11 Must-Try Winter Cocktails!
Introduction
Winter brings a chill to the air that calls for warming up from the inside out. Enter the world of winter cocktails—each one a winning combination of cozy spices, rich spirits, and festive flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, relaxing by the fire, or just want to add a spark to your evening, these 11 must-try winter cocktails guarantee to warm your spirits and impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love These Winter Cocktails
From classic hot toddies to inventive spiced creations, each cocktail on this list is thoughtfully chosen for its seasonal character and inviting flavors. The combination of warming liquors, spiced syrups, and festive garnishes creates show-stopping drinks that offer comfort and indulgence—a taste of celebration in every glass.
11 Must-Try Winter Cocktails!
For cozy nights and grand celebrations alike, here are 11 winter cocktails to brighten up the season:
1. **Hot Toddy**
A timeless favorite made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. Garnished with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel, it’s perfect for soothing and warming.
2. **Mulled Wine**
Simmer red wine with cloves, cinnamon, orange zest, and a touch of honey. Each sip bursts with deep spice flavors and fruity warmth.
3. **Spiked Apple Cider**
Combine apple cider with bourbon and mulling spices. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick for a comforting winter treat.
4. **Irish Coffee**
Rich black coffee meets Irish whiskey and brown sugar, all topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
5. **Peppermint White Russian**
A cool twist on the classic: vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream with a dash of peppermint schnapps, garnished with crushed candy canes.
6. **Maple Bourbon Old-Fashioned**
Sweet, smoky, and smooth. Muddle a sugar cube with maple syrup and orange bitters, add bourbon, and finish with an orange twist.
7. **Gingerbread Eggnog**
Classic creamy eggnog spiked with spiced rum and ginger liqueur, dusted with nutmeg and topped with a gingerbread cookie.
8. **Cranberry Moscow Mule**
Vodka, ginger beer, and cranberry juice, garnished with sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive flair.
9. **Sloe Gin Fizz**
Sloe gin, lemon juice, and club soda for a refreshing yet tart cocktail perfect for winter toasts.
10. **Smoky Hot Chocolate**
Dark hot chocolate spiked with smoky mezcal, topped with whipped cream, and finished with a dusting of chili powder.
11. **Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz**
Pomegranate juice, vodka, rosemary simple syrup, and sparkling wine for a bright, herbal cocktail that dazzles the senses.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this winter cocktail collection to get a smart, organized shopping list with all spirits, mixers, and produce sorted by store section. Say goodbye to forgotten items on cocktail night—hello, stress-free celebrations!
Instructions
- Hot Toddy: In a mug, combine 2 oz whiskey, 1 tbsp honey, juice of half a lemon, and top with hot water. Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.
- Mulled Wine: In a pot, combine 1 bottle red wine, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 2 tbsp honey, and zest of 1 orange. Simmer (don’t boil) for 20 minutes. Serve warm with an orange slice.
- Spiked Apple Cider: In a saucepan, heat 2 cups apple cider with 2 oz bourbon and 1 cinnamon stick. Pour into mugs and garnish as desired.
- Irish Coffee: Combine 1 cup brewed coffee, 2 oz Irish whiskey, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir, then top with whipped cream.
- Peppermint White Russian: In a glass with ice, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps. Top with 1 oz cream and crushed candy cane.
- Maple Bourbon Old-Fashioned: In a glass, muddle a sugar cube, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 2 dashes orange bitters. Add 2 oz bourbon and ice. Stir and garnish with an orange peel.
- Gingerbread Eggnog: Shake 4 oz eggnog, 1 oz spiced rum, 1/2 oz ginger liqueur with ice. Strain into a glass and grate fresh nutmeg on top.
- Cranberry Moscow Mule: Fill a copper mug with ice. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary.
- Sloe Gin Fizz: In a shaker, combine 2 oz sloe gin and juice of 1 lemon. Shake, strain into a glass, and top with club soda.
- Smoky Hot Chocolate: Make hot chocolate with 4 oz dark chocolate and 1 cup milk. Stir in 2 oz mezcal. Top with whipped cream and chili powder.
- Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz: In a glass, combine 2 oz pomegranate juice, 1 oz vodka, and 1/2 oz rosemary syrup. Top with chilled sparkling wine and a rosemary sprig.
Weekly Meal Planning
These winter cocktails are ideal for batch-making ahead of time, especially for parties or family get-togethers. Save this recipe collection, plan your cocktail nights, and auto-generate a master shopping list with every bottle, fruit, and spice arranged by store section—no more double buys or missed ingredients!
Planning Benefits:
– Add all cocktails to your meal calendar and combine shopping lists for streamlined store trips
– Automatically track ingredient quantities across multiple drinks
– Organize your cart by produce, spirits, and pantry for faster shopping
– Great for hosts, saving time and avoiding waste
Pro Tip: Schedule all your winter cocktails for the week in CookifyAI. You’ll instantly see overlapping ingredients, helping you batch prep syrups, garnishes, or bases—making party prep a breeze.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes per cocktail (many can be made in under 10 minutes)
Cook/Simmer Time (for warm drinks): 10-20 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours if preparing all 11 cocktails (many can be made simultaneously as batch mixes)