Winter Cocktails

Winter Cocktail Recipes

Earlier in the year, we showed off our recipe for a spicy jalapeno margarita to sip poolside during the summer, but as we approach fall and winter and the temperature starts to drop meaning we have to (unfortunately) put on our sweaters and scarves.

But that got us thinking about how to keep the party going for the holidays. We put together a list of winter cocktails that should warm you and your houseguests right up during the colder months.

Covering a range of warm alcoholic drinks themed cocktails, and holiday perennials we hope that from our list you can find a winter cocktail recipe that your guests will enjoy or help you expand your liquor cabinet to include some new favorites.

Hot Toddies

Hot Toddy

An absolute staple of the cocktail world, the simple hot toddy has been used as a folk medicine to treat colds and cases of flu since at least the 1700s. The drink is commonly made with whiskey, honey, and hot water. Other common ingredients used include spices and herbs like clove, cinnamon, even tea leaves and often include a lemon wedge for garnish.

Our selection of hot toddies uses this as a framework while including fall and winter-themed ingredients from apples, caramel, and more! Feel free to take our selections and experiment with them as you see fit; after all, that is half the fun of making a cocktail!

Hot Toddy

Starting with the basics here, the simple hot toddy is easily made and even easier to drink.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup of water
  • 1 ½ oz whiskey of your choice
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (to personal taste)
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice (to personal taste)
  • 1 lemon slice (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the water to a simmer in a saucepan or small pot.
  2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and honey.
  3. Stir until honey evaporates.
  4. Pour into a mug.
  5. Serve with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish and flavor.

Chai-Spiced Hot Toddy

This version of hot toddy kicks up the spices and splashes in some tea to balance everything out quite nicely. Our version here makes for around 6 cocktails so it's perfect for batch making for a holiday party.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons cardamom pods (crushed)
  • 2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 11 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 piece ginger (unpeeled, thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium orange
  • 6 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons whole leaf black tea or 3 bags black tea
  • 9 oz dark rum

Instructions

  1. Toast the cardamom, coriander, peppercorns, and 5 cinnamon sticks in a large pot over medium-high heat until fragrant.
  2. Add ginger and 8 cups of water.
  3. Use the zest of one orange and add to the pot.
  4. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, then add the tea and honey and let steep for 5 minutes.
  6. Strain mixture through a sieve, then top with rum and garnish with the rest of the cinnamon sticks.

Caramel Apple Toddy

With decadent caramel and autumnal apple cider, this hot toddy is amazing to sip around the campfire or on a cozy winter day inside as the snow falls outside.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz hot apple cider
  • 1.5 oz whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons caramel syrup for rimming glass (if desired)
  • Apple slices, star anise, cinnamon stick for garnish (if desired)

Instructions

  1. Heat your apple cider to a low simmer and remove from heat.
  2. Top the glass rim with caramel syrup if desired.
  3. Combine hot apple cider, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey, and stir.
  4. Garnish with apple slices, star anise, and a cinnamon stick if desired.

Fireball Toddy

Replacing the cinnamon stick with Fireball elevates the simple hot toddy into something perfect for a winter holiday party with a twist.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz hot water
  • 2 oz Fireball Cinnamon whiskey
  • ½ tablespoon honey (or more if desired)
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 1 teabag (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat water in a saucepan to a low simmer. If you prefer a milder flavor, steep a teabag in the water before adding the rest.
  2. Mix in Fireball whiskey, honey, and lemon juice, then stir until the honey dissolves.

Mimosas

Perennial brunch go-to drink, the mimosa has the best of both worlds. From the bubbling champagne working a base and the bright and citrus juice that rounds this cocktail out, the Mimosa offers the easy-going class and sophistication of champagne with the sweetness of citrus.

Our selection of mimosa recipes flips the script on the tried and true OJ inclusion for juices and flavors that resonate with holiday cheer.

Peppermint Mimosa

Nothing screams Christmas and the holidays like peppermint candy and this mimosa is no different. Trading in the OJ for peppermint schnapps, this mimosa doubles up on the holiday cheer!

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted)
  • 3 candy canes, crushed
  • 6 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 bottle champagne or prosecco
  • 6 candy canes (whole)

Instructions

  1. Melt semisweet chocolate chips in a glass bowl over gently boiling water until melted.
  2. Pour out the chocolate on a plate and the crushed candy canes on a separate plate.
  3. Dip the rim of the champagne flute in the chocolate first, then crushed candy canes to coat.
  4. Add 1 oz of peppermint schnapps to each glass and top the rest with prosecco or champagne.
  5. Garnish with a full candy cane and serve.

