25 Cozy Drinks for Reading That’ll Keep You Warm and Happy on Rainy Days

A little while ago, I decided to lean completely into romanticizing every aspect of my life, and this means that I started having new rituals, new ways of doing things.

And, of course, as someone who lives and breathes books, I literally had to step up in this particular area of my life.

One thing I’ve done that has definitely made reading all the more special is drinking something while I’m reading. 

Now, before I started reading on digital devices, I didn’t even like the idea of eating or drinking anything while reading – and that’s because I’m a little clumsy, and there was always the possibility that I might spill something on the pages.

But I’m much older now, so I regularly make a cup of something to drink while I read. 

And it might be a little geeky, but I usually like to pair my drink with the book I’m reading. 

Basically, I go for drinks that sort of correlate with, or at least relate to, the book in some way and it’s been so fun so far. 

If you’re thinking of incorporating tea, juice, or any kind of drink into your reading routine, then you’re in the right place. 

This is something I’ve become so passionate about, and I love sharing recommendations of the ones I’ve tried and loved, and telling anyone who cares to listen why I love them. 

I’ll also share the recipes and my little tips for making them special or for when I just don’t have the energy.

1. My Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte Ritual

I first discovered chai lattes in a tiny café during college, but nothing felt quite right when I tried recreating it at home. 

Too watery, too sweet, not creamy enough. 

After months of experimenting, I cracked my perfect version, and now it’s my rainy-day read ritual.

Whenever it’s drizzling outside, I automatically crave this drink. 

There’s something in the warmth of the spices that feels like comfort food for my soul.

I often make this before starting a new book, like a ritual to set the scene.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1. 2 black tea bags (I use basic Lipton)

2. 1 cup water

3. 1 cup oat milk (my favorite for its creaminess)

4. 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup if I’m in a mood)

5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (makes a world of difference)

6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

7. 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

8. Pinch of cloves and cardamom (I skip these when lazy, but they’re worth it)

How I Make It (My Ritual Steps):

1. Brew tea first: Steep two black tea bags in a cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes. I do this step first so the tea is strong.

2. Milk magic: In a small pot, I heat the oat milk gently with cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and sometimes cloves/cardamom. I stir slowly and it smells incredible.

3. Mix and sweeten: I pour in the strong tea and stir in the honey until melted. I always taste-test here. I like it slightly less sweet when I’m reading thrillers but sweeter when reading romances.

4. Optional but fun: Froth the milk. If I have time, I whisk until foamy, because it feels fancy and café-like.

5. Final step: MUG CHOICE. I always choose a large, thick mug. Somehow, this completes the ritual for me.

I’ve made this drink dozens of times. It’s never disappointed me. 

I do worry sometimes that I’ll get tired of it, but the flexibility of adjusting spices and sweetness keeps it fresh.

I recommend making this when you want to slow down and really sink into your book. 

If you don’t like this recipe, you can also check out this iced Chai Latte recipe from Buttered Side Up that I absolutely loved. 

2. Honey Lemon Water

Not every reading session calls for something heavy. 

When I’m reading in the mornings or doing back-to-back reading marathons, this light drink is perfect. 

It hydrates without making me feel sluggish.

When my throat feels dry, especially after hours of reading aloud (yes, I sometimes read passages aloud if they’re especially beautiful), this drink saves me.

It’s light, soothing, and simple.

Ingredients:

1. Hot water (but not boiling)

2. Juice of half a lemon

3. 1 tablespoon honey

Steps (The Bare Minimum, Which I Appreciate):

1. Fill your mug with hot water and let it cool slightly.

2. Add fresh lemon juice.

3. Stir in honey until fully melted.

I usually each for this those arly mornings with non-fiction or light fiction, when I’m already warm and don’t want something creamy, or reading days where I want to feel fresh and focused

3. Hot Chocolate With Cinnamon and Sea Salt

When I’m reading fantasy or a wintery historical novel, I crave this drink. 

But let me be honest: not all hot chocolates are equal. 

I learned the hard way that store-bought powders don’t deliver the richness I wanted.

