homemade drink, here’s an easy soft top foam guide you can use for a smoother finish.

Comparison Table: Which Winter Drink Fits Your Mood or Occasion

Use this quick guide to choose the right drink for the moment. Each one brings a different kind of warmth, flavor, and comfort depending on what you need.

Mood or Occasion	Best Drink	Why It Works
Quick morning boost	Golden Eagle	Smooth caramel–vanilla coffee with enough espresso to start the day.
Cozy night in	Champurrado	Thick, chocolatey, and comforting, perfect for quiet winter evenings.
Holiday gathering	Mulled Wine	Warm, spiced, and aromatic, ideal for hosting or seasonal celebrations.
Caffeine-free option	Mulled Wine (Non-Alcoholic) or Champurrado	Both offer warmth and flavor without caffeine.
Something sweet and indulgent	Golden Eagle	Creamy texture and caramel flavor make it a treat-like drink.
Traditional winter comfort	Champurrado	Classic Mexican atole with masa, cinnamon, and chocolate.
Festive flavor with minimal effort	Mulled Wine	Simple simmering, big holiday aroma, great for small groups.

If you’re exploring more options, this list of best drinks at Dutch Bros gives a helpful look at customer favorites.

Home Barista & Serving Tips

A few small adjustments can make your winter drinks look better, taste richer, and feel more enjoyable to prepare at home. These ideas help you build a cozy, functional routine for making each drink.

Style Your Drink for a Warm, Inviting Look

• Use clear glasses or sturdy ceramic mugs so the color and texture of each drink are easy to see.
• Add simple garnishes like a cinnamon stick, citrus slice, caramel drizzle, or a pinch of cocoa.
• Set your drink on a clean surface with a napkin, wooden board, or soft winter fabric nearby for a comfortable feel.

Create a Simple Drink Station at Home

• Keep daily essentials together: mugs, spoons, syrups, cinnamon, and a small container of sweetener.
• A small tray or corner of the counter works well for holding everything in one place.
• For mulled wine, keep a dedicated spot for the pot, ladle, and garnishes like sliced oranges.

Variations and Flavor Hacks to Try

These easy adjustments let you tailor each winter drink to your taste. Small changes in spices, sweetness, or texture can create a completely different experience without adding extra work.

Golden Eagle Variations

• Hot Version: Froth warm milk for a richer texture.
• Extra Caramel: Add an extra teaspoon of caramel sauce for more sweetness.
• Seasonal Twist: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
• Lighter Option: Use oat milk or almond milk for a lighter drink.

Champurrado Variations

• Mocha Style: Add a tablespoon of brewed coffee or espresso for a mild coffee note.
• Spiced Version: A pinch of chili powder adds gentle heat.
• Vanilla Touch: A splash of vanilla makes the drink smoother.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a plant-based version.

Mulled Wine Variations

• Citrus-Forward: Use extra orange and a small piece of lemon peel.
• Stronger Spice: Add an extra cinnamon stick or star anise for more warmth.
• Fruitier Blend: Add sliced apples or cranberries to the pot.
• Non-Alcoholic: Replace wine with grape or cranberry juice and use the same spices.

Simple Flavor Adjustments

• Increase sweetness with a small amount of honey or sugar.
• Reduce spices for a milder flavor, especially if serving to kids.
• Add a bit more fruit for fragrance and color.

You might also enjoy these seasonal Dutch Bros iced coffee ideas if you want drinks that change with the time of year.

Safety and Dietary Notes / Substitutions

These drinks are flexible and easy to adjust for different preferences. Use these notes to keep each recipe safe, comfortable, and suitable for everyone you’re serving.

Alcohol Considerations

• Mulled wine should never be served to children or anyone avoiding alcohol.
• The non-alcoholic version made with grape or cranberry juice is a safe alternative.
• Keep heat low when warming traditional mulled wine. Boiling can increase bitterness and reduce alcohol unevenly.

Dairy-Free Options

• All three drinks can be made with plant-based milk such as almond, oat, coconut, or soy.
• Oat milk gives a creamy texture for both champurrado and the Golden Eagle.
• Coconut milk creates a richer, slightly sweeter champurrado.

Gluten and Thickening Notes

• Champurrado uses masa harina, which is naturally gluten-free.
• Check packaging to confirm it is processed in a gluten-free facility if needed.
• For a lighter texture, reduce the masa slightly and add more milk or water.

Sugar Adjustments

• Honey, sugar, maple syrup, or agave can be used in any recipe.
• Reduce added sweeteners if using sweeter chocolates or fruit juices.
• Taste as you go, especially in mulled wine, since citrus and spices can influence sweetness.

Caffeine Awareness

• The Golden Eagle contains espresso. Adjust to half-strength or use decaf if needed.
• For a caffeine-free option, choose champurrado or the non-alcoholic mulled drink.

Try the drink that fits your mood today or work through all three over the week. If you enjoyed these recipes, save them for later and share your favorite version or twist with others who love warm winter drinks.

If you enjoy caramel-forward drinks, the Dutch Bros Caramelizer recipe gives you a rich, chocolate-caramel mix that is easy to make.