Winter is here, and with it comes a whole new set of flavors and ingredients that are perfect for creating delicious cocktails that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and indulgent or something a little more spicy and complex, there are plenty of winter cocktails to choose from. Here are five of our favorites, along with recipes and instructions on how to make them at home.
1. Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail
There’s nothing quite like a hot mug of spiced apple cider on a cold winter’s day, but why not take things up a notch by turning that cider into a delicious cocktail? This Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire, and it’s easy to make too.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- Dash of cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Combine the apple cider, bourbon, lemon juice, honey, ginger syrup, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve.
2. Winter Sangria
Sangria may be traditionally associated with summer, but with a few tweaks, it can be transformed into a delicious winter cocktail that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. This Winter Sangria is made with warm spices, red wine, and citrus fruits, making it the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, honey, orange juice, cranberry juice, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and cloves in a large pitcher.
- Stir well and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or overnight).
- Serve over ice and garnish with additional orange and lemon slices, if desired.
3. Hot Toddy
A classic winter cocktail, the Hot Toddy is perfect for warming you up on a cold day. This recipe uses honey, lemon, and whiskey, but feel free to experiment with other flavors, such as tea or ginger, to create your own unique twist on this timeless drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz whiskey
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon slice
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Combine the whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a mug.
- Fill the mug with hot water and stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and serve hot.
4. Cranberry Margarita
If you’re a fan of margaritas, why not try this festive Cranberry Margarita during the winter months? Made with fresh cranberries, lime juice, and tequila, this cocktail is both sweet and tangy, and the perfect addition to any holiday party.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
- Salt (for rimming)
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it in salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh cranberries.
- Add the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
5. Irish Coffee
There’s nothing quite like sipping on a warm and cozy Irish Coffee during the chilly winter months. This classic cocktail is the perfect blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sweetened cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Heavy cream (whipped)
Instructions:
- Pour the Irish whiskey into a mug.
- Add the hot brewed coffee and brown sugar to the mug and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Top with whipped heavy cream and serve hot.
6. Peppermint White Russian
For those who love a bit of minty freshness in their winter cocktails, the Peppermint White Russian is a must-try. This spin on the classic White Russian features peppermint schnapps and crushed peppermint candies for a festive and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- In a separate glass, mix together the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and coffee liqueur.
- Pour the mixture over the ice.
- Top with heavy cream and garnish with crushed peppermint candies.
7. Winter Spiced Gin & Tonic
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful gin cocktail to warm you up this winter, look no further than the Winter Spiced Gin & Tonic. With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, this twist on the classic G&T is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz honey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Tonic water
- Orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water and garnish with an orange slice.
8. Maple Bourbon Smash
For a sweet and savory winter cocktail, the Maple Bourbon Smash is a fantastic choice. Made with fresh thyme, maple syrup, and bourbon, this drink has just the right amount of warmth and flavor to make you feel cozy all season long.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz orange juice
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Club soda
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh thyme.
- Add the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with an orange twist.
Winter is the perfect time to experiment with new cocktail recipes and warm up from the inside out. From the classic Hot Toddy to the unique Maple Bourbon Smash, these winter cocktails are sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. So, grab your favorite ingredients, mix up a batch of your favorite winter drink, and enjoy the cozy warmth of the season! Cheers!