After testing, I found the secret: a touch of cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt. It transforms basic hot chocolate.

When I make this, I go all in. I bring out the whipped cream, marshmallows, and sometimes even chocolate shavings. 

What You’ll Need:

1. 2 cups whole milk or oat milk

2. 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

3. 2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup

4. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

5. Pinch of sea salt

6. Whipped cream/marshmallows for topping

My Method:

1. Mix cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a pot.

2. Add a splash of milk first to form a smooth paste (this prevents clumps).

3. Slowly whisk in the rest of the milk.

4. Heat gently until steamy but not boiling.

5. Pour into your coziest mug and top like you’re celebrating something.

I often make this after finishing a long book as a treat. 

But honestly, sometimes I make it just to feel warm inside, especially when reading fantasy where the characters themselves might be drinking something equally rich.

This Italian hot chocolate is another chocolaty drink I make when I have the time and I’m feeling super fancy. Here’s the recipe. 

4. Apple Cider With Cinnamon Sticks

If it’s fall, I’m drinking this. Period. 

I once spent an entire October reading cozy mysteries and sipping cinnamon apple cider, and now the scent brings me right back.

The smell alone sets the atmosphere. 

I sometimes simmer the cider for hours while reading, just to have the house smell like fall.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups apple cider

2. 2 cinnamon sticks

3. 2 cloves

4. A slice of orange (I add this when feeling fancy)

My Slow-Simmer Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small pot.

2. Let simmer gently for at least 10 minutes. Longer is better.

3. Strain out spices and pour into a glass mug (seeing the amber color feels autumnal to me).

I sometimes get lazy and skip the cloves or orange, but the cinnamon sticks are non-negotiable.

I recommend sipping this while reading outdoors in the crisp air, if you can. It makes your book feel even more atmospheric.

5. Lavender Earl Grey Latte 

When reading at night, I avoid heavy drinks. 

I discovered this lavender-infused tea latte during one particularly restless week, and it instantly became my late-night reading companion.

It gives me that bookstore café vibe without leaving home. 

The lavender calms my mind, and the Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor feels elegant, even when I’m in pajamas.

What You’ll Need:

1. 1 Earl Grey tea bag

2. 1/2 cup hot water

3. 1/2 cup steamed milk

4. 1 tablespoon honey

5. 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender (culinary grade)

My Late-Night Process:

1. Steep tea and lavender together for 5 minutes.

2. Strain and sweeten with honey.

3. Steam your milk. I usually whisk mine by hand while letting my mind roam.

4. Pour milk over tea, creating a delicate latte.

This is my treat yourself drink when reading literary fiction or poetry. 

It feels peaceful and grown-up, like I’m in a quiet corner of a library somewhere.

6. Warm Milk With Honey 

If I’m trying to force myself to stop reading at 2AM (but failing), this is the drink I make. 

Warm milk with honey is my way of signaling to my brain that it’s time to slow down.

It’s gentle, familiar, and nostalgic. 

Sometimes, I sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg to feel a bit fancy, but honestly, just the milk and honey are enough.

How I Make It (Even When Half-Asleep):

1. Heat milk gently.

2. Stir in honey until dissolved.

3. Optional: sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

4. Sip slowly while finishing one final chapter (which always turns into three, let’s be honest).

On restless nights, this drink comforts me and helps me eventually put down my book.

7. Golden Turmeric Milk 

I first tried this during a stressful period when I wanted something calming but nourishing. 

It’s warm, earthy, and surprisingly comforting. 

I usually sip this when I’m reading heavy or emotionally intense books – like literary fiction that makes me reflect on life.

Turmeric milk feels like self-care. I often make it when I need to slow down and absorb my book.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup milk (oat milk or coconut milk are my favorites for this)

2. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

3. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

4. 1 tablespoon honey

5. Pinch of black pepper (it helps absorb the turmeric)

Steps (My Go-Slow Method):

1. Gently heat the milk in a small pot.

2. Whisk in turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper.

3. Once steamy, stir in honey.

4. Pour into your favorite mug (I use a yellow one for good vibes).

I found Dr. Arjan Khalsa’s recipe for turmeric golden milk on YouTube and it’s literally the best thing ever. You should totally try it if you want something that’s not as low-effort as my version. 

