Winter is a challenging time for people in Vienna. It’s too cold to swim in the Danube (at least for the majority). It’s too cold to sit at the canal and enjoy the evening sun. And it’s definitely too cold to drink the famous Viennese spritzer.

If you don’t know what that is: it’s white wine mixed with sparkling water, the go-to drink in summer because it’s refreshing and a little bit hydrating at the same time. However, on cold days, spritzers are not the best choice when you want to warm yourself up.

This is why we tested several warming drinks and ranked them with official categories that no one needed, but everyone understands.

1. Mulled Wine

The absolute classic among winter drinks, especially during Christmas time, as you can find it at every Christmas market.

What to expect: red wine, spices like anise, cinnamon and cloves, often served with orange slices.

🔥 Warming power: 10/10
🍬 Sweetness overload factor: 7/10
🤯 Hangover probability: surprisingly high

2. Punch

In Austria, punch is usually a combination of fruit juice and rum. The most common one is orange punch, but apple punch is also a popular and warming choice.

What to expect: fruit juice, rum, vanilla, sometimes cinnamon

🔥 Warming power: 8/10
🍬 Sweetness overload factor: 6/10
🤯 Hangover probability: 6/10

3. Jägertee / Jägertea

Although the name may sound non-alcoholic, the opposite is true. Winter sports fans probably know this drink well, as it’s often served at après-ski spots.

What to expect: black tea, red wine, rum, cinnamon, cloves and orange

🔥 Warming power: 12/10
🍬 Sweetness overload factor: 3/10
🤯 Hangover probability: Yes.

4. Hot Chocolate (with rum)

This is the first drink on the list that can actually be alcohol-free, but doesn’t have to be. In many cafés and bars in Vienna, you can order hot chocolate with rum.

What to expect: hot chocolate, whipped cream, rum

🔥 Warming power: 8/10
🍬 Sweetness overload factor: 9/10
🤯 Hangover probability: 5/10 (depending on the amount of rum)

5. Hot Aperol

This one’s for you if you don’t want to wait until summer for your next Aperol.

What to expect: Aperol, white wine, orange or apple juice, anise

🔥 Warming power: 6/10
🍬 Sweetness overload factor: 4/10
🤯 Hangover probability: 3/10

6. White Mulled Wine

The underdog favorite for many people: it tastes more like wine, it’s warming, and not too sweet.

What to expect: dry white wine, lemon, cinnamon, anise

🔥 Warming power: 8/10
🍬 Sweetness overload factor: 3/10
🤯 Hangover probability: 4/10

Conclusion

Winter in Vienna offers plenty of alternatives to the spritzer, but none truly replace it. And honestly, that’s not the aim, because there are so many warming drinks worth trying. 😊

Reminder: Please drink alcohol responsibly.