If there’s one aspect of this season that excels, it’s the drinks. The warm ones, the fizzy ones, the “OK I deserve this” ones… Basically, the whole comforting ritual of holding something delicious while the weather decides what it’s doing.
This season’s drinks trend isn’t about looking aesthetic on Instagram. It’s about comfort, fun flavour twists, and giving yourself a little treat when life feels a bit extra. Think of it as your personal warm hug in a mug.
Hot chocolate that isn’t just hot chocolate
Everyone loves a classic, but this year the “I made this myself” hot chocolate is taking over. You don’t just drink it… you build it.
Try this:
- Melt real chocolate, not the powder
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or instant coffee
- Finish with whipped cream or marshmallows
The result? A café-level drink you made in your kitchen. It’s cheap, it’s cosy, and it feels like a small act of self-care.
Apple pie cider (yes, it tastes exactly how it sounds)
Warm apple cider is already a seasonal favourite, but the apple pie version is the one everyone talks about. You simmer it with cinnamon sticks, cloves, a bit of brown sugar, and the tiniest splash of vanilla.
The smell alone transforms your whole place into an autumn-winter wonderland, even if it’s just you, your blanket, and a half-charged phone on the sofa.
Serve it:
- Warm, straight from the pot
- Or chilled with ice if you’re still pretending it’s not freezing outside
Either way, it tastes like nostalgia.
The iced matcha girlies have entered their winter era
Matcha isn’t going anywhere, it’s just changing outfits.
Winter matcha is creamier, slightly sweeter, and served warm with oat milk.
You whisk it, pour it into a big mug, and suddenly you’re starring in your own soft-girl morning routine.
If you need some winter wellness inspo, check out Teen Vogue’s wellness section. It’s great for matching your drink vibes with your energy.
Gingerbread latte but make it yours
Instead of queueing for a seasonal special, make it at home. It’s cheaper, tastes better, and you can control the sweetness.
What you need:
- Instant coffee or espresso
- A teaspoon of gingerbread syrup
- Warm milk
- A shake of nutmeg
It tastes like the inside of a Christmas market stall. And yes, you can top it with whipped cream because we’re choosing joy.
Sparkling cranberry fizz for when you want something non-alcoholic and fun
This one looks beautiful and it takes less than a minute.
Fill a glass with:
- Cranberry juice
- Sparkling water
- Lime
- A few actual cranberries if you want the Instagram-ready look
It’s refreshing, festive, and doesn’t give you a heavy, sleepy feeling. Perfect for evenings when you want to feel included without drinking.
Mulled wine for grown-up cosy nights
It’s classic for a reason.
You warm red wine with orange, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and a little sugar.
Your kitchen turns into a Christmas market. Your stress level turns down several notches.
Serve it with:
- A slice of orange
- A cinnamon stick
- Your favourite comfy socks
If you want a full cosy night kit, browse HelloGiggles’ home & vibes page. It’s great for mood-boosting extras.
The peppermint mocha comeback
This drink screams winter in the best way possible.
Coffee. Chocolate. Mint. What else do you need?
Make it by:
- Stirring peppermint syrup into hot chocolate
- Adding a shot of espresso
- Topping with cream and crushed candy cane if you’re feeling dramatic
It tastes like you’ve just stepped into a festive rom-com.
Why seasonal drinks matter more than we admit
It isn’t just about the flavours.
It’s the ritual slowing down, warming up, drinking something that feels like comfort.
This time of year gets busy fast, but your little seasonal drink? That’s the part you get to keep for yourself.
Whether it’s a hot chocolate moment or a gingerbread latte in your favourite mug, these tiny routines shape the season in a way that feels joyful, gentle, and genuinely grounded.
So go on — pick one, make it today, and let yourself enjoy it. You deserve a warm, cosy little moment.
