In the winter months, hot drinks appeal because they add to a feeling of coziness and comfort. Warm beverages are perfect for snuggling up to watch a favorite TV show or have an intimate gathering with friends.

This week’s recipes feature something spicy and something chocolatey, for different taste palettes. Each is easy to prepare and can be dressed up for New Year’s festivities. Here’s wishing you a safe, happy and healthy 2013!

SPICY MULLED CIDER

3 cups sweet apple cider

4 whole star anise pods

1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries (found at health food stores and some supermarkets)

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1 5-inch cinnamon stick

4 white cardamom pods, cracked (found at health food stores)

2 slices of orange, quartered

2 slices of lemon, quartered

In saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients and bring to low simmer. Lower heat and continue simmering gently for 30 minutes; strain.

Ladle into four mugs and serve steaming hot. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 100 calories, 20 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 21 g sugar, no fat, cholesterol, fiber or protein

HOT CHOCOLATE CREAM SODA

2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder (for glass rim)

2 tablespoons raw sugar or brown sugar (for rim)

1/2 cup whole milk

1 ounce milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup soda water

1/2 cup premium vanilla ice cream

8 maraschino cherries, for garnish

Prepare glasses: On small plate, mix cocoa powder and sugar. Run wet finger around the rim of each glass and quickly press rim into cocoa mixture. Shake off excess. Note: Four small heatproof cocktail glasses work best for presentation.

In small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until very hot but not boiling. Add chocolate and stir constantly until melted. Whisk thoroughly to aerate. Add soda water and stir.

Divide liquid and froth equally among 4 glasses. Gently add melon ball-size scoop of ice cream to each glass. Slide 2 maraschino cherries each onto 4 heatproof swizzle sticks or skewers and stand one in each glass. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 170 calories, 8 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 35 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 22 g sugar, 3 g protein

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More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at www.heco.com.