Winter is upon us, which means it's time to cozy up with a delightful drink in hand. As someone who adores a good seasonal sip, let me tell you, there's nothing quite like a winter cocktail to warm the spirits and spread that festive cheer.
Picture this: frost-kissed windows, crackling fires, and a table adorned with an array of fizzy drinks, each crafted to capture the essence of the season. From classic concoctions like mulled wine that have stood the test of time to innovative blends that'll surprise your guests, I'm here to unearth the top 20 winter cocktails that are absolute must-tries.
These fun beverages aren't just about mixing liquids in a shaker; they're an experience in a glass. Think cinnamon-spiced aromas, the comforting embrace of a bourbon-infused hug, or the zesty kick of a citrusy surprise – these cocktails are the epitome of winter in a sip.
Now, I could go on about the joys of winter beverages forever (I mean, who doesn't love a good toddy?), but I'll spare you the chatter and get straight to the good stuff. So, gather 'round, my fellow cocktail enthusiasts, and keep reading for the crème de la crème of winter libations that are sure to elevate your spirits this season! Cheers to making merry and savoring every sip! 🍹✨
Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate
Image via Brit + Co
Incorporating aromatic mulled wine with orange and spices into warm cocoa, this festive mulled wine hot chocolate revolutionizes traditional winter drinks. (via Brit + Co)
The Easiest Hot Toddy
Image via Brit + Co
For a quick and delightful winter warmer, try this Hot Toddy recipe with just two ingredients (excluding water). Using honey-flavored bourbon simplifies the classic cocktail, making it a hassle-free choice for cozy nights. (via Brit + Co)
Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch
Brit + Co
Embrace the holiday spirit with a warming bourbon cocktail that screams festive indulgence. This Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch isn't your average seasonal drink – it's a game-changer. Infusing the rich flavors of butterscotch into the beloved bourbon, this recipe is a must-try for those seeking a delightful twist on classic winter libations. (Brit + Co)
Spicy Fireball Cocktail
Brit + Co
Gear up for the holiday season with a show-stopping yet easy-to-make drink that promises both flavor and flair. This Spicy Fireball cocktail, reminiscent of a wintry Moscow Mule, is the epitome of a perfect holiday beverage. With its simple preparation and impressive presentation, it's a cozy and inviting sip that brings warmth to the festive table. This delightful concoction not only pairs flawlessly with your favorite holiday treats but also complements hearty winter meals. Whether it's Christmas gatherings, New Year's celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a fantastic drink, this recipe should be your go-to. (Brit + Co)
Winter Aperol Spritz
Image via Barley and Sage
Transform the classic Aperol spritz into a festive winter delight with a cranberry and cinnamon twist—an ideal, light, and refreshing cocktail for all your holiday gatherings. (via Barley and Sage)
Pomegranate Moscow Mule
Image via Mixop
Add a colorful twist to the classic Moscow Mule with a vibrant Pomegranate version, blending vodka, lime, and ginger beer, creating a visually stunning and irresistible winter cocktail choice. (via Mixop)
Blackberry Lime Prosecco Cocktails
Image via The Real Food Dietitians
This refreshing, low-sugar Prosecco cocktail bursting with berry-lime flavors is perfect for batch-making to elevate any gathering or enjoy a delightful evening on the patio. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Perfect Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Image via A Spicy Perspective
Infuse warmth into your winter gatherings with the Perfect Manhattan Cocktail—a festive blend of bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters, garnished with a twist of lemon, orange, or maraschino cherry. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail
Image via Crowded Kitchen
This cocktail is a delightful blend of tart cranberry, citrusy orange, and warming spices, making it perfect for your winter gatherings. It strikes the ideal balance between sweet and tangy flavors, promising a festive sip for the holiday season. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Blanton's Old Fashioned
Image via Earthly Provisions
This timeless cocktail combines Blanton's Original Bourbon, maple sweetness, and a touch of orange zest, creating a warming delight perfect for winter. (via Earthly Provisions)
Warm Up Your Winter Nights with These Must-Try Cocktails
White Russian Mocha
Image via Completely Delicious
This warm and invigorating concoction, blending Absolut Vodka, coffee liqueur, and chocolate syrup in steamed milk, promises the perfect comfort during the chilly months. (via Completely Delicious)
Mulled Apple Cider
Image via Gastro Plant
Indulge in this cozy blend, enhancing apple cider with warming spices and a touch of bourbon, rum, or vodka for a soul-soothing winter drink. (via Gastro Plant)
Peppermint White Russian
Image via Takes Two Eggs
This winter cocktail boasts a merry peppermint kick, making it the ideal choice for elevating holiday gatherings with its rich, indulgent flavor. (via Takes Two Eggs)
Blood Orange Thyme and Gin Cocktail
Image via Vanilla and Bean
This citrusy concoction, complemented by raspberry and cucumber notes, delivers a delightful sip, capturing the freshest winter flavors. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Spiced Pear Mulled Wine
Image via Amanda Wilens
Savor the season with this mulled wine - a warm, fragrant blend of medium-bodied wine, brandy, brown sugar, and aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and fresh ginger, enhanced by the sweet slices of Comice or Forelle pears. (via Amanda Wilens)
Bourbon Eggnog
Image via The Endless Meal
Indulge in the season's warmth with this creamy Bourbon Eggnog, marrying the richness of eggnog spices with the inviting touch of bourbon. Sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cozy drink embodies the essence of a cold winter's night. (via The Endless Meal)
Slow-Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
Image via Culinary Hill
For a fuss-free and delicious winter warmer, try this recipe. With just five simple ingredients, this spiced beverage, simmered in a crockpot, fills your home with inviting aromas and makes for a heartwarming treat during chilly days. (via Culinary Hill)
Winter Citrus Tequila Smash
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
Packed with the goodness of blood oranges, pomegranate juice, zesty lime, fresh mint, and a touch of honey, this refreshing tequila-based cocktail is not just a feast for the senses but also a delightful defense against winter's chill. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Image via Hello Little Home
Indulge in the ultimate winter warmer with this hot chocolate: a quick, cozy, and boozy delight perfect for chilly evenings—customize it with your favorite liquor for a festive touch! (via Hello Little Home)
Tito's Spiced Wine Sipper
Image via Tito's
Combine Tito's Handmade Vodka, red wine, orange liqueur, orange juice, and cinnamon syrup in a shaker with ice, then strain into a glass and top with red wine—a perfect, spiced sip for winter nights. (via Tito's)
