Winter is a season of warmth and comfort, where the chill in the air makes us crave for a cozy atmosphere. It's a time when we yearn for hot drinks, blankets, and fireplaces.
It's also the perfect time to experiment with different flavors and spices to create the perfect cocktail. Whether it's a holiday party or a quiet night in, there's nothing like a delicious winter cocktail to warm up your spirits.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating winter cocktails. From classic drinks like hot toddies and mulled wine to trendy concoctions like spiced rum and apple cider cocktails, there's something for everyone.
The key to a great winter cocktail is a balance of flavors that complement each other, warming spices, and a touch of sweetness.
Winter cocktails are not just about the taste; they're also about the experience. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that fills the air, the warmth of the drink that spreads through your body, and the comfort of sipping a delicious cocktail while snuggled up in a cozy blanket.
It's a sensory experience that can transport you to a winter wonderland even if you're in the comfort of your own home.
So, whether you're looking for a classic winter cocktail or something new and exciting, there's no better time to start experimenting with different flavors and spices.
Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a delicious winter cocktail.
1. Winter Wonderland Margarita
The Winter Wonderland Margarita is a delightful seasonal cocktail that is perfect for the chilly winter nights. This cocktail is made with a unique blend of rosemary simple syrup and coconut milk that gives it a savory and sweet flavor. The use of unsweetened canned coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the drink.
The cocktail is garnished with a candied rosemary sprig that adds a sparkly and wintry touch to the presentation. The Winter Wonderland Margarita is a perfect cocktail for those who want to enjoy a winter-themed drink that is both delicious and visually appealing.
2. Blueberry Tea
If you're looking for a delicious winter cocktail to warm you up on a chilly evening, look no further than the Blueberry Tea. Despite its name, this cocktail doesn't actually contain any blueberries, but it does have a subtle fruity flavor that's sure to delight your taste buds.
Made with hot tea, Amaretto, and Grand Marnier Liquor, this cocktail is easy to make and dangerously easy to drink. Whether you're curled up by the fire or hosting a winter party, the Blueberry Tea is the perfect way to stay cozy and warm all season long. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
3. Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail
The Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail is a classic holiday drink made with hot mulled cider, spices, and fruits. It can be served warm or chilled and is perfect for a cozy night by the fire or for serving at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
The Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail is an easy and delicious option for those who want to try this drink without making it from scratch. Give it a try and experience the taste of Christmas in a glass!
4. Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail
The Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail is a refreshing and bold winter cocktail that is perfect for snowy picnics. With just a few simple ingredients, including grapefruit, vodka, and 7Up, this cocktail is easy to make and adds a little sparkle to any winter gathering.
The combination of tart grapefruit and smooth vodka creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress.
5. Winter Wassail Cocktail
The Winter Wassail Cocktail is a delightful fruity drink with a hint of cinnamon, cardamom, and orange peel. It is a perfect choice for those looking for a quick and easy cocktail to enjoy during the winter months. The recipe requires only three ingredients, making it a simple yet delicious drink. The balance of juice with peach schnapps gives it a fruity flavor, while the vodka adds strength.
The spices follow the fruit, giving it a warm and cozy feel. The best part is that it can be made in just five minutes, making it a great choice for impromptu gatherings or a cozy night in. If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful winter cocktail, the Winter Wassail Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
6. Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
The Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is a delightful twist on the classic G&T, perfect for the winter season. This cocktail is a combination of gin, tonic, elderflower liqueur, sloe gin, and a splash of Campari, which gives it a beautiful blush and a hint of fruit. The sloe gin and Campari add a warming hue to the drink, making it perfect for cold winter nights.
The touch of elderflower gives a reminder of the summer to come. The cocktail is garnished with delicate orange twists, adding a touch of elegance to the drink. If you're looking for a winter cocktail that is both classic and unique, the Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is definitely worth a try.
7. Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a classic winter cocktail made with hot water, honey, lemon, and a spirit such as whiskey, bourbon, or brandy.
It's a soothing and comforting drink that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Give it a try and you'll see why it's a winter favorite.
8. Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail
The Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is a perfect drink to warm you up during the winter season. This creamy and nutty cocktail is made with a combination of rum, Amaretto, Hazelnut creamer, and Eggnog, and is garnished with cinnamon. This cocktail is perfect for serving hot or cold, making it a versatile drink for any occasion.
The velvety texture of the drink compliments the rum perfectly, making it a great drink to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you're looking for a cocktail to serve before dinner or as a dessert in a cup, the Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is a must-try drink this winter season.
9. Blood Orange Thyme and Gin Cocktail
The Blood Orange Thyme and Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and bubbly drink that perfectly captures the essence of winter. This cocktail is a delightful combination of gin, blood oranges, and thyme, with a hint of cucumber and rose. The infusion of thyme in the simple syrup adds a unique flavor to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a little bitterness in their cocktails.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for parties and gatherings. The gorgeous color of the drink, along with its refreshing taste, makes it a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious winter cocktail.
10. Winter Citrus Sour
The Winter Citrus Sour is a refreshing and bright gin sour cocktail that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. Made with fresh grapefruit and lemon juice, this cocktail is a perfect choice for those who crave citrusy flavors during the winter season.
The subtle gin used in the recipe adds a floral note to the drink, making it a perfect choice for Valentine's Day. The Winter Citrus Sour is easy to make and can be served chilled in a coupe glass or a martini glass. Overall, it's a perfect cocktail to brighten up your winter evenings and satisfy your sour cravings.
11. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for this winter season. This cozy and warming drink is perfect for cold nights and holiday gatherings. The homemade spiced chai simple syrup is the star of the show, adding a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor to the cocktail.
Mixed with high-quality bourbon, winter citrus, a touch of vanilla, and fizzy sparkling water, this old fashioned is perfectly balanced and not too heavy on the bourbon. It's a great option for those who want a warming drink without the overwhelming alcohol taste. The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a unique and flavorful twist on a classic cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
12. Glühwein
Glühwein is a classic winter cocktail that originated in Germany and is now enjoyed all over the world. It is a hot spiced wine that is perfect for warming up on a cold winter night. The wine is simmered with warm winter spices like cinnamon and cloves, sweetened with sugar, and balanced with a bit of citrus.
Some even add a slug of brandy for an extra warming kick. The name "Glühwein" literally translates to "glow wine," which is fitting as it warms you from the inside out. It is a must-try for anyone looking for a cozy and festive winter drink.
13. Yuletide Grog
The Yuletide Grog is a perfect winter cocktail for those who love a balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Made with dark and white rum, port wine, lime juice, grapefruit juice, demerara sugar syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this cocktail is easy to make and can be served hot or cold.
The ruby port wine gives it a charming berry flavor, while the cinnamon adds a warm spice note. This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire. Garnish with lime wheels, mint, cinnamon stick, and cherries for an extra festive touch. Overall, the Yuletide Grog is a unique and delicious cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
14. Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz
Looking for a refreshing and festive winter cocktail? Look no further than the Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz. This Italian-inspired drink is traditionally served as an aperitif, but with the addition of cranberry and orange, it's the perfect cocktail for the holiday season. The Aperol liquor adds a citrusy flavor with a hint of orange, while the cranberry juice cocktail gives it a tart and sweet taste.
Topped with Prosecco and a splash of sparkling water, this cocktail is dry yet refreshing. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and fresh cranberries, it's also visually stunning. Whether you're looking for a pre-dinner drink or a festive cocktail to sip on all night, the Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz is sure to impress.
15. Winter Sunset on the Seine Cocktail
The Winter Sunset on the Seine Cocktail is a sweet and tart drink made with French vodka distilled five times for a smooth, citrusy finish. The ginger liqueur with a brandy base adds a sweet and spicy finish, while the blood oranges provide a sweeter taste.
The cocktail is a beautiful deep red color that is reminiscent of a sunset sky. This cocktail pairs well with spicier dishes, making it a perfect addition to any winter gathering.
