The beauty of winter cocktails lies in their variety and richness. From the comforting warmth of mulled wine to the delightful twist of a peppermint hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Winter is the ideal time to get creative and add a festive touch to your cocktail repertoire, using spices and flavors that are just right for the season.
As we explore these wonderful concoctions, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply relaxing at home, our guide to winter cocktails will ensure you have the perfect drink in hand to celebrate the season. So, let’s dive into the world of winter cocktails and discover some exciting recipes that will make your holidays even more special.
Classic Winter Cocktails and Their Twists
Winter means cozy drinks that warm us up and fill the air with delicious spices. In this part, we’ll explore a range of beloved winter cocktails, offering both traditional recipes and exciting new versions.
The Art of Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a staple of the winter season. This classic cocktail combines red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. To add a twist, we might use bourbon or brandy for a richer flavor. Fresh orange slices and a splash of pomegranate juice can also give it a fruity touch.
For the best results, gently heat the mixture, never boiling it, to keep the wine’s flavors intact. The aroma of warming spices fills our kitchen, making mulled wine a warm and inviting drink for any winter gathering.
15 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1
Nutrition per serving:
180 Cals, 0g Protein, 20g Carbs, 0g Fat, 18g Sugar
EQUIPMENT
- Saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Heatproof glass or mug
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 orange slice
- 1 lemon slice
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Orange slice
- Cinnamon stick
METHOD
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a saucepan, combine the red wine, apple cider, honey, cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, orange slice, and lemon slice.
- Heat: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm but not boiling. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a heatproof glass or mug, removing the spices and citrus slices.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Holiday Spirits: Eggnog and Its Variations
Eggnog is a classic that brings festive cheer. Traditional eggnog includes eggs, cream, sugar, and a mix of brandy, rum, or bourbon. For a delicious twist, we can add flavored liqueurs like amaretto or Irish cream.
Cinnamon and grated nutmeg on top make it even better. We can also try a dairy-free version using almond or coconut milk. Each variation of eggnog offers a unique taste that keeps us coming back for more. Sharing this creamy, spiced cocktail is a highlight of the holiday season.
Eggnog with Amaretto Cocktail
5 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1
Nutrition per serving:
250 Cals, 5g Protein, 24g Carbs, 12g Fat, 22g Sugar
EQUIPMENT
- Mixing bowl or shaker
- Whisk or stirring spoon
- Glass
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 oz amaretto liqueur
- 0.5 oz dark rum (optional)
- Ice
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick
METHOD
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a mixing bowl or shaker, combine the eggnog, amaretto liqueur, and dark rum (if using). Add ice.
- Mix: Whisk or stir the mixture until well combined and chilled.
- Pour: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Reviving Old Classics
Winter is a great time to enjoy classic cocktails with a cold-weather twist. Take the Old Fashioned, for example. By using cocoa-infused whiskey, it becomes a Cocoa Old Fashioned with a richer, more seasonal taste.
A Whiskey Sour can be enhanced with a splash of cranberry juice, adding a festive color and flavor. Hot Buttered Rum combines dark rum, brown sugar, and butter for a creamy, warming cocktail. And let’s not forget Irish Coffee, blending hot coffee with Irish whiskey and topped with cream.
By experimenting with these classic cocktails, we can find the perfect drink to warm us through the winter months.
Cocoa Old Fashioned
5 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1
Nutrition per serving:
220 Cals, 0g Protein, 12g Carbs, 0g Fat, 12g Sugar
EQUIPMENT
- Mixing glass
- Stirring spoon
- Old-fashioned glass
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Orange twist
- Dark chocolate shavings
METHOD
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, chocolate liqueur, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Add ice.
- Stir: Stir the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange twist and dark chocolate shavings, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Modern Takes on Cold-Weather Mixology
As the weather gets colder, our drink choices shift towards warming, comforting cocktails. Modern mixology has given a fresh twist to classic winter drinks, incorporating bold flavors and creative ingredients.
Fusion Cocktails
Winter cocktails today often blend ingredients from different traditions. A Gingerbread Martini exemplifies this fusion, combining the spices of gingerbread with the smoothness of vodka. Similarly, Cranberry Margaritas bring a tart, festive twist to the classic tequila-based drink. These fusion drinks not only warm you up but also provide unique flavor experiences.
Gingerbread Martini Cocktail
5 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1
Nutrition per serving:
210 Cals, 1g Protein, 20g Carbs, 7g Fat, 18g Sugar
EQUIPMENT
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Martini glass
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 0.5 oz gingerbread syrup
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Ice
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Crushed gingerbread cookie rim
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon
METHOD
- Prepare the Cocktail: Rim a martini glass with crushed gingerbread cookies by dipping the rim in water or syrup and then into the cookie crumbs. Set aside.
- Mix: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Irish cream liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream. Add ice.
- Shake: Shake well until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Innovative Ingredients
Modern mixologists are experimenting with unexpected ingredients to create new winter favorites. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to cocktails like a Maple Old Fashioned, while rosemary can provide an aromatic touch. Drinks that incorporate peppermint or lemon can invigorate the palate. Even unlikely components such as spiked hot chocolate and apple cider sangria are gaining popularity for their comfort and warmth.
Non-Traditional Holiday Concoctions
We love how modern mixology reimagines holiday drinks. Take the Pomegranate Martini— it’s a fresh take on holiday cheer with its tart, vibrant flavor. Alternatively, the Sugar Cookie Martini mimics the sweet, buttery taste of holiday treats. Bloody Maria offers a spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary, perfect for brunch gatherings. Even mojitos are getting winter makeovers, using ingredients like cranberries and cinnamon to capture the seasonal spirit.
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- Double Wall: The double wall design keeps the cup safe to touch with hot drinks and free of condensation with cold ones. And also keeps your drinks hot or cold for longer than one layer glasses under the same conditions
- Chic Appearance: Double wall and clear body create a floating illusion that makes your drinks more appealing. A nice choice for coffee, tea, desserts and more. A great addition to any table and occasion
Frequently Asked Questions
Winter cocktails bring warmth and flavor to chilly days. Here, we explore classic winter drinks, warm recipes, popular ingredients, and trending creations.
What are some classic cocktails that are perfect for winter?
Classic winter cocktails include the Hot Buttered Rum, Eggnog, and Mulled Wine. These drinks are known for their rich flavors and warming effects. Another favorite is the Irish Coffee, combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream.
Can you suggest some warm cocktail recipes for chilly weather?
Warm up with a Ginger Snap Cocktail or a Spiced Hot Chocolate. A Hot Buttered Rum mix with butter, brown sugar, and spices is perfect. For something fruity, try an Apple Cider Spritz with prosecco, apple cider, and a hint of cinnamon.
Which ingredients are commonly used in winter cocktail mixes?
Winter cocktails often use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Common ingredients include apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger. Alcoholic bases like whiskey, rum, and brandy are popular. Liqueurs like Chambord add a touch of sweetness.
How can I make a hot toddy and other hot cocktails for winter?
To make a Hot Toddy, combine hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon. Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth. For other hot cocktails, try mixing hot apple cider with rum or making a Spiced Winter Mojito with gingerbread syrup.
