12 Great Winter Cocktails to Keep You Warm this Season

Winter is the perfect season for cozy fires, warm blankets, and delicious cocktails. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a cold night or to serve at your next winter party, these 13 winter cocktails are sure to impress. From traditional favorites like Eggnog and Hot Toddy, to modern twists like the Spiced Apple Cider Martini and the Cranberry Mimosa, there’s plenty of cocktail recipes to go around.

One of the most popular winter cocktails is the classic Hot Toddy. Made with whiskey, maple syrup, lemon juice, and spices, this warm and comforting drink is the perfect cure for a cold or flu. Another warm classic is the Eggnog, made with milk, eggs, sugar, and your favorite spirit, typically rum or brandy. Both of these traditional winter cocktails have been enjoyed for centuries and are still beloved today.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try the Spiced Apple Cider Martini, made with vodka, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, or the Cranberry Mimosa, a holiday twist on the classic brunch drink made with cranberry juice and sparkling wine. The Peppermint Mocha is another popular winter cocktail, made with chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and coffee.

No matter what your taste buds are craving this winter, there’s a delicious cocktail to suit. Whether you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, or something a little more festive, these 13 great winter cocktails are sure to make your season a little brighter. So gather your friends, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the winter season!

1. Hot Toddy w/Fresh Lemon Juice

   The Hot Toddy is a classic winter cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices, it is the perfect remedy for a cold or flu. The warm and comforting blend of flavors not only soothes the throat, but also warms the body, making it the ideal drink for a chilly winter night. The hot water helps to release the essential oils and flavors from the lemon and spices, creating a deliciously fragrant and flavorful drink.

   The Hot Toddy is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. Some people prefer their Hot Toddies with more honey for a sweeter taste, while others prefer a more tart flavor with more lemon. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves, to add depth and complexity to the drink. Despite its simplicity, the Hot Toddy remains a timeless classic that is perfect for sipping solo on a cold night or serving to friends at a holiday gathering.

   Hot Toddy Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 1 1/2 ounces whiskey

   • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

   • 1 lemon wedge

   • 2 cloves

   • 4 ounces hot water

   • cinnamon stick (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. In a heat-proof glass, add the whiskey, honey, and lemon wedge.

   2. Pierce the lemon wedge with the cloves and add to the glass.

   3. Fill the glass with hot water and stir until the honey has dissolved.

   4. If desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick.

   5. Enjoy your warm and comforting Hot Toddy!

   Note: You can adjust the ingredients to taste, adding more or less honey or maple syrup, lemon, or whiskey as desired.

2. Eggnog

   Eggnog is a traditional winter cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and your favorite spirit, typically rum or brandy, it is a rich and creamy drink that is perfect for the holiday season. The creamy texture and sweet, nutmeg-spiced flavor make it a holiday staple, and it is a popular drink to serve at holiday parties and family gatherings.

   Eggnog can be easily customized to suit individual tastes, and there are many variations of the classic recipe. Some people prefer their Eggnog with more or less sugar, or with a heavier or lighter hand with the nutmeg. Additionally, you can experiment with different spirits, such as whiskey or cognac, to add depth and complexity to the drink. Whether you prefer your Eggnog classic and traditional, or with a modern twist, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday gathering.

   Eggnog Cocktail Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 2 cups whole milk

   • 4 egg yolks

   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

   • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

   • 1 cup rum or brandy

   • 1 cup heavy cream

   • ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, egg yolks, sugar, and nutmeg.

   2. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.

   3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rum or brandy.

   4. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

   5. Fold the whipped cream into the eggnog mixture.

   6. Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

   7. Serve in glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

   Note: You can adjust the ingredients to taste, adding more or less sugar, nutmeg, or spirit as desired.

3. Spiced Apple Cider Martini

   When it comes to delicious winter cocktails, The Spiced Apple Cider Martini combines the flavors of apple cider, spices, and vodka. This festive drink is the perfect way to celebrate the winter season, and it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday party. The combination of crisp, juicy apples and warm, spicy notes creates a well-balanced drink that is both sweet and comforting.

   The Spiced Apple Cider Martini can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. You can experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice, to add depth and complexity to the drink. Additionally, you can try different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to find the perfect flavor profile. Whether you prefer your Spiced Cider Martini sweet or sour, with a heavier or lighter hand on the spices, it is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

   Spiced Apple Cider Martini Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 2 ounces vodka

   • 2 ounces spiced apple cider

   • 1/2 ounce triple sec or Cointreau

   • 1/2 ounce lemon juice

   • cinnamon sugar for rim (optional)

   • apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. Rim the edge of a chilled martini glass with cinnamon sugar, if desired.

   2. In a shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, spiced cider, triple sec or Cointreau, and lemon juice.

   3. Shake well and strain into the prepared martini glass.

   4. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick, if desired.

   5. Enjoy your delicious and festive Spiced Apple Cider Martini!

   Note: You can adjust the ingredients to taste, adding more or less lemon juice, cider, or triple sec as desired.

