6 vegan holiday drinks to sip fireside (yes, there’s nog)

In my family’s taquería, the holidays meant cinnamon sticks simmering next to pots of mole. My mom would hum boleros while whisking champurrado, my abuela always said nutmeg was the “spirit of Christmas,” and I’d sneak sips of the thick, frothy chocolate when no one was watching.

These days, I still chase those same scents, but my kitchen hums with oat milk and maple syrup instead of dairy and eggs.

Going vegan didn’t mean letting go of tradition. It meant keeping the comfort while giving it a conscience.

So grab a mug and a blanket. Here are six of my favorite vegan holiday drinks: familiar, frothy, and full of plant-based warmth.

1. Spiced oat nog

A silky, nutmeg-dusted classic made entirely from plants.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 3 cups unsweetened oat milk
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of turmeric (for color)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together oat milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, and salt.
4. Serve warm or chill overnight for a creamy, sippable nog.

Why it works: Oat milk’s starches create the creamy body once achieved by egg yolks, while a touch of turmeric adds that nostalgic golden hue.

2. Peppermint mocha with coconut whip

Rich, cool, and chocolatey, this tastes like holiday cheer in a mug.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 2 cups strong brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup coconut cream, chilled overnight
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Directions

1. In a saucepan, whisk coffee, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peppermint extract until hot and smooth.
2. Scoop the thick layer of coconut cream into a bowl and beat with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
3. Pour mocha into mugs, top with coconut whip, and sprinkle with crushed candy cane or cocoa powder.

Why it works: The cool brightness of peppermint lifts the deep flavor of chocolate, while the coconut whip adds a luxurious finish.

3. Maple chai latte

A cozy blend of real spices and slow sweetness that tastes like calm.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 cups oat milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

1. In a small pot, simmer water, tea, and spices for 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add oat milk and heat gently until steaming. Do not boil.
3. Strain into mugs and stir in maple syrup.

Why it works: Whole spices bring complexity and warmth that bottled chai concentrates miss, while oat milk smooths every sip.

4. Campfire hot chocolate with smoked salt

Deeply chocolatey with just a hint of smoke, this is comfort by the fire.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 2 cups almond milk
• 3 ounces dark vegan chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon smoked salt
• Vegan marshmallows, for topping

Directions

1. Warm almond milk in a saucepan until steaming.
2. Whisk in chocolate, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Stir in smoked salt and pour into mugs.
4. Top with vegan marshmallows and a light sprinkle of salt.

Why it works: Smoked salt draws out the richness of the chocolate and adds a subtle campfire aroma without the need for flames.

5. Cranberry-apple cider with rosemary steam

Tart, fragrant, and perfect for long winter nights.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 cup cranberry juice, unsweetened
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• Orange slices for garnish

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Remove rosemary before serving.
3. Ladle into mugs and garnish with an orange slice or a fresh rosemary sprig.

Why it works: The steam releases the rosemary’s oils, filling your kitchen with the scent of a winter forest while giving the drink herbal depth.

6. Iced gingerbread latte

Spiced and refreshing, this is for the sunny side of the holidays.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 2 cups cold brew coffee
• 1 cup oat milk
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Ice

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar or shaker and shake until lightly frothy.
2. Pour over ice and dust with cinnamon.

Why it works: Molasses adds the deep caramel note of gingerbread while ginger and cinnamon bring warmth that lingers.

Final sip: what we toast to matters

Each of these drinks carries a small story.

They honor the traditions that warm us, the plants that sustain us, and the shared moments that make the season glow.

This year, fill your cup with kindness. Sip slowly. Celebrate consciously.

Because every cozy moment tastes even better when it’s good for the world around you.