What is your favourite winter drink?

As the weather gets colder and rainier, it is time to say goodbye to the pub gardens and hello to the cosy indoor snugs. It is time to lock the cold drinks like your ciders, cocktails, and milkshakes into the vault and bring back your warmer drinks.

I think a really underrated autumn and winter drink is John Smith’s. Of course, most people would say a classic alcoholic drink in the colder seasons is Guinness, and although I agree, I thought I would offer a cheaper alternative. The average price of a Guinness in the UK has risen to £5.41, which for me and probably many of you, makes it an extremely pricey drink when on a student’s budget. John Smith’s, on the other hand, is a much cheaper alternative, with the prices rarely being over £3.50. Despite it being an ale and not a stout like Guinness, they are both dark and smooth. I’d arguably say John Smith’s is a much easier drink than Guinness, it is so perfect for grabbing a nice pint when meeting up with friends in the toasty local pub.

Mulled Wine can include cinnamon sticks, cloves and citrus slices and brandy or rum can be added for an extra kick

Sticking with the alcohol trend, if you are more of a cocktail fan, maybe Mulled Wine is for you. Now, I know some of you who are expert drinkers would argue that Mulled Wine is not a cocktail as it is just heated red wine, but this is where you are wrong. Mulled Wine can include cinnamon sticks, cloves, and citrus slices and brandy or rum can be added for an extra kick. This drink is definitely an acquired taste, but for me, it is such a festive staple and as we get closer to Christmas you will almost certainly see at least one supermarket Christmas advert featuring this drink. It provides such a warm alternative to your summer cocktails and makes you feel all festive and cosy.

I truly believe nothing beats a warm cup of tea on a cold morning

Moving on to non-alcoholic alternatives, I truly believe nothing beats a warm cup of tea on a cold morning. There are so many different types and brands of tea, but for me it has to be an English Breakfast Tea, and must be Yorkshire Tea. I have been known to have up to five of these a day, almost as many as Andy Burnham! And, of course, there is only one way to make the tea. First, put the tea bag in your mug, add the hot water, and let it brew for three to five minutes before adding a touch of milk and sugar, if you fancy, and then sitting back and enjoying your delightful creation. And unlike alcoholic drinks, you can enjoy a warm cup of tea whenever you want!

There has been a rise of different varieties of these drinks like a white-hot chocolate or a KitKat hot chocolate

A final drink I must recommend is a classic hot chocolate. This is just a timeless drink and was such a staple of many of our childhoods. I remember cosying up to watch a movie with one of these in my hands during the winter months. There has been a rise of different varieties of these drinks like a white-hot chocolate or a KitKat hot chocolate, but I still strongly believe the normal iconic tub of Cadbury’s Hot Chocolate is still the best one. I tend to be a bit greedy and add a couple of extra spoonfuls of the powder to make my hot chocolate extra chocolaty, then top it off with some whipped cream and marshmallows. If I am feeling a bit cheeky, I may add a shot or two of Bailey’s. But however you may enjoy your hot chocolate, I am sure you will agree with me that it is a staple winter drink and such a comfort on a cold, rainy night.

So, as the days get shorter and the nights get colder, and you need a nice cosy comfort drink, why don’t you try one of these. You never know, maybe you will discover a new winter favourite!