Fireside Favorites: How to Make Our Winter Drink Specials At Home

Winter is the perfect excuse to cozy up with a warm, flavorful drink, and our winter drink specials are just the ticket. From rich, buttery lattes to spiced herbal teas and fruity ciders, each recipe brings a little magic to your mug. Grab your favorite cup, whip up one of these cozy creations, and let the season’s flavors warm you from the inside out.

Salted Butterscotch Latte

With rich butterscotch flavor and a touch of salt, this Salted Butterscotch Latte is the perfect balance of indulgent and comforting. It’s made for slow mornings and cozy afternoons.

Ingredients (butterscotch sauce)

  • 1 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the latte

  • 1–2 shots espresso using Evans Brothers Coffee Headwall Espresso Blend
  • 6–8 oz steamed milk (your choice)
  • Brown sugar + flaky salt garnish (about ¾ sugar, ¼ salt)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until smooth and bubbly.
  3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined.
  4. Let the sauce gently simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Assemble

Add 1–2 tablespoons of the butterscotch sauce to your mug. Stir in the espresso, then pour in steamed milk. Finish with latte art if you’re feeling fancy and a light sprinkle of the brown sugar and salt garnish.

Gingersnap Latte

Warm, spiced, and a little nostalgic, this Gingersnap Latte tastes just like your favorite holiday cookie in drink form. It’s cozy, bold, and perfect for chilly mornings.

Ingredients (gingersnap syrup)

  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1½ tbsp water
  • 1½ tsp molasses
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch ground cloves
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch salt
  • 1 tsp ginger syrup (optional but recommended for extra zing)

For the latte

  • 1–2 shots espresso using Evans Brothers Coffee Fall Line Espresso Blend
  • 6–8 oz steamed milk
  • Gingersnap cookie, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and ginger syrup if using.

Assemble

Add 1–2 tablespoons of the gingersnap syrup to your mug. Stir in the espresso, then pour in steamed milk and finish with latte art. Garnish with a gingersnap cookie for the full cozy effect.

Cafe de Olla Drip

Inspired by the classic Mexican café de olla, this spiced drip coffee is warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting. With notes of cinnamon, citrus, and gentle spice, it’s cozy without being overly sweet.

Ingredients (spiced syrup)

  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 3–4 black peppercorns
  • Tiny pinch salt
  • Tiny pinch allspice
  • 1 wide strip orange peel (avoid the white pith)

For the coffee

Coconut whip (optional but oh-so good)

  • ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk (chilled works best)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla syrup

Instructions (spiced syrup)

  1. Add all syrup ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain out spices and orange peel before using.

Instructions (coconut whip)

  1. Whisk coconut milk and vanilla syrup together until smooth and lightly thickened. (A milk frother or hand whisk works great.)

Assemble

Add 1–2 tablespoons of the spiced syrup to your mug. Pour in hot drip coffee and add a splash of steamed milk if desired. Top with coconut whip and finish with fresh orange zest.

Schweitzer Fog Tea Latte

Herbal, lightly sweet, and a little forest-y, the Schweitzer Fog Tea Latte is the ultimate cozy sip. Think warm honey, a hint of orange, and subtle rosemary notes wrapped up in creamy goodness.

Ingredients (sweetened tea)

  • 1 tsp dark forest tea
  • Tiny sprig fresh rosemary
  • ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch cinnamon
  • 6 oz hot water
  • 1 small strip orange peel
  • 1 tsp honey

For the latte

  • 4.5 oz brewed tea (from above)
  • 1.5 oz milk or cream of choice

Instructions (tea)

  1. Combine tea, rosemary, vanilla, and cinnamon in a small cup or infuser.
  2. Pour in hot water (around 200°F / just off boil) and steep for 6 minutes.
  3. Remove tea leaves and rosemary, then add orange peel and steep an additional 5–10 minutes.
  4. Stir in honey until dissolved.

Assemble

Combine ¾ brewed tea with ¼ milk or cream in a small pitcher. Steam or warm together until frothy. Pour into your mug and enjoy!

Cherry Apple Cider

Sweet, tart, and spiced just right, this Cherry Apple Cider is a warm hug in a mug. Perfect for chilly mornings or anytime you want that cozy, fall-meets-winter vibe.

Ingredients

  • 6 oz apple cider (or apple juice)
  • ½ oz tart cherry juice
  • 2 tsp Holy Kakow Cardamom Syrup (or substitute simple syrup + pinch cardamom)
  • Tiny pinch cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a small pot or milk frother, combine the cinnamon and a splash of apple cider. Steam or heat gently until cinnamon is fully incorporated.
  2. Add the remaining apple cider, cherry juice, and cardamom syrup. Warm through and stir.

Assemble

Pour into your mug and enjoy as-is, or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Optional: garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few fresh cherries for a festive touch.

 

Written by Allie Drinkward

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