Please note, this post may contain Amazon affiliate links as part of their program. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own, based on my personal experience and research.
As the temperatures drop and the festive season approaches, thoughts turn to cozy gatherings and warming drinks. This collection of 20+ best winter cocktails will not only keep spirits high but also add a delightful twist to holiday celebrations. Mixing classic flavors with seasonal ingredients, each cocktail promises to elevate any festive occasion.
Whether hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, there’s a perfect drink for every palate. From rich and spiced to light and refreshing, winter cocktails can bring friends and family together, creating memorable moments. This guide offers diverse options that cater to different tastes and occasions, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Exploring new recipes can spark creativity and make entertaining more enjoyable. Each cocktail has been crafted to showcase the best of winter’s flavors, making it easier than ever to impress guests during the holiday season. Now is the perfect time to discover these delightful drinks and infuse the holiday spirit into every pour.
This article is all about 20+ Best Winter Cocktails to Spice Up Your Holidays Fun
GINGERBREAD MARTINI
If you love gingerbread cookies, you’re going to flip for this gingerbread martini! With the perfect blend of vodka, Irish cream, and gingerbread syrup, this cocktail is a holiday favorite. Rim the glass with crushed gingersnap cookies for extra sweetness and serve chilled. It’s festive, creamy, and just the right amount of spice to make your winter nights a little cozier.
MAPLE OLD FASHIONED
The classic Old Fashioned gets a seasonal twist with a touch of maple syrup. This maple Old Fashioned has a rich, smooth flavor that brings out the best of winter’s sweetness. Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and a dash of bitters, then stir with ice. Garnish with an orange peel or a cinnamon stick, and you have yourself a wintery twist on a beloved cocktail.
HOT BUTTERED RUM
When the temperature drops, nothing beats the comforting warmth of hot buttered rum. This drink combines rum, butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a decadent treat. You can even add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor. Serve it in a cozy mug for the ultimate cold-weather cocktail that feels like a warm hug in a glass.
WHITE RUSSIAN WITH A TWIST
Take your classic White Russian to the next level by adding a seasonal twist! Swap out the traditional coffee liqueur for peppermint schnapps or a splash of eggnog. It’s still got that creamy, coffee-flavored goodness, but with a holiday-inspired flavor that makes it perfect for festive gatherings. Serve over ice in a lowball glass and garnish with a candy cane for extra flair.
WINTER SANGRIA
Sangria isn’t just for summer! This winter sangria mixes red wine with winter fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples, along with a splash of brandy and spices. It’s the perfect punch to serve at holiday parties because it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Just let the flavors meld together in the fridge and serve chilled or warm for a cozy twist.
CHAI-SPICED CIDER
Looking for something non-alcoholic but still flavorful? This chai-spiced cider is the perfect winter beverage for everyone. The rich flavors of chai spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom blend beautifully with apple cider. Serve it warm with a cinnamon stick or chilled over ice for a refreshing twist. You can also spike it with a bit of bourbon if you’re in the mood for something stronger.
APPLE CIDER MIMOSA
Perfect for brunch or any holiday gathering, the apple cider mimosa is a festive twist on a brunch classic. Mix chilled apple cider with your favorite champagne or sparkling wine for a crisp, bubbly drink. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra holiday touch and garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick. It’s light, refreshing, and absolutely delightful!
IRISH COFFEE
Warm, comforting, and perfect for a cold winter day, Irish coffee is a go-to for coffee lovers. Mix freshly brewed coffee with Irish whiskey, a little brown sugar, and top it off with whipped cream. It’s the perfect after-dinner drink that keeps things simple while still feeling festive. For an extra kick, use a flavored whiskey like honey or vanilla.
CRANBERRY MOSCOW MULE
The classic Moscow Mule gets a holiday twist with the addition of cranberry juice. This cranberry Moscow Mule combines vodka, ginger beer, lime, and cranberry juice for a tangy, festive flavor. Serve it in a traditional copper mug with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish. The tartness of the cranberries balances perfectly with the spicy ginger beer, making it a refreshing option for winter.
WINTER PIMM’S CUP
A refreshing winter spin on the classic Pimm’s Cup, this cocktail is light yet seasonal. Mix Pimm’s No.1 with ginger beer, cucumber slices, and a few sprigs of mint, then top it off with a splash of apple cider. Serve it over ice with a cinnamon stick or star anise for a festive touch. It’s the ideal drink when you want something light yet still flavorful.