4. Cranberry Mimosa

   The Cranberry Mimosa is a delightful addition to your winter cocktails. By combining sparkling wine with cranberry juice, this drink creates a bright and cheerful beverage that is ideal for any holiday celebration. The cranberry brings a sweet, tart flavor that complements the bubbles of the sparkling wine, making it a light and refreshing drink to enjoy during the winter season.

   The Cranberry Mimosa is also customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can add more cranberry for a sweeter taste or more sparkling wine for a drier option. Experimenting with different types of sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Champagne, is also a great way to find the perfect balance of flavors. Regardless of your preferred taste, the Cranberry Mimosa is sure to be a popular choice during your winter gatherings and you'll be hard pressed to find a better winter cocktail.

   Cranberry Juice Mimosa Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 4 ounces cranberry juice

   • 4 ounces sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne)

   • cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. Fill a Champagne flute with juice.

   2. Slowly pour the sparkling wine over the juice.

   3. Stir gently to combine.

   4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, if desired.

   5. Serve and enjoy your delicious Cranberry Mimosa!

   Note: You can adjust the ratio of juice to sparkling wine to suit your taste. You can also try using different types of sparkling wine, such as a sweeter sparkling wine for a sweeter taste, or a drier sparkling wine for a less sweet taste.

5. Peppermint Mocha w/Whipped Cream

   Do you enjoy a some chocolate in your winter cocktails? Then the Peppermint Mocha Cocktail is a winter classic, perfect for warming up on chilly nights. This delightful drink combines the flavors of coffee, peppermint, and chocolate, creating a delicious and indulgent beverage that is sure to be a hit with your guests. With its rich, creamy taste and festive peppermint aroma, the Peppermint Mocha Cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy after a long day or as a special treat on a winter evening.

   This delightful winter cocktail is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, and it's sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of coffee, peppermint, and chocolate. Whether you're looking for a cozy drink to enjoy after a long day or a special treat to share with friends, the Peppermint Mocha Cocktail is sure to please. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence?

   Peppermint Mocha Cocktail Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 2 ounces coffee liqueur

   • 2 ounces peppermint schnapps

   • 4 ounces freshly brewed coffee

   • 2 ounces heavy cream

   • 1 teaspoon sugar

   • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

   • crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

   • whipped cream (can)

   Instructions:

   1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, brewed coffee, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

   2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.

   3. Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, if desired.

   4. Serve and enjoy your delicious Peppermint Mocha Cocktail!

   Note: You can adjust the ingredients to taste, adding more or less sugar, cream, or coffee liqueur as desired. You can also use a flavored coffee for a different twist on the traditional peppermint mocha flavor.

6. Mulled Wine

   Mulled Wine is a classic winter cocktails option that is perfect for warming up on chilly nights. This rich and fragrant drink is made by simmering red wine with spices, sugar, and fruit, creating a warm and comforting beverage that is sure to please. With its complex and satisfying taste, Mulled Wine is the perfect drink to enjoy after a long day or as a special treat on a winter evening.

   If you're looking for a delicious and indulgent winter cocktail, look no further than Mulled Wine. Whether you prefer your wine sweet or spicy, this drink is sure to hit the spot. And with its warming combination of wine, spices, and fruit, Mulled Wine is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence? Whether you're entertaining guests or simply looking for a cozy drink to enjoy on your own, Mulled Wine is the perfect choice.

   Mulled Wine Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 1 bottle of red wine

   • 1/2 cup sugar

   • 1 orange, sliced

   • 2 cinnamon sticks

   • 4 whole cloves

   • 4 whole allspice berries

   • 2 star anise

   • 1 nutmeg, grated

   • 1/2 cup brandy (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star anise, and grated nutmeg.

   2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

   3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   4. If desired, add the brandy and stir to combine.

   5. Serve the mulled wine hot in mugs or heatproof glasses, garnished with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices, if desired.

   Note: You can adjust the spices to taste, adding more or less of each to suit your preference. You can also add additional ingredients, such as a splash of orange juice or ginger, to add extra flavor. Enjoy this warm and cozy winter treat!

7. Gingerbread Martini

   The Gingerbread Martini is the perfect winter cocktail for those with a sweet tooth. This indulgent drink combines the warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread with the smooth and creamy taste of vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. The result is a delicious and festive drink that is perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at a holiday party. The combination of flavors and textures creates a rich and satisfying drink that is sure to become a winter favorite. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence with a Gingerbread Martini?

   Gingerbread Martini Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 2 oz vanilla vodka

   • 1 oz molasses

   • 1 oz ginger liqueur

   • 1 oz dark crème de cacao

   • 1 oz heavy cream

   • Ground cinnamon, for garnish

   • Gingerbread cookies, for garnish

   • Whipped cream, for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. Fill a shaker with ice.

   2. Add the vanilla vodka, molasses, ginger liqueur, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream to the shaker.

   3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled and combined.

   4. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.

   5. Garnish with a small amount of whipped cream, sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a gingerbread cookie.

   Note: If you prefer a sweeter martini, you can adjust the amount of molasses and de cacao to taste. And if you'd like to add a touch of spice, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the mixture. Enjoy this warm and cozy winter treat!

