Staying warm and cozy becomes a top priority as the winter months set in and temperatures drop. However, maintaining warmth doesn’t mean sacrificing your health goals. 

Knowing how to make delicious, low-calorie, cozy beverages can help you stay snug while supporting your wellness journey. 

These drinks are perfect for health-conscious individuals who want to enjoy the season's flavors without added sugars and unnecessary calories.

If you’re a student looking for a warm study companion, a professional needing a relaxing evening drink, or a fitness enthusiast aiming to keep calories in check, these beverages are crafted to meet your needs. 

In this post, we’ll explore recipes for some of the best low-calorie winter warmers, including classic favorites with a healthy twist. 

1. Margarita Mix

The Margarita Mix offers a refreshing taste without the added sugars or calories, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. 

It is crafted with real dehydrated lime and a blend of natural flavors, ensuring you get the authentic margarita experience while staying true to your wellness goals. This warm twist on a classic drink can keep you cozy and satisfied even during winter.

Ingredients

• 4 oz club soda
• 1 Pax Margarita Cocktail and Mocktail Mix 
• Ice
• 1 oz of spirit or spiritless liquor
• Garnish (lime wedge or salt rim)

Instructions

1. Pour 4 oz of club soda into a cool glass.
2. Add one Pax Margarita Cocktail and Mocktail Mix to the glass.
3. Add some ice and stir well to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge or a salt rim.
5. Add 1 oz of your preferred spirit or spiritless liquor for an extra kick.

2. Cranberry Cosmo

The Cranberry Cosmo is a delightful blend of sweet and tart, delivering a refreshing taste without added sugars or calories. This mix is crafted to give you the crisp flavor of cranberries, perfect for those who want to indulge in a classic cocktail while staying mindful of their health.

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which may not be naturally available during the colder months.

Ingredients

• 4 oz club soda
• 1 Pax Cranberry Cosmo Margarita Cocktail and Mocktail Mix 
• Ice
• 1 oz of spirit or spiritless liquor
• Garnish (fresh cranberries or lime wedge)

Instructions

1. Start by adding 4 oz of club soda to a glass.
2. Add one Pax Cranberry Cosmo Margarita Cocktail and Mocktail Mix to the soda.
3. Fill your glass with ice and stir thoroughly.
4. Add a touch with fresh cranberries or a lime wedge.
5. Boost the drink by adding 1 oz of your chosen spirit or spiritless liquor.

3. Pineapple Paloma

The Pineapple Paloma combines the juicy sweetness of pineapple with a hint of zesty citrus, offering a tropical escape even in the heart of winter. This mix is perfect for those seeking a light, fruity beverage without extra calories and sugars. It's an excellent way to brighten up your winter days with a touch of summer.

Pineapples are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and manganese.

Ingredients

• 4 oz club soda
• 1 Pax Pineapple Paloma Margarita Cocktail and Mocktail Mix
• Ice
• 1 oz of spirit or spiritless liquor
• Garnish (pineapple slice or lime wedge)

Instructions

1. Pour 4 oz of club soda into a glass.
2. Add one Pax Pineapple Paloma Margarita Cocktail and Mocktail Mix. 
3. Fill the glass with ice and stir to mix.
4. Top with a pineapple slice or a lime wedge.
5. For an added kick, include 1 oz of your preferred spirit or spiritless liquor.

4. Cinnamon Apple Tea

Cinnamon apple tea is a cozy, comforting beverage for chilly winter days. This drink combines the sweet flavors of fresh-pressed apple cider with warm cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Apples have high antioxidant levels and dietary fiber, while cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

• Fresh-pressed, unprocessed apple cider or apple juice
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise
• Rooibos tea

Instructions

1. Simmer apple cider or juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise until fragrant.
2. Steep rooibos tea bags in the mixture.
3. Serve in large mugs with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick stirrer.

5. Turmeric Golden Milk

Turmeric Golden Milk is a warm, soothing beverage that combines turmeric's benefits with milk's creamy texture. This low-calorie version uses a dairy-free alternative and a touch of honey or low-calorie sweetener.

Turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory, which can support overall health and well-being. 

Ingredients

• Turmeric powder
• Cinnamon sticks
• Ginger slices
• Low-calorie sweetener or honey
• Milk or dairy-free alternative

Instructions

1. Combine turmeric powder, a cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and your sweetener of choice in a saucepan.
2. Gradually add milk or a dairy-free alternative, stirring constantly over medium heat.
3. Warm the mixture until hot. Serve in a warm mug and enjoy.

6. Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is an ideal winter beverage known for its warming and soothing properties. It combines hot water, lemon juice, honey, and a spirit of your choice, creating a perfect remedy for chilly nights.

Lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus note and provides vitamin C, while honey offers natural sweetness and soothing effects for the throat. 