8. Iced Vanilla Coffee

Not every cozy read happens on a rainy day.

Sometimes I read during hot afternoons, and iced coffee saves me from feeling sleepy. 

This is my go-to when reading fast-paced thrillers or mysteries.

And, I sip while flipping pages like my life depends on it.

It wakes me up but feels indulgent too. I usually avoid overly sweetened coffee, so I keep this balanced and simple.

What You’ll Need:

1. 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)

2. 1/2 cup milk (I use oat milk or almond milk)

3. 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or a splash of vanilla extract

4. Ice cubes

How I Prepare It:

1. Brew strong coffee ahead of time and let it cool.

2. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

3. Pour coffee, then milk over ice.

4. Add vanilla syrup (or extract) and stir.

You can also top with whipped cream when feeling fancy. I don’t always, but when I do, it feels like a coffee shop treat right at home.

9. Coconut Hot Chocolate

This is my take on classic hot chocolate, perfect for when I’m reading beachy romances or books set in warm places. 

The coconut flavor instantly transports me somewhere sunny.

I created this during a January cold spell when I was desperate for warmth – not just physical warmth but mental warmth, like daydreaming of a beach vacation.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups coconut milk

2. 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

3. 2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup

4. Pinch of sea salt

5. Splash of vanilla extract

My Method:

1. Combine cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and a splash of coconut milk to make a paste.

2. Slowly add the rest of the milk while whisking.

3. Heat gently, then stir in vanilla.

4. Pour into a wide mug. I always choose one that makes me feel like I’m on holiday.

10. Spiced Orange Tea

When reading cozy mysteries, especially in the morning, I lean towards this refreshing but warm drink.

The orange and spice combo wakes me up without feeling heavy. It’s light but flavorful. 

I sometimes sip this while flipping through cozy whodunits with cats or small-town settings.

Ingredients:

1. 1 black tea bag (Earl Grey works too)

2. 2-3 thin slices of orange

3. 1 small cinnamon stick

4. 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Steps:

1. Steep tea, orange slices, and cinnamon stick together for 5 minutes.

2. Remove cinnamon and orange slices.

3. Add honey if desired.

Keep the orange slices thin, because too much orange overpowers the tea. I learned that after overdoing it once. 

11. Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Every December, as soon as I start my annual holiday book binge (yes, I read cheesy holiday romances every year), this becomes my staple.

The peppermint gives it that festive kick, while the hot chocolate base keeps it cozy. It’s like drinking Christmas.

What You’ll Need:

1. 2 cups milk

2. 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

3. 2 tablespoons sugar

4. 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (very strong, so go light.)

5. Whipped cream

6. Crushed candy canes for topping

How I Make It Festive:

1. Make basic hot chocolate first (milk + cocoa + sugar).

2. Add a drop (literally) of peppermint extract.

3. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes.

This one always makes me feel like a kid again. 

I read with holiday lights on, blanket wrapped around me, and peppermint cocoa in hand.

12. Cardamom Milk Tea

I stumbled onto this recipe during a lazy Sunday and it’s become my favorite for slow, quiet reading days. 

It’s different from chai – simpler, creamier, and very comforting.

Sometimes, I don’t want a complicated drink with too many spices. 

What You’ll Need:

1. 1 black tea bag

2. 1/2 cup water

3. 1/2 cup milk

4. 2-3 crushed cardamom pods (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom)

5. Honey or sugar to taste

How I Prepare It:

1. Simmer cardamom pods in water for 3-5 minutes to release flavor.

2. Add tea bag and steep for another 3 minutes.

3. Stir in milk and sweetener.

4. Strain and sip slowly.

This is my drink for quiet books – character-driven stories, reflective memoirs, or slow-burn historical fiction. 

If you want something even more spicier, this cardamom and ginger milk tea is where it’s at. Check out the recipe on YouTube. 

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Making any of these drinks has become its own kind of joy.

And, I really do hope you have a wonderful time while reading and drinking your favorite beverage.