8. Hot Buttered Rum

   Hot Buttered Rum is a classic winter cocktail that offers a warm and comforting alternative to traditional drinks. Made with dark rum, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this indulgent drink is the perfect way to warm up on cold winter nights. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a rich and satisfying drink that is sure to become a winter staple. Whether you're entertaining guests or just looking for a way to relax and unwind, Hot Buttered Rum is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a warm and comforting winter drink. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence?

   Hot Buttered Rum Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 1 1/2 oz dark rum

   • 1 tsp unsalted butter

   • 1 tsp brown sugar

   • Dash of cinnamon

   • Dash of nutmeg

   • Hot water

   • Orange slice, for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. In a heat-proof mug, add the butter and sugar.

   2. Pour in the dark rum and stir until the butter and sugar have melted.

   3. Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.

   4. Fill the mug with hot water and stir until everything is combined.

   5. Garnish with an orange slice.

   This classic winter cocktail is perfect for warming up on chilly nights and has been a staple of winter entertaining for centuries. With its rich and indulgent taste, Hot Buttered Rum is sure to be a hit with your guests. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter comfort and indulgence? Enjoy!

9. Cinnamon-Spiced Old Fashioned

   This winter cocktail takes the classic Old Fashioned and adds a touch of spice with cinnamon simple syrup. The addition of orange flavored bitters adds a citrusy twist to the drink, making it the perfect winter sipper. The combination of bourbon, cinnamon syrup, and orange bitters creates a rich and satisfying drink that is sure to become a winter favorite. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence with a Cinnamon-Spiced Old Fashioned?

   Cinnamon-Spiced Old Fashioned Recipe:

   Ingredients:

   • 2 oz bourbon

   • 1 oz cinnamon simple syrup

   • 2 dashes of orange bitters

   • Orange slice, for garnish

   • Cinnamon stick, for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. In a mixing glass, add the bourbon, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.

   2. Stir until everything is combined.

   3. Fill a rocks glass with ice.

   4. Strain the mixture into the glass.

   5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.

10. Orange Spice Hot Toddy

    This winter cocktail combines the warm and cozy flavors of a hot toddy with the bright and citrusy flavors of orange juice. The result is a drink that is both comforting and invigorating, making it the perfect choice for cold winter nights. The addition of spices like cinnamon and star anise creates a warm and spicy flavor profile that is sure to become a winter staple. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence with an Orange Spice Hot Toddy?

    Orange Spice Hot Toddy Recipe:

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz whiskey

    • 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice

    • 1 oz honey

    • 2 cinnamon sticks

    • 1 star anise

    • 4 cloves

    • 1 sliced orange, for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. In a small saucepan, heat the orange juice, honey, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves over low heat.

    2. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the honey is fully dissolved.

    3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

    4. In a mug, add the whiskey and the warm orange spice mixture.

    5. Stir until everything is combined.

    6. Garnish with a slice of orange.

11. Spiced Rum and Cider

    This warm and cozy winter cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy on a cold winter evening. The spiced rum pairs perfectly with the warm apple cider, creating a rich and flavorful drink that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. The addition of lemon juice and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, add depth and complexity to the drink, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious winter cocktail. So why not give it a try and enjoy the taste of winter with a Spiced Rum and Cider.

    Spiced Rum and Cider Recipe:

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz spiced rum

    • 8 oz apple cider

    • 1 oz fresh lemon juice

    • 1 tsp brown sugar

    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

    • 1/4 tsp ground allspice

    • 1 cinnamon stk, for garnish

    • 1 apple slice, for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. In a saucepan, heat the cider, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.

    2. Pour the spiced cider into a mug and add the spiced rum.

    3. Stir to combine.

    4. Garnish with a cinnamon stk. and an apple slice.

12. Winterberry Cocktail

    This winter cocktail is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and fruity flavors. The combination of gin, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and lime juice creates a bright and balanced drink that is perfect for sipping on cold winter days. The addition of simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, making this drink the ultimate indulgence for the winter season. So why not give it a try and experience the ultimate in winter indulgence with a Winterberry Cocktail made with lime juice?

    Winterberry Cocktail Recipe with Lime Juice:

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz gin

    • 1 oz cranberry juice

    • 1 oz pomegranate juice

    • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

    • 1 oz simple syrup

    • Fresh cranberries, for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

    2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 10-15 seconds.

    3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.

    4. Garnish with cranberries.

    In conclusion, these 12 winter cocktails are a delicious way to enjoy the season and warm up on cold winter nights. Whether you prefer sweet and festive drinks like the Gingerbread Martini and the Peppermint Mocha, or warm and comforting drinks like the Hot Toddy with fresh lemon juice and hot buttered rum, there is something for everyone in this list of winter cocktails. Each drink brings its own unique flavor and character to the table, making them perfect for sipping by the fire, sharing with friends, or serving at holiday gatherings. So gather the ingredients, mix up a batch of your favorite winter cocktail, and enjoy the season in style!

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