Cranberry Mimosa

Nicknamed the Poinsettia, this mimosa switches out the orange juice for cranberry juice, creating a red drink that is sure to pop across a winter-themed table-scape. Easy, simple, and quick to make, this mimosa is perfect for holiday brunch parties.

Ingredients

  • 4 oz cranberry juice
  • 8 oz champagne
  • Sparkling sugar (for garnish)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Sprigs of rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rim the champagne flute with sparkling sugar.
  2. Pour 1 oz of cranberry juice into each champagne flute.
  3. Top off the flutes with champagne.
  4. Garnish with 2–3 fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary before serving.

Pomegranate Mimosa

Another holiday twist on the humble mimosa. Like the cranberry mimosa, this cocktail is quick and simple to prepare, but packs a lot of flavor!

Ingredients

  • 1 lime or orange (sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 bottle of champagne
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rim the champagne flute with granulated sugar.
  2. Fill the flutes with ⅔ to ¾ champagne.
  3. Top with pomegranate juice.
  4. Add a sprig of rosemary and a lime or orange slice for garnish, and serve.

Martinis

Martini

While this drink may be the favorite of British super-spy James Bond, the Martini is a uniquely American invention. Created during Prohibition due in part to the wide availability of illegally made gin, the martini has many variations and total variations which include none of the original ingredients but spiritually borrow from this iconic cocktail.

Our selections lean more towards the side of including vodka, given the liquor’s way of working with other flavors, in comparison to gin’s intractable nature.

Sugar Cookie Martini

Making sugar cookies during the holidays is a special tradition, but what if you could take the cookie and its flavor and incorporate it into a holiday cocktail?

Ingredients

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup Baileys
  • 2 oz vanilla vodka
  • 2 oz amaretto
  • Ice
  • ½ cup vanilla frosting
  • ¼ cup sprinkles
  • Pre-made sugar cookie dough

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and follow your cookie dough’s baking instructions. Cut cookies into holiday-themed shapes and let cool after baking.
  2. Spread vanilla frosting on the rim of the martini glass and garnish with sprinkles.
  3. Frost and decorate your sugar cookies the same way.
  4. In a cocktail shaker, combine milk, amaretto, Baileys, and vodka. Add ice and shake until cold.
  5. Pour into a martini glass and top with a sugar cookie garnish.

Peppermint Martini

This easily made martini keeps the holiday vibes going with its peppermint flavor. If you want to feel fancy, garnish with a candy cane as well. Quick and simple, perfectly suited for the Christmas party animals out there.

Ingredients

  • 5 oz vanilla vodka
  • 2 oz white crème de menthe
  • ½ oz peppermint schnapps

Instructions

  1. Combine vodka, crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps in a cocktail shaker over ice.
  2. Shake until cold.
  3. Strain into a martini glass.

Eggnog Martini

It is not Christmas without eggnog in our opinion. This creamy and delicious martini is the best of both worlds. It has even convinced some of our non-eggnog-loving friends to give it a try. Simple and quick to make, this martini is perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

  • 3 oz eggnog
  • 1 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz amaretto liqueur

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients.
  2. Shake until cold and serve into a chilled martini glass.
  3. Add grated nutmeg over the drink (optional) and serve.

Cocktails

Cocktails

A catch-all term for nearly all mixed drinks made with liquor, the cocktail is as varied and multiplicious as a sunset. Nearly every major liquor has some sort of cocktail associated with it, and often it has many more.

Our holiday picks include a variety of options to choose from, whether it's something with vodka or something with whiskey, you will be sure to find something that your party guest will love!

Mudslide Cocktail

The ideal boozy milkshake, the mudslide is creamy, sweet, and rich. Our version is not chock full of ice cream, so you’ll be able to enjoy this cocktail without a spoon. Oh, and if you are a serious chocolate fiend, feel free to garnish with chocolate shavings from your favorite candy!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 ½ oz heavy cream
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake till cold.
  2. Strain into a chilled coupe or fizz glass.
  3. As an optional garnish, top with chocolate shavings.

Apple Cobbler Cocktail

A perennial Autumnal dish, the apple cobbler screams holidays as the apples are beginning to be harvested, the weather gets colder, and the leaves begin to change color. Why not be extra decadent and sip this alongside a slice of warm apple cobbler and ice cream?

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz bourbon
  • ½ oz vermouth
  • ½ oz apple and clove syrup
  • ½ oz egg white
  • ½ oz apple juice
  • ½ oz lime juice

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients over ice to a cocktail shaker and shake till well-chilled.
  2. Double strain over a chilled glass and serve.