TOASTED MARSHMALLOW HOT CHOCOLATE
This adult hot chocolate is not only warm and cozy, but it also has a grown-up twist. Mix your favorite hot chocolate recipe with a splash of Baileys or Kahlua, and top with toasted marshmallows. Use a kitchen torch to get that perfect campfire-charred taste. This cocktail is sweet, creamy, and full of nostalgia, perfect for a cold winter evening by the fire.
CARAMEL APPLE MARTINI
If you’re a fan of caramel apples, you’ll love this cocktail. The caramel apple martini combines vodka, apple schnapps, and a drizzle of caramel for a sweet yet tart flavor that screams fall and winter. Rim your glass with caramel sauce and garnish with a slice of apple to make this drink as pretty as it is delicious.
POMEGRANATE MARGARITA
Margaritas aren’t just for summer! This pomegranate margarita is a bright and festive twist on the classic cocktail, with tequila, fresh lime juice, and pomegranate juice. It’s tart, tangy, and absolutely perfect for holiday parties. Rim the glass with sugar or salt, and garnish with pomegranate seeds for a burst of color.
HOT CINNAMON SPICE WHISKEY
For a real winter warmer, try a hot cinnamon spice whiskey cocktail. Mix cinnamon whiskey with hot apple cider and a dash of ginger liqueur for a sweet and spicy drink. It’s strong, warm, and full of seasonal flavors. Top it off with a cinnamon stick or even a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra cozy touch.
CINNAMON MAPLE WHISKEY SOUR
This twist on the classic whiskey sour combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of maple syrup. The blend of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, and maple creates a rich, warming drink perfect for winter nights. Shake it all with ice and strain into a glass for a smooth, tangy, and sweet sip. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon slice for a festive touch.
BLACKBERRY BOURBON SMASH
For something a bit fruitier, the blackberry bourbon smash is a fantastic option. This cocktail mixes fresh blackberries with bourbon, mint, and lemon juice, creating a bright yet winter-appropriate drink. Muddle the blackberries with mint, add the bourbon and lemon juice, then shake and strain over ice. It’s a refreshing yet warming option for holiday gatherings.
CARDAMOM GIN FIZZ
Gin lovers will appreciate the cardamom gin fizz, a bright, aromatic cocktail with a hint of spice. Mix gin, fresh lemon juice, a dash of cardamom syrup, and club soda for a bubbly, refreshing drink. The subtle spice of cardamom complements the botanical notes of gin beautifully. Serve it over ice and garnish with a lemon twist for a drink that’s as festive as it is delicious.
SPICED APPLE SANGRIA
Apple cider meets wine in this cozy spiced apple sangria. Made with white wine, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and brandy, this sangria is the perfect mix of warm spices and fruit flavors. Add sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries for a burst of seasonal color and flavor. Let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled or warm for a comforting drink.
RUMCHATA HOT CHOCOLATE
If you haven’t tried RumChata in hot chocolate, you’re missing out! The creamy, cinnamon-vanilla flavor of RumChata pairs perfectly with rich hot chocolate, creating a decadent winter cocktail. Simply mix your favorite hot chocolate with a generous splash of RumChata, and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like a grown-up version of your favorite childhood drink.
MAPLE BACON OLD FASHIONED
For those who like their cocktails with a savory twist, the maple bacon Old Fashioned is an unforgettable choice. This cocktail combines bourbon, maple syrup, and a hint of smoky bacon for a sweet and savory experience. Garnish with a crispy piece of bacon for a show-stopping drink that’s sure to impress.
This article is all about 20+ Best Winter Cocktails to Spice Up Your Holidays Fun
As the cold weather settles in and the holidays draw near, there’s no better way to warm up and elevate your celebrations than with these winter cocktail recipes. Whether you prefer classic drinks like mulled wine or are eager to try something new like a peppermint twist, these cocktails will surely bring comfort and cheer to any gathering. The best part? They’re perfect for all occasions, from intimate nights by the fire to festive holiday parties. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and start mixing up your favorite drinks to keep spirits high throughout the season. Cheers to a fun, flavorful winter!
Please note, this post may contain Amazon affiliate links as part of their program. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own, based on my personal experience and research.
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