Ingredients

• Hot water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 oz spirit or spiritless liquor
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil and pour it into a mug.
2. Stir in lemon juice, honey, and your choice of spirit.
3. Add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor.
4. Sip slowly and enjoy the warmth.

7. Apple Cider Hot Toddy

This variation of the classic hot toddy incorporates apple cider's sweet, tart flavor. It's a delicious twist that adds depth to the traditional recipe. Perfect for cooler weather, this drink will warm you up and delight your taste buds.

Apple cider is flavorful and rich in antioxidants, making it a comforting winter beverage. 

Ingredients

• Fresh-pressed apple cider
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 oz spirit or spiritless liquor
• Cinnamon stick
• Lemon slice
• Hot water

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts apple cider and hot water in a mug.
2. Stir in honey and your choice of spirit.
3. Add a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick

8. Maple Spiced Latte

Maple spiced latte is a cozy drink perfect for winter mornings. It combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the rich flavors of coffee and the warmth of spices. This latte is a delightful way to start your day while staying warm and satisfied.

Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and contains antioxidants, making it a healthier replacement for refined sugars. 

Ingredients

• Coffee
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Milk or dairy-free alternative
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare a cup of your favorite coffee.
2. Mix maple syrup, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract in a saucepan.
3. Stir in milk or a dairy-free alternative and heat over medium-high heat until warm.
4. Pour the mixture into the coffee, stir well, and serve in a warm mug.

9. Cacao Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Cacao cinnamon hot chocolate is a decadent yet healthy take on traditional hot chocolate. The cacao powder and ground cinnamon offer rich, deep flavors without the added sugars and calories of conventional hot cocoa.

Cacao is high in antioxidants and provides a natural mood boost, making this drink both delicious and beneficial.

Ingredients

• Cacao powder
• Low-calorie sweetener
• Milk or dairy-free alternative
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine cacao powder, low-calorie sweetener, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan.
2. Slowly add milk or a dairy-free alternative, stirring over medium heat.
3. Warm the mixture until hot, then add a splash of vanilla extract. Serve in a warm mug and enjoy.

10. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint hot chocolate is a delightful twist on the classic hot chocolate, perfect for cold weather. This beverage combines hot chocolate's rich, deep flavors with a refreshing hint of peppermint, offering a cozy and invigorating treat. 

You can enjoy this drink guilt-free by using almond milk and low-calorie sweeteners.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Low-calorie sweetener or sugar substitute
• Almond milk (dairy-free alternative)
• Peppermint extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine unsweetened cocoa powder and your choice of low-calorie sweetener.
2. Slowly add almond milk, stirring continuously over low heat until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Stir in several drops of peppermint extract.
4. Warm the mixture until hot. If desired, pour into two mugs and add whipped cream and a trickle of ground cinnamon.

11. Chai Protein Latte

The chai protein latte is a nourishing and flavorful beverage that blends the spicy warmth of chai tea with the added benefits of protein. It is ideal for a morning pick-me-up or post-workout drink. 

Ingredients

• Chai tea bags
• Almond milk (dairy-free alternative)
• Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
• Ground cinnamon
• Low-calorie sweetener or honey
• Spices (cardamom, cloves, ginger)

Instructions

1. Brew two chai tea bags in hot water according to package instructions.
2. Heat almond milk over low heat in a separate saucepan, adding a dash of ground cinnamon and a mix of spices like cloves, cardamom, and ginger.
3. Once the almond milk is warm, stir in the protein powder until fully dissolved.
4. Mix the brewed chai tea with the spiced almond milk and protein blend. Sweeten with low-calorie sweetener or honey to taste. Serve in two mugs.

12. Spiced Vanilla Almond Milk

Spiced vanilla almond milk is a comforting and creamy beverage that combines the warmth of spices and the sweetness of vanilla. This caffeine-free drink is perfect for those cold-weather evenings when you want to cozy up with a soothing, healthy treat. 

Adding almond milk makes it a great dairy-free option, and the blend of spices provides a delightful aroma and taste.

Ingredients

• Almond milk (dairy-free alternative)
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Low-calorie sweetener or honey
• Whole cloves
• Cinnamon stick (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, pour almond milk and heat over low heat.
2. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of ground cinnamon, a dash of ground nutmeg, and a few whole cloves. Sweeten with low-calorie sweetener or honey to taste.
3. Allow the mixture to boil gently and stir occasionally to blend the flavors.
4. Remove from heat and strain out the whole cloves. Pour into two mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Takeaway: Enjoy the winter with healthy low-calorie beverages 

As winter blankets the world in chilly weather, these low-calorie cozy beverages offer a delightful way to stay warm while maintaining your health goals. 

Each recipe is meant not only to keep you cozy but also to provide health benefits. 

Explore Drink Pax's natural, plant-based products for even more wellness options. Our products are designed to support mental clarity, relaxation, and overall well-being, helping you manage stress, improve focus, and enhance mood.