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Who does not love hot cocoa on winter’s day? From its Mesoamerican origins to its introduction to Europe and then the world over, hot cocoa is a staple of the holidays. But how do you make chocolate even better? By making it alcoholic of course!
Our picks update this holiday favorite for the adults by including some holiday favorites like gingerbread, cinnamon, and others to create amazingly delicious drinks that are festive and flavorful.

Rumchata Hot Chocolate

The cream, cinnamon, and vanilla liqueur of Rumchata is a perfect foil for the sweetness of hot chocolate. Put the two together and you have a deliciously decadent adult hot chocolate that is sure to delight party guests everywhere.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 oz chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Rumchata
  • 1/3 cup warm caramel
  • Whipped cream (for serving)
  • Cinnamon sugar (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring the milk to simmer over medium heat in a saucepan.
  2. Whisk in the sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and vanilla and stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
  3. Add in the Rumchata and remove from heat.
  4. Pour caramel into a small dish and rim the glass with the caramel.
  5. Pour the Rumchata hot chocolate into the glass and top with whipped cream.
  6. For an optional garnish add cinnamon sugar and a cinnamon stick before serving.

Spiked Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Gingerbread cookies are a staple of the holidays, as is hot chocolate. Putting them together is a delicious treat but putting them together in an alcoholic drink is even better. Perfect to complement a baking party with your girlfriends or just to surprise your party guests with a flavorful warm drink guaranteed to beat the cold.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 8 oz milk chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 shots of gingerbread liqueur
  • Chocolate whipped cream (optional)
  • Marshmallow bits (optional)
  • Gingerbread cookies (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl mix together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the hot milk to the cocoa powder mixture. Mix to create a paste.
  4. Once wet, add the mixture to the hot milk, turn heat to low, and whisk continuously until smooth.
  5. Once smooth add in the milk chocolate, vanilla, and gingerbread liqueur.
  6. Top with chocolate whipped cream.
  7. As optional garnish, top with marshmallow bits and gingerbread cookies.

Buttered Rum Hot Chocolate

Buttered Rum may sound strange to some folks but this gives the hot chocolate an extra kick of velvety deliciousness that just can’t be beaten.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup dark rum
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Set a saucepan over barely simmering water and melt the butter and chocolate.
  2. Stir until smooth then whisk in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil, remove from heat, and add rum and the chocolate mixture until combined.
  4. Using a standing mixer, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  5. Fill your mug with the hot chocolate, add the whipped cream, and for garnish, grate nutmeg over the top before serving.

Rum

Rum Coctails

Famous for being the drink of choice for pirates and synonymous with the West Indies, rum is made from distilling sugarcane juice. Sweet, spicy, and rich, rum is perfect to incorporate into various holiday cocktails to give them a little kick for your holiday party get-togethers.

Hot Buttered Rum

This popular fall and winter drink has a long history within the United States dating back to the country’s colonial days. This drink combines a delicious bouquet of warm spices with the rich bite of rum for a drink that is sure to warm the whole body up during the cold winter months.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¾ cup spiced rum
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 4 sticks of cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Using an electric mixer, combine the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a large measuring cup (at least 4 cups).
  3. Add boiling water and rum. Stir until the butter dissolves.
  4. Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Butterbeer Rum

This drink may be famous for being the drink of choice in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but its roots trace back to Tudor England. Our version brings together rich butterscotch, warming spices, and spiced rum for a magical winter cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cans cream soda
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup butterscotch syrup
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups spiced rum
  • Whipped cream (for serving)
  • Gold sanding sugar (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a crock-pot, combine water, cream soda, butter, sugar, ¼ cup butterscotch, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, and salt.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 3 ½ hours, or until warm and butter is fully melted.
  3. Stir in the rum.
  4. Pour remaining butterscotch syrup onto a plate and rim each serving glass.
  5. Fill glasses with the hot butterbeer rum and top with whipped cream and gold sanding sugar.

Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule Cocktails

Not traditionally thought of as a holiday beverage, the Moscow mule’s ingredients can be easily swapped out for holiday flavors to create a mule that is perfectly in line with the festive spirit of the holidays.

“Mistletoe” Mule

This seasonal version of a Moscow Mule is a refreshing change of pace for the holidays. Fresh and bright with a wintry blast of mint and candy cane, this drink truly zings. You can skip the pomegranate seeds if you prefer, but don’t even think about skipping the mint and candy canes!

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 can ginger beer
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 crushed candy canes
  • Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a mug with ice and combine vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
  2. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, crushed candy canes, and a mint sprig before serving.

Apple Cider Mule

Blending the warm flavors of apple cider with the cool zip of a classic Mule, this cocktail delivers cozy autumn vibes with a winter twist. Sure to be a party favorite!

