With the winter season upon us, wouldn’t it be comforting to warm up party guests with delightful nonalcoholic drinks? Whether they enjoy chocolate, tea or fruity beverages, these drinks will be perfect for adding to the celebrations. This week we feature some warm drinks to share during Christmas gatherings.

SLOW COOKER CANDY CANE COCOA

» 1 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
» 1/4 cup sugar
» 1/4 teaspoon salt
» 1/2 cup hot water
» 4 cups half-and-half
» 4 cups low-fat milk
» 1/3 cup (2 ounces) bittersweet chocolate pieces
» 2 teaspoons vanilla
» 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
» Sweetened whipped cream
» Crushed peppermint candies
» 8 miniature candy canes, for garnish

In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, combine cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Stir in hot water until mixture forms a paste. Whisk in half-and-half and milk. Cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. (Do not boil.)

Add bittersweet chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted. If necessary, skim "skin" from surface and discard. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm or low setting for up to 2 hours.

To serve, stir in vanilla and peppermint extract. Top each serving with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. Garnish with small candy cane. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 450 calories, 31 g fat, 19 g saturated fat, 95 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 20 g sugar, 11 g protein

CHOCOLATE CHAI TODDY

» 4 tea bags black tea
» 2 cups boiling water
» 3/4 cup sugar
» 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
» 8 cups milk
» 1 tablespoon vanilla
» 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
» 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
» Whipped cream
» Additional ground nutmeg
» 8 mini candy canes, for garnish

In large saucepan, pour boiling water over tea bags. Cover and steep 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Stir in sugar and cocoa powder.

On medium heat, cook and stir mixture until it just comes to a boil. Stir in milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; heat through. Do not boil.

Pour into cups. Top each with dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with nutmeg. Garnish with candy canes. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 300 calories, 13 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 40 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 34 g sugar, 9 g protein

SLEIGH DRIVER

» 1 cup water
» 1/2 cup sugar
» 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
» 3 pears, chopped into bite-size pieces, divided
» 2 quarts apple cider
» 1 lemon, halved and sliced
» 1 tablespoon ground allspice
» 1 cup fresh cranberries
» 2 tablespoons vanilla

In large saucepan, combine water, sugar, ginger and 1 pear. On medium-high, bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Strain out solids and return mixture to saucepan.

Add remaining pears, cider, lemon and allspice, and heat over medium-high, stirring often for 15 minutes.

Add cranberries and vanilla, and reduce heat to medium-low (liquid should be simmering — do not boil). Simmer another 10 minutes. Serves 10.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 190 calories, 25 mg sodium, 47 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 38 g sugar, no fat, cholesterol or protein

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