While Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose and the nip is in the air, a well-crafted cocktail could be the best way to ease your chilled state.
As the best nights around a fireplace and holiday times get here, friends and family start to arrive, it’s the perfect time to share a delicious cocktail that brings the whole spirit of winter together.
In this post, I share my favorite winter cocktails and drink recipes that bring the entire spirit of the winter-time together in a single cup, but they are perfect for cold nights in front of the fireplace or for celebrating the holiday times with friends and family.
The 15 Best winter cocktails
1. Hot Toddy
Ingredients
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup boiling water
1 1/2 ounces whiskey
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 slice of lemon
1 pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix 1 tablespoon honey in a mug with 1/4 cup boiling water, stirring while the honey dissolves.
2. Add 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey to the mixture and stir.
3. Halve a slice of lemon and stud it with 3 whole cloves. Drop it into the mug.
4. Drop in a cinnamon stick for added flavor and warmth.
5. Garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg if desired.
6. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors marry and then sip and savor.
2. Mulled Wine
It’s nice to get cozy and warm in winter and I like to make what I think is the apotheosis of winter drinks, a spiced mulled wine. I make it in a crock-pot and include ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and perhaps a little piece of orange or apple rind for additional flavor.
Ingredients
1 bottle of red wine (750 ml, preferably Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/4 cup brandy
1 orange, sliced
8 whole cloves
2-3 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional garnish: sliced lemon, whole cranberries, or additional cinnamon sticks
Instructions
1. Pour the red wine into a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then add the brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and honey or sugar.
3. Add vanilla extract and, on low heat, warm until steaming but not boiling.
4. Simmer over very low heat for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and orange slices.
6. Warm up and serve in mugs, decorated with a slice of lemon or more spices if desired.
3. Irish Coffee
I love making this blend, this perfect mix of comfort, indulgence. The smell of coffee and whiskey percolating together, the warmth of the whiskey, the sugar, the fresh whipped cream.
Ingredients
1 cup hot brewed coffee
1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
1 tsp brown sugar
Heavy cream, lightly whipped
Instructions
1. Brew a cup of hot, strong coffee.
2. Add 1 tsp brown sugar to a heat-proof glass or Irish coffee mug.
3. Carefully add 1 cup of hot coffee and stir until sugar is dissolved.
4. Add 1 ½ oz of Irish whiskey and stir gently.
5. Whip the heavy cream just until it starts to thicken a little but is still pourable.
6. Pour cream gently over the back of a spoon so that it lands on top of your coffee. Do not stir. Just drink.
4. Eggnog
A glass of eggnog is a festive treat come the holidays. I smile thinking of its creamy richness made from fresh eggs, whole milk and heavy cream, and warming spices of nutmeg .
Ingredients
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup bourbon (or rum)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1 Beat the eggs in a large bowl until light and frothy.
2. Beat in the sugar slowly, whisking until dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in milk, heavy cream, bourbon, vanilla, nutmeg and salt.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavours meld and the eggnog chill.
5. Stir well, pour into glasses and scrape a little extra nutmeg over the top, if you fancy.
6. Drink it cold, and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.
5. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Sometimes it’s nice to nestle up with some hot and warming cocoa these colder months. I think a dash of baileys, or a oz or two of dark rum, make this so good.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream
2 ounces dark rum
Whipped cream, for topping
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking to make sure the sugar is dissolved.
2. Put the chocolate chips in the saucepan and whisk to melt and emulsify.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, Baileys Irish Cream, and dark rum.
4. Pour the spiked hot chocolate into mugs.
5. Ladle in the whipped cream on top of each one and finish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder to garnish.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.
6. Tom and Jerry
During chilly Midwestern winters, Tom and Jerry cocktails are a holiday favorite. These mugs of rich, creamy egg batter are blended with hot rum and brandy, then topped with hot water or milk and sprinkled with spices like cloves, allspice, and nutmeg?
Ingredients
12 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 ounces dark rum
2 ounces brandy
Whole milk
Hot water
Extra nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
1, SEPARATE THE EGGS. In a bowl, separate the eggs. Break and beat egg yolks to a thick and pale consistency.
2. Add the granulated sugar, then the powdered sugar, and beat a moment more into the egg yolks; add the vanilla, nutmeg, allspice and cloves; stir.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them into the mixture of yolks until combined.
4. Pour one to two tablespoons of batter into a mug, add 1 oz of dark rum and 1 oz of brandy.
5. Pour one-third of a mug each of hot milk and hot water. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
7. Hot Buttered Rum
When the cold of winter comes, I endure the days feel much better with my go-to drink that I can turn to for comfort.
Dark rum mixed with creamy butter, brown sugar and spices are a fantastic combination that I enjoy sipping to take away the cold winter blues!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch of ground cloves
2 ounces dark rum
3/4 cup hot water or apple cider
Cinnamon stick or lemon peel for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and ground cloves until smooth.
2. In a mug, add 2 ounces of dark rum.
3. Stir in about 1 tbsp of the spiced butter.
4. Top up with rum, plus 1 to 2 tbsp more of the spiced butter.
5. Garnish with whipped cream or maraschino cherries.
6. Light the rum and enjoy! And remember, sharing is caring.
4. Pour 3/4 cup of boiling water (or hot apple cider) over the rum and butter. Stir to melt the butter and mix the drink well.