Ingredients

  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • Ice
  • Apple slices (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine ginger beer, vodka, apple cider, and lime juice over ice in a copper mug.
  2. Stir and garnish with fresh apple slices before serving.

Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule

This twist on the Mule adds a splash of cranberry-apple juice for extra depth. It’s quick, festive, and perfect for batching ahead for holiday parties.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz cran-apple juice
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • Ice
  • Cranberries (for garnish)
  • Apple slices (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine vodka, cran-apple juice, lime juice, and ginger beer over ice in a mug.
  2. Stir to combine, then garnish with cranberries and apple slices before serving.

Moscow Mule Punch

Perfect for parties, this large-batch Mule punch keeps the refreshing bite of the original but makes it easy to serve a crowd. Just be sure to have enough copper mugs!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups ice
  • 4 cups ginger beer
  • 3 cups vodka
  • 1 cup lime juice
  • 1 cup mint leaves
  • 2 limes (sliced)

Instructions

  1. In a large punch bowl, combine ice, ginger beer, vodka, lime juice, lime slices, and mint.
  2. Stir to combine and ladle into copper mugs. Garnish with more mint before serving.

Holiday Favorites

Hot Cider Cocktail

From eggnog to old fashioned, Irish coffee, spiced wine, and more, it cannot be a REAL holiday party without knowing how to whip up these perennial holiday cocktail staples!

Hot Spiced Cider

A Fall favorite, this drink warms apple cider with fragrant spices for a cozy, aromatic experience perfect for crisp evenings.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp whole allspice
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 large orange (quartered, with peel)
  • 1 quart apple cider

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Warm over medium heat until it gently simmers.
  3. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove solids and serve.

Irish Coffee

A comforting classic of coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream—best enjoyed slowly on a cold morning or after dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1½ oz Irish whiskey
  • Heavy cream (lightly whipped)

Instructions

  1. Pre-warm your mug. Add coffee until ¾ full.
  2. Stir in whiskey and sugar until dissolved.
  3. Top with cream poured gently over a spoon.

Gingerbread Eggnog

A holiday brunch favorite, this creamy eggnog is infused with gingerbread spices and a splash of molasses for depth.

Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp fresh nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp dark molasses

Instructions

  1. Whip yolks with sugar until creamy and light yellow.
  2. Simmer milk with cinnamon and spices. Add molasses.
  3. Temper egg mixture with hot milk slowly.
  4. Combine and heat to 160°F, then chill 4+ hours.
  5. Optional: mix in rum before serving.

White Russian

This creamy cocktail of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream saw a cult resurgence thanks to The Big Lebowski.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Kahlúa
  • 1 splash heavy cream
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Pour vodka and Kahlúa over ice.
  2. Add a splash of cream and stir gently.

Apple Pie Moonshine

A potent, crowd-pleasing holiday drink that makes great gifts—just warn guests about the strong kick!

Ingredients

  • ½ gal apple cider
  • ½ gal apple juice
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole clove
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cups 190-proof grain alcohol
  • 2 cups vanilla vodka

Instructions

  1. Simmer cider, juice, sugars, and spices for 1 hour.
  2. Cool completely, then add alcohol and vodka.
  3. Remove solids and jar the moonshine for gifting.

Bourbon Milk Punch

This creamy cocktail blends rich bourbon with vanilla and nutmeg—an instant holiday favorite.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3 oz whole milk
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes vanilla extract
  • Fresh grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Strain into a glass and garnish with nutmeg.

Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

This festive twist on the whiskey sour balances tart cranberries with spicy cinnamon whiskey and bright citrus.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 oz cinnamon whiskey
  • 1¼ oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz cranberry syrup
  • Ice
  • Fresh cranberries (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make syrup: simmer cranberries, water, and sugar. Strain and cool.
  2. Shake syrup, whiskey, and lemon juice with ice.
  3. Strain over fresh ice, garnish with cranberries.

Spiced Mulled Wine

This nostalgic holiday classic is best made with a red wine you already love—warm, spiced, and soul-soothing.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle red wine
  • 3 orange slices
  • Whole cloves
  • Star anise
  • Cinnamon stick
  • 1 oz brandy (optional)
  • Cranberries or blackberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and stir.
  2. Simmer on low for 15+ minutes.
  3. Strain, garnish, and serve warm.

Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

The classic old fashioned gets a winter twist with cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise for holiday depth.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 12 oz bourbon or whiskey
  • 1 orange
  • 8 cherries

Instructions

  1. Make spiced syrup by simmering sugar, water, and spices. Steep 30 minutes.
  2. Muddle orange wedge and cherries in a glass.
  3. Shake syrup and whiskey with ice. Pour over fruit and garnish.
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