For many people, winter means rum toddies and spiked coffee. But for those who want the taste and warmth that hot drinks provide without the alcohol effects, there are still options. Frank Thomas and Karen L. Brown detail these and many other delicious beverages in their book "The Mocktail Bar Guide: 200 Recipes for Alcohol-Free Drinks" (Meadowbrook Press).

Hot Cocoa l'Orange

Topping:

1.5 tablespoons heavy cream, chilled

1/4 teaspoon dark brown sugar (not packed)

Drink:

1 large orange 1 cup milk
2 ounces premium milk chocolate, chopped

1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Whisk together topping ingredients in bowl until stiff peaks form. Cover and chill. Use vegetable peeler to remove rind from orange. Place rind in large saucepan. Add milk and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and cover. Allow to steep 20 to 30 minutes. Strain, then return liquid to saucepan. Bring to simmer again over medium-high heat. Whisk in chocolate and cocoa powder until thoroughly melted and well-blended. Pour into Irish coffee glass and add chilled topping.

Hot Apple Buttered Rumless

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
5 cups Martinelli's Cider or Apple Juice
10 teaspoons rum extract

For butter mixture, mix ingredients in small mixing bowl until well-combined. Use immediately or cover and chill for up to one month.

For each serving, place one rounded tablespoon of butter mixture in coffee mug. Bring Martinelli's Cider or Apple Juice to a boil, then pour into mugs. Add one teaspoon rum extract to each. Stir well. Yields 10 servings.