5. Add a cinnamon stick or a twist of lemon peel if you like. Serve hot.
6. Drink.
7. Enjoy.
8. Winter Sangria
And when it’s winter time … there is nothing quite like a glass of sangria in your best glass.
I love to add some fruits (slices of oranges, cranberries), and for my own special twist a dash of cinnamon – topped off with a splash of apple cider to make it feel festive and comforting.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine (750 ml, such as Malbec or Merlot)
1 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 apple, diced
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
Instructions:
1 Combine wine, cranberry juice, brandy, orange liqueur and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
2. Put the cranberries, orange slices, diced apple, cinnamon stick and star anise in the jug.
3. Mix well to combine ingredients and begin to bring flavors together.
4. Cover and chill at least 2 hours to infuse the flavors.
5. Stir gently before serving. Taste and add more sweetness if you like.
6. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish each with a little of the fruit and a stick of cinnamon if desired.
9. Cranberry Margarita
My favorite twist on a classic cocktail is this: Classy and tart and sweet Cranberry juice, Tequila, Fresh lime juice . A little simple syrup, then add friends for the party!
Ingredients
2 oz silver tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz simple syrup
Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnish
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Instructions
1. If desired, prepare your glass in advance, by running a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to moisten, then coating the rim in a dish of coarse salt or sugar.
2. Put silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake with ice vigorously 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your winter Cranberry Margarita!
10. Peppermint Martini
There is nothing that gets me quite in the mood for the holidays like a peppermint cocktail. Adding some vodka and peppermint schnapps for a refreshing chill, a splash of white crème de cacao always makes it a touch better.
I even add a candy cane garnish. Cheers!
Ingredients
2 ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce white crème de cacao
1 ounce peppermint schnapps
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for rimming the glass)
Ice
Mini candy cane (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Rim a chilled martini glass with crushed candy canes–an easy task that jazzes up the glass. Use water, or even simple syrup, to moisten the glass rim and then dip it into the crushed candy canes.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the vanilla vodka, white crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps to the shaker.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill it thoroughly.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
6. Garnish with a mini candy cane and serve immediately.
11. Maple Bourbon Smash
Whenever I want to unwind with a drink, I often think of this one. The bourbon and maple syrup work together and the lemon juice gives it a brightness.
Add a splash of bitters and some rosemary and you end up with something really nice.
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
1 oz maple syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 small sprig of fresh rosemary
Ice cubes
Lemon slice and rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In the cocktail shaker, mix the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters.
2. Add a small sprig of rosemary and muddle gently to release the flavors.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your Maple Bourbon Smash!
12. Spiced Apple Cider
It’s a miracle of hot liquid. On a cold day, I love nothing more than to simmer some fresh apple juice with spices on the stove for an hour or so and enjoy it in a steaming mug.
Mine usually includes cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise for a strong flavor, and I love to add slices of orange for a tangy element with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
1 gallon of apple cider
1 orange, sliced
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional garnishes: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise
Instructions
1. Bring the apple cider, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, black pepper corns, and brown sugar to a boil in a large pot.
2. Bring to a very gentle simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally to help the brown sugar melt.
3. Reduce the heat and let the cider bubble away for around 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove the pot from the heat.
5. Strain the cider to remove the spices and orange slices.
6. Garnish the hot mulled spiced apple cider with optional apple slices, cinnamon sticks or star anise.
13. Gingerbread Martini
This cocktail is the warm, festive, gingerbread-y hug that you never knew you needed. The vodka softens the bite of gingerbread spices, while the Irish cream smooths out the drink further.
I like making this cocktail with a blend of vodka, Irish cream, and gingerbread syrup. I like to finish it with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Ingredients
2 oz vodka
1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
1 oz gingerbread syrup
1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Crushed gingerbread cookies (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions
1. Rim the edge of a martini glass with crushed gingerbread cookies. Set aside.
2. Put ice in a cocktail shaker, then vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup, half-and-half, and vanilla extract.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a miniature gingerbread cookie or toothpick of gingerbread cookie pieces, if desired. Serve immediately.
14. Pomegranate Moscow Mule
Cocktail twists can be so much fun… I blended the intense flavor of pomegranate juice with an effervescent ginger beer and the kick of vodka… Enjoy the zing of lime and the aromatic finish of mint.
Ingredients
2 oz vodka
1 oz pomegranate juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Lime wedge, for garnish
Mint leaves, for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions
1. Fill a copper mug with ice cubes to prepare it for the cocktail.
2. Pour in the vodka, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime juice.
3. Top off the mixture with ginger beer, gently stirring to combine.
4. Scatter pomegranate seeds, a lime wedge and mint leaves on top for a splash of colour and extra aroma.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Pomegranate Moscow Mule.
15. Snowball
A favorite festive drink is still the humble snowball! Advocaat, Lemonade and lime juice simple!
Vanilla extract doesn’t hurt, either, and dusting with icing sugar is the finishing touch for me.
Ingredients
2 ounces advocaat
2 ounces sparkling lemonade
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Ice cubes
Lemon or lime slice, for garnish
Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the advocaat and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling lemonade, stirring gently to combine.
6. Add a slice of lemon or lime and a maraschino cherry for garnish.