16. Ruby Red Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The Ruby Red Cosmopolitan Cocktail is a delightful and refreshing winter cocktail that is perfect for any holiday party. This easy-to-make cocktail is sweet and tart with just the right amount of boozy kick. Made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, this cocktail is a twist on the classic Cosmo that was popularized by Sex in the City.
The Ruby Red Cosmo is a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for those who want to enjoy a festive cocktail without getting too drunk. If you're looking for a winter cocktail that is easy to make and delicious to drink, then the Ruby Red Cosmopolitan Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
17. Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
The Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is a classic Wisconsin cocktail that is perfect for the winter season. This vintage cocktail recipe is made with brandy, maraschino cherries, oranges, sugar, bitters, and lemon-lime soda.
The muddled fruit and soda give this cocktail a sweet and refreshing taste, while the brandy adds a smooth and boozy flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a classic cocktail with a twist. If you're looking for a unique and delicious winter cocktail, the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is definitely worth a try.
18. Spiced Blood Orange Dark and Stormy
The Spiced Blood Orange Dark and Stormy is a winter twist on the classic Dark and Stormy cocktail. Made with spiced rum and ginger beer, this cocktail gets a fruity and fantastic flavor from freshly squeezed blood orange juice. The warm spices of the rum and the bright citrusy flavor of the blood orange make it a perfect signature cocktail for fall and winter parties.
While there are many different types of rum and ginger beer that can be used, the Spiced Blood Orange Dark and Stormy is best enjoyed with a lighter spiced rum and a ginger beer that you know and love. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make winter cocktail, the Spiced Blood Orange Dark and Stormy is definitely worth a try.
19. Pomegranate Sidecar Cocktail
The Pomegranate Sidecar Cocktail is a perfect addition to any winter cocktail menu. This festive drink is a twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, with the addition of pomegranate juice that gives it a unique and delicious flavor. The combination of pomegranate juice, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and bourbon creates a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The smooth taste of Wild Turkey American Honey bourbon makes it a perfect choice for this cocktail. This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings with friends. The Pomegranate Sidecar Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and festive winter cocktail.
20. Grapefruit-Rosemary Mule
The Grapefruit-Rosemary Mule is a refreshing and unexpected twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail combines the tartness of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice with the subtle sweetness of ginger beer, and is finished off with a sprig of fresh rosemary that infuses the drink with a subtle pine-y flavor.
The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail that is both bright and refreshing, with a festive and herbal twist. This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a holiday soirée. If you're looking for a unique and delicious winter cocktail, the Grapefruit-Rosemary Mule is definitely worth a try.
21. The Nutty Irishman
The Nutty Irishman is a creamy and nutty Winter Cocktail made with Irish Whiskey, Bailey's, Frangelico, and coffee. It's a dessert-like cocktail topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, making it a perfect addition to any holiday party.
The Frangelico liqueur adds a subtle nutty flavor to the drink, making it unique and flavorful. It's easy to make and will be a hit with anyone who loves a sweet and creamy drink.
22. Blood Orange Paloma
The Blood Orange Paloma is a refreshing and healthyish winter cocktail made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, and vibrant blood orange juice, sweetened with agave nectar, and topped off with good quality tequila and soda water for a little fizz.
The addition of blood orange adds depth and sweetness to the otherwise citrusy and grapefruity drink. The use of agave nectar instead of refined sugar makes it a more natural and healthier option.
23. White Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The White Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail is a unique twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, perfect for the winter season. The cocktail gets its white color from white cranberry juice, which is a mix of white cranberry juice, other fruit juices, sugar, and water. This juice gives the cocktail a mild and sweet flavor, making it an excellent mixer for anyone with a sensitive stomach.
The cocktail is made with vodka, Cointreau, and white cranberry juice, and is garnished with red roses. The White Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail is a refreshing burst of winter flavors, and its crystal-clear color makes it a fun and festive addition to any winter gathering.
24. Apple Cider Mojito
The Apple Cider Mojito is a refreshing and seasonal cocktail that is perfect for winter. This twist on the classic mojito recipe combines apple cider, spiced rum, sugar syrup, and mint leaves. The cocktail is garnished with diced apples, more mint, and a cinnamon stick, which adds a warm and spiced flavor to the drink.
This easy-to-make cocktail is great for a crowd and can be doubled up to make a pitcher. The Apple Cider Mojito is a perfect drink for Thanksgiving or any winter gathering. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try this winter, the Apple Cider Mojito is definitely worth a try.
25. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a simple yet delicious mix of whiskey, sugar, and bitters that can be enjoyed any time of year, but is particularly perfect for the winter season. This cocktail is a great choice for those who appreciate a strong drink with a smooth finish.
While there are variations of this recipe, the traditional version is the most popular and is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. If you're looking for a classic cocktail to warm you up on a cold winter night, the Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
26. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Looking for a Winter Cocktail that's both refreshing and festive? Look no further than the Pomegranate Gin Fizz! This cocktail takes the classic Gin Fizz and adds a delicious twist with the bold flavor of pomegranate juice. The result is a sweet tart flavor and a beautiful ruby red color that's sure to impress your guests.
Plus, the egg white foam adds a frothy texture to the top of the drink and a creamy rich flavor to each sip. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a cozy night in, the Pomegranate Gin Fizz is the perfect addition to your Winter Cocktail lineup.
27. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that has been the official drink of New Orleans for over a century. Made with Sazerac Rye, Peychaud’s Bitters, Herbsaint, a sugar cube, and a lemon peel, this cocktail has a rich history and a unique flavor profile.
The use of Herbsaint as a substitute for absinthe, which was banned in the United States in the early 1900s, gives the cocktail a distinct anise flavor. The combination of rye whiskey, bitters, and sugar creates a smooth and warming drink that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a bit of history and a lot of flavor, the Sazerac is a must-try.
28. Bourbon Manhattan
The Bourbon Manhattan is a classic winter cocktail that has been around since the 1870s. Made with only three ingredients – bourbon whiskey, sweet Italian vermouth, and bitters – it's a simple yet delicious cocktail that is perfect for cold nights.
The key to a great Manhattan is finding the right balance between the smoky, sweet burn of bourbon and the sweet, herbaceousness of vermouth. This cocktail is a must-try for any bourbon lover looking for a smooth and satisfying drink. So, if you're looking for a classic yet easy-to-make winter cocktail, give the Bourbon Manhattan a try!
29. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a delicious and festive cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season. Made with a cranberry simple syrup, quality bourbon, and a splash of bitters, this cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned.
The cranberry simple syrup adds a sweet and tart flavor that perfectly complements the bourbon. This cocktail is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with a beautiful deep red color. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is definitely worth trying.
30. Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a winter twist. This recipe, originating from the now-closed Fedora bar in Manhattan, combines the sweet complexity of bourbon with the nutty flavor of maple and pecan bitters. The addition of cherry and orange adds a light fruitiness that brightens the flavor profile.
The garnish of Luxardo cherries and burnt orange peel adds an extra layer of depth to the drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that will warm you up and leave you feeling deliciously satisfied, the Maple Old Fashioned is a must-try.
31. Frothy Aperol Sour
Looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail to warm you up this winter? Look no further than the Frothy Aperol Sour! This versatile cocktail combines the slightly bitter and citrusy flavors of Aperol with blood orange, lemon juice, and a frothy egg white to create a silky-smooth and delicious beverage.
The egg white adds a creamy texture to the cocktail, while the blood orange gives it a sweet and fruity twist. If you're looking to add some variety to your winter cocktail menu, the Frothy Aperol Sour is definitely worth a try!
32. Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a classic winter cocktail with a twist. The smoky flavor of the whiskey is enhanced by the smoked cherries and smoked cherry simple syrup, creating a rich and musky flavor.
The sweetness of the seasonal cherries balances out the smokiness, making it a perfect winter drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who like their drinks with a subtle hint of smoke. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful winter cocktail, the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
33. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink made with rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It has a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for winter.
The Perfect Manhattan variation uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a lighter taste. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and warming cocktail during the winter season.
