Winter weddings are some of the most beautiful and romantic events of the year. They offer a unique opportunity to celebrate love in a cozy and intimate setting, surrounded by the magic of the season.
As a bartender, I've had the pleasure of attending many winter weddings, and I've noticed that one of the most important aspects of any wedding celebration is the drinks. Whether you're looking for something warm and comforting or something elegant and sophisticated, there are a variety of winter wedding cocktail recipes that are sure to please.
When it comes to winter wedding cocktails, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to choose drinks that are appropriate for the season.
This means using ingredients that are in season, such as cranberries, pomegranates, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It also means choosing drinks that are warm and comforting, as well as those that are elegant and sophisticated.
Second, it's important to consider the tastes and preferences of your guests. While some people may prefer a classic cocktail like a martini or Manhattan, others may prefer something more adventurous like a hot buttered rum or mulled wine.
By offering a variety of options, you can ensure that everyone is happy and satisfied.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of the best winter wedding cocktail recipes that I've come across over the years. From classic drinks to modern twists, there's something for everyone on this list.
So, whether you're a bride-to-be looking for inspiration for your wedding reception or a bartender looking for new ideas for your winter cocktail menu, you're sure to find something that you'll love.
1. Warm Spiced Vanilla Cocktail
The Warm Spiced Vanilla Cocktail is a perfect addition to any winter wedding cocktail menu. This cozy cocktail is made with vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, Irish cream, and bourbon, which gives it a warming and comforting taste. The cinnamon-sugared rim adds a touch of sweetness to the cocktail, making it even more irresistible.
The star anise gives it a hint of chai latte flavor, making it a unique and memorable drink for your guests. Overall, the Warm Spiced Vanilla Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and warming cocktail to serve at their winter wedding.
2. Spiced Orange Brandy Spritzers
The Spiced Orange Brandy Spritzer is a perfect winter wedding cocktail recipe that will warm up your guests during the chilly season. This cocktail combines the fruity and floral aroma of French brandy with the sweet and warming notes of allspice berries and cinnamon stick.
The addition of ginger ale provides a bubbly fizz that complements the flavors of the cocktail. The garnish of orange slices and cinnamon stick adds a festive touch to the drink. This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for serving in large batches. Your guests will love the warm and comforting flavors of this spiced orange brandy spritzer.
3. Blood Orange Champagne Mule
The Blood Orange Champagne Mule is a perfect winter wedding cocktail for those who love a little sparkle in their drinks. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with the addition of champagne and blood oranges. The red hue of the blood orange adds a festive touch to the drink, making it perfect for any winter celebration.
The combination of ginger beer, vodka, lime juice, and blood orange juice creates a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. The addition of champagne gives it a touch of elegance and makes it perfect for a wedding toast. Overall, the Blood Orange Champagne Mule is a must-try winter cocktail that will add a touch of sparkle to your wedding celebration.
4. Poinsettia Spritz Punch
The Poinsettia Spritz Punch is a fizzy cranberry cocktail with a hit of St. Germain and a festive red hue that makes it perfect for a winter wedding. This cocktail is simple to make and can be prepared in a pitcher, making it an ideal choice for serving a large group of guests. The addition of champagne adds a touch of elegance to the drink, while the fresh cranberries add a festive touch.
The light floral notes of St. Germain complement the tart cranberries and sweet champagne, making this cocktail a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking for a winter wedding cocktail that's easy to make and sure to impress your guests, the Poinsettia Spritz Punch is definitely worth considering.
5. Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch
The Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch is a perfect addition to your winter wedding cocktail menu. This festive punch is spiked with apple vodka, sparkling white Champagne, and two varieties of apple cider, making it a refreshing and delicious drink for your guests.
The infusion of cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in the pressed apple cider gives it a spicy flavor that is perfect for the winter season. The addition of a sparkling Moscato gives it a bubbly touch that makes it a great drink for toasting the newlyweds.
6. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a classic winter drink that perfectly combines sweet, tart, and strong flavors. Made with equal parts bourbon and cranberry juice, and elevated with a rosemary sage simple syrup, this festive drink is perfect for any special occasion.
The smooth yet flavorful bourbon adds a kick to the cocktail, while the fresh and seasonal flavors of rosemary and sage complement the tartness of the cranberry juice. This cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
7. Pomegranate Sparkle Cocktail
The Pomegranate Sparkle Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and bubbly drink to serve at their winter wedding. With its pretty red color and elegant flavor profile, this cocktail is perfect for special celebrations like engagement parties, bridal showers, and even Girls Night In gatherings.
