There aren’t many upsides to lockdown, but it does seem to have inspired a nationwide appreciation for the great outdoors, which can only be a good thing. If you’re planning to spend more time in your outdoor space this winter, or just to get extra-cosy indoors, hot drinks are about to become your new best friend. Nothing warms you up from the inside out quite like a piping hot beverage, boozy or otherwise. Here, we’ve gathered a list of our favourite hot drink recipes, including several variations on the classic hot chocolate as well as some punchier tipples . . .

Ultimate Hot Chocolate from Jamie's Comfort Food by Jamie Oliver

This is hot chocolate, but not as you know it. Made with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and Horlicks, Jamie Oliver's Ultimate Hot Chocolate is an utterly decadent treat that's as good as a dessert in itself. Jamie recommends customising the recipe with marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon, chocolate shavings, or orange zest. 

Gintelligence No.1 from Gintelligence by Klaus St. Rainer

This warm gin cocktail is based on the classic Tom Collins recipe, and is served with juniper berries and lemon for a heady, aromatic flavour. Perfect for when you need a hot drink that packs a punch.

Get your copy of Gintelligence here. 

Nutella Hot Chocolate from The Cornershop Cookbook: Delicious Recipes from your Local Shop by Caroline Craig & Sophie Missing

Perfect for Nutella enthusiasts, this recipe puts the classic spread to good use in a sweet, creamy hot chocolate. This recipe is bound to be a crowdpleaser. 

Get your copy of The Cornershop Cookbook here.

Mulled Wine from Ms Marmite Lover's Secret Tea Party by Ms Marmite Lover

An all-time festive classic, mulled wine never goes out of style. This version from Ms Marmite Lover involves cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and kumquats.

Get your copy of Ms Marmite Lover's Secret Tea Party here. 

Caribbean Coconut Chai from Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen: Delicious feelgood cooking from the sunshine islands by Ainsley Harriott

Bring a little sunshine to your winter garden with Ainsley Harriott's recipe for vegan chai tea, made using coconut milk. Ainsley layers up the spices - including ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg - to give this drink a rich, complex flavour.

Get your copy of Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen here.

Apple and Spice Vin Chaud from In the Mood for Entertaining by Jo Pratt

Jo Pratt switches things up with this recipe for vin chaud, using white wine rather than red. Spiced with star anise and cinnamon, and sweetened with apple juice, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

Get your copy of In the Mood for Entertaining here.

Decadent Coconut Hot Chocolate from The Foodie Teen by Alessandra Peters

Yet another twist on the classic hot chocolate, this rich coconut hot chocolate also happens to be suitable for vegans. It's made with cacao powder and dark chocolate for an intensely chocolatey taste.

Get your copy of The Foodie Teen here.