30 Winter Cocktails

There are so many things I love about Fall and Winter, and one of those things is just how many delicious ingredients there are to enjoy. As well as enjoying tasty treats such as Winter Cookies, we are also spoilt for choice with ingredients for Winter Cocktails at this time of year. I’ve really enjoyed making cocktails recently and I’m forever trying out new recipes. Since I treated myself to a cocktail shaker, there’s no stopping me!

I love the smells of gingerbread, cinnamon and chocolate at all times of year but especially during the Winter months – they just make everything feel warm and cozy. So, naturally, I’ve chosen recipes that incorporate those ingredients along with other classic Winter ingredients.

I’ve collated 30 winter cocktail recipes that I personally enjoy and I’m sure you will too!

Make sure you also take a look at my Christmas Cocktail recipes for more seasonal options.

Why I Think You’ll Love These Winter Cocktails

  • Warm and Comforting: Winter cocktails are designed to warm you up from the inside out. Ingredients like hot cider, mulled wine, and spiced rum create a cozy experience that’s perfect for chilly nights.
  • Seasonal Flavors: These recipes highlight the best flavors of the season, from cinnamon and nutmeg to cranberry and peppermint. They capture the essence of winter in every sip.
  • Festive and Fun: Winter cocktails are often festive, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or ringing in the New Year, these drinks add a special touch to any event.
  • Versatile Options: With 30 different recipes, there’s something for everyone. From classic favorites to creative new blends, you’ll find cocktails that suit a variety of tastes and preferences.
  • Easy to Make: Many of these recipes are straightforward and easy to prepare, even for beginners. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll be able to whip up delicious cocktails in no time.
  • Elegant Presentation: Winter cocktails often come with beautiful garnishes and presentations. Think sugar-rimmed glasses, sprigs of rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. They look as good as they taste!
  • Perfect for Pairing: These cocktails pair wonderfully with winter foods. Imagine sipping a spiced pear collins alongside a cheese platter or enjoying a hot toddy with a slice of apple pie.
  • Customizable: Many of these recipes are easily customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, and even the type of alcohol to suit your personal taste.
  • Memorable Moments: Sharing a special cocktail can create memorable moments with friends and family. These recipes are perfect for making new traditions and enjoying quality time together.

30 Winter Cocktails

30 Winter Cocktails

1. Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is a classic winter cocktail known for its soothing and warming qualities. It’s perfect for cold nights and can even help ease a sore throat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 ½ oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 lemon slice
  • 2-3 cloves

Instructions:

  1. Pour hot water into a mug and add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
  2. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
  3. Garnish with the cinnamon stick, lemon slice, and cloves.
  4. Let it steep for a few minutes, then enjoy!

2. Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine is a traditional European winter drink, often enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s a warm, spiced wine that’s perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • ¼ cup honey or sugar
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 tsp whole allspice

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the wine, brandy, honey (or sugar), orange slices, lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and allspice.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just reaches a simmer. Do not boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes.
  4. Strain the mixture to remove the spices and fruit.
  5. Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.

3. Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a rich and warming beverage that combines hot coffee with Irish whiskey and a touch of sweetness, topped with a layer of cream.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Instructions:

  1. Pour the hot coffee into a warm mug or glass.
  2. Add the Irish whiskey and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Gently float the lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
  4. Enjoy the drink without stirring, sipping the coffee through the cream.

4. Spiked Hot Chocolate

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Spiked Hot Chocolate is a decadent and cozy drink that combines the comfort of hot chocolate with a splash of your favorite spirit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 oz dark rum or bourbon
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the dark rum or bourbon.
  4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

5. Eggnog

Classic Eggnog Cocktail

Eggnog is a creamy and festive classic, often enjoyed during the holiday season. This version includes a bit of brandy and rum for an extra kick.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ½ cup dark rum
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until they are thick and pale.
  2. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, brandy, and rum.
  4. Slowly add the egg mixture to the milk mixture, whisking constantly.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  6. Serve in glasses, topped with freshly grated nutmeg.

6. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a rich and creamy cocktail that has been a winter favorite for centuries. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz dark rum
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mug, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  2. Pour in the dark rum and hot water.
  3. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
  4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.

7. Peppermint Patty

Peppermint Patty

The Peppermint Patty is a minty, chocolatey delight that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s like drinking a liquid version of the classic candy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz dark crème de cacao
  • 1 cup hot chocolate
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mug, combine the peppermint schnapps and dark crème de cacao.
  2. Pour in the hot chocolate and stir well.
  3. Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

8. Cranberry Mulled Cider

Cranberry Mulled Cider

Cranberry Mulled Cider is a festive twist on traditional mulled cider, adding the tartness of cranberries to the mix. It’s a great choice for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 star anise
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, honey, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just reaches a simmer. Do not boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes.
  4. Strain the mixture to remove the spices and fruit.
  5. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with fresh cranberries.

9. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is a wintery take on the classic Old Fashioned, using maple syrup to add a touch of seasonal sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
  3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel and serve.