The pomegranate liqueur adds a touch of flavor that's not too sweet, making it a great alternative to other champagne cocktails like the Kir Royale. Plus, the reddish-pink color lends itself well to a myriad of holidays and occasions, making it a versatile choice for any winter wedding. If you're looking for a signature drink that's both festive and delicious, the Pomegranate Sparkle Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
8. Cranberry Mojito
The Cranberry Mojito is a delightful winter cocktail that is sure to please your guests at any winter wedding. This cocktail is a festive twist on the classic mojito, featuring fresh cranberry simple syrup, mint leaves, lime juice, and a hint of rum. The tartness of the cranberries is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the syrup, making it a refreshing and flavorful drink.
The addition of seltzer water gives it a light, bubbly finish that is sure to delight. This cocktail is perfect for a winter wedding, as it is both festive and refreshing. It can be easily scaled up to make a large batch for your guests to enjoy throughout the night. Overall, the Cranberry Mojito is a must-try cocktail for any winter wedding celebration.
9. White Christmas Mojito
If you're looking for a unique and festive cocktail for your winter wedding, the White Christmas Mojito is definitely worth considering. This creamy and fizzy drink is full of fresh mint, lime juice, white rum, coconut rum, coconut milk, sparkling water, and topped with pomegranate arils for a pop of color. It's a tropical twist on a classic mojito that's perfect for those who love coconut.
The combination of coconut and lime flavors is refreshing and the addition of sparkling water adds a nice effervescence. Plus, the snowy white color makes it a great fit for a winter wedding. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail that's sure to impress your guests, give the White Christmas Mojito a try.
10. Blackberry Gin Sling
The Blackberry Gin Sling is a perfect winter wedding cocktail that combines fresh blackberries, rosemary, and gin with a splash of soda. The inclusion of rosemary gives it a juniper type scent that makes it holiday perfect. The dark, lush color of the cocktail looks sophisticated enough for a party and yet is easy to make.
The quality of gin used in the cocktail plays a crucial role in its taste. Brockmans Gin from England is the perfect choice for this cocktail as it has an intensely smooth, beautiful taste that can be consumed neat or over ice. The Blackberry Gin Sling is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for any winter wedding celebration.
11. Lavender Infused Apple Juice Vodka
If you're looking for a unique and refreshing winter wedding cocktail, the Lavender Infused Apple Juice Vodka is a must-try. This cocktail is made with lavender-infused, cold-pressed apple juice and vodka, resulting in a deliciously floral and apple-like flavor. What's great about this cocktail is that there is no added sugar, making it a healthier option for your guests.
The hint of lavender adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the drink, making it perfect for a winter wedding. Infusing floral notes into any beverage is a simple process, and this cocktail is a great example of how it can be done right. If you're looking for something different and refreshing for your wedding guests, the Lavender Infused Apple Juice Vodka is definitely worth considering.
12. Rosemary Gimlet
The Rosemary Gimlet is a refreshing and herbaceous twist on the classic Gimlet cocktail. Made with gin, fresh lime juice, and a homemade rosemary simple syrup, this cocktail is perfect for winter weddings and holiday celebrations. The rosemary adds a subtle and fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the juniper-forward gin.
Garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary, this cocktail is not only delicious but also visually stunning. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to serve at your winter wedding, the Rosemary Gimlet is definitely worth considering.
13. Chocolate Mudslide
The Chocolate Mudslide is a perfect dessert cocktail for those who love creamy and chocolatey drinks. This classic cocktail combines the flavors of coffee, Irish Cream, and chocolate to create a rich and indulgent drink that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be whipped up in minutes, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings or parties. The frozen version of the cocktail is equally delicious and is made by adding vanilla ice cream to the regular recipe. The Chocolate Mudslide is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy and chocolatey cocktails and is sure to be a hit at any winter wedding.
14. Winter Sun
Looking for a refreshing and healthy cocktail to serve at your winter wedding? Look no further than the Winter Sun. This bubbly drink is a perfect way to hydrate and boost your immune system during the colder months. With freshly squeezed grapefruit and pomegranate juices, raw honey, and sparkling water, this cocktail is not only delicious but also relatively low in sugar and calories.
The addition of prebiotics in raw honey helps with digestion, while the phytonutrients in the juices provide antioxidants and other health benefits. Plus, the versatility of this cocktail allows for easy customization to fit your taste or what's in your fridge. Whether you're serving it as a morning elixir or a pre-dinner drink, the Winter Sun is sure to brighten up your winter wedding.
15. Eggnog
Eggnog is a classic holiday cocktail made with a creamy custard-like base spiked with bourbon and spiced rum. The addition of meringue and a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon give it a light and spicy flavor.
It's perfect for a winter wedding, adding warmth and coziness to the celebration. If you're a fan of Baileys, you'll love this drink. Give it a try and see for yourself why it's a holiday favorite.