10. Chai Spiced White Russian

Chai Spiced White Russian

The Chai Spiced White Russian is a comforting and aromatic twist on the classic White Russian, featuring chai spices for a warm and cozy flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Kahlúa
  • 1 oz chai concentrate
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • Ice
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the vodka, Kahlúa, and chai concentrate.
  3. Slowly add the heavy cream, allowing it to float on top.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and serve.

11. Spiced Apple Margarita

Spiced Apple Margarita

The Spiced Apple Margarita is a wintery version of the classic margarita, combining the flavors of apple cider and warm spices for a festive twist.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz apple cider
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz triple sec
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Apple slice for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, triple sec, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
  5. Serve immediately.

12. Gingerbread Martini

Gingerbread Martini

The Gingerbread Martini is a festive and sweet cocktail that captures the essence of holiday gingerbread cookies in a glass.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 oz gingerbread syrup
  • ½ oz coffee liqueur
  • Crushed gingerbread cookies for rimming
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Rim a martini glass with crushed gingerbread cookies.
  2. In a shaker, combine the vodka, Irish cream liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and coffee liqueur.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
  5. Serve immediately.

13. Pomegranate Gin Fizz

Pomegranate Gin Fizz

The Pomegranate Gin Fizz is a refreshing yet festive cocktail that combines the tartness of pomegranate with the botanical notes of gin.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Club soda
  • Pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with club soda.
  5. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.

14. Winter Sangria

Winter Sangria

Winter Sangria is a seasonal twist on the classic sangria, featuring winter fruits and spices for a festive and warming beverage.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • ¼ cup orange liqueur
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 pear, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice.
  2. Add the orange slices, apple slices, pear slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
  3. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. Serve in glasses, garnished with fresh cranberries.

15. Maple Pecan Old Fashioned

Maple Pecan Old Fashioned

The Maple Pecan Old Fashioned is a nutty and sweet variation of the classic Old Fashioned, perfect for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 dashes pecan bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Pecan for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and pecan bitters.
  2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
  3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel and a pecan.
  5. Serve immediately.

16. Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

The Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is a spicy and warming take on the traditional whiskey sour, featuring cinnamon syrup for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz whiskey
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz cinnamon syrup
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve.

17. Spiced Pear Collins

Spiced Pear Collins

The Spiced Pear Collins is a seasonal twist on the classic Tom Collins, featuring pear and warm spices for a wintery flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz pear vodka
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz spiced simple syrup (made with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice)
  • Club soda
  • Pear slice for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the pear vodka, lemon juice, and spiced simple syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with club soda.
  5. Garnish with a pear slice and serve.

18. Rosemary Greyhound

Rosemary Greyhound

The Rosemary Greyhound is a herbaceous and refreshing cocktail that combines the tartness of grapefruit with the aromatic notes of rosemary.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 3 oz grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz rosemary simple syrup
  • Rosemary sprig for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the vodka, grapefruit juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve.

19. Spiced Hot Apple Pie

Spiced Hot Apple Pie Cocktail

The Spiced Hot Apple Pie is a cozy and comforting drink that tastes just like a slice of warm apple pie, perfect for winter evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz spiced rum
  • 1 oz apple cider
  • 1 oz vanilla liqueur
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, vanilla liqueur, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
  2. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the spiced rum.
  4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream.
  5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.

20. Winter Bourbon Smash

Winter Bourbon Smash

The Winter Bourbon Smash is a fruity and flavorful cocktail that combines bourbon with winter fruits and spices for a festive drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Fresh cranberries and lemon wheel for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lemon wheel.
  5. Serve immediately.

21. S’mores Martini

S'mores Martini

The S’mores Martini is a decadent cocktail that brings the flavors of the classic campfire treat into a delightful drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz chocolate liqueur
  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 oz cream or milk
  • Crushed graham crackers for rimming
  • Marshmallow for garnish
  • Chocolate syrup

Instructions:

  1. Rim a martini glass with chocolate syrup and dip it into crushed graham crackers.
  2. In a shaker, combine the vodka, chocolate liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and cream.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a toasted marshmallow on a skewer.

22. Winter Spiced Sangria

Winter Spiced Sangria

Winter Spiced Sangria is a festive and warming version of sangria, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle white wine (750ml)
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ¼ cup orange liqueur
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 pear, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and apple cider.
  2. Add the apple slices, pear slices, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
  3. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. Serve in glasses, garnished with fresh cranberries.

23. Caramel Apple Martini

Caramel Apple Martini

The Caramel Apple Martini is a sweet and tart cocktail that captures the flavors of caramel apples in a sophisticated drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz apple schnapps
  • 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
  • Caramel sauce for rimming
  • Apple slice for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Rim a martini glass with caramel sauce.
  2. In a shaker, combine the vodka, apple schnapps, and butterscotch schnapps.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
  5. Garnish with an apple slice and serve.

24. Spiced Cranberry Margarita

Spiced Cranberry Margarita

The Spiced Cranberry Margarita is a festive twist on the classic margarita, featuring the tartness of cranberries and the warmth of spices.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz triple sec
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Cranberries and lime wheel for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, triple sec, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel.
  5. Serve immediately.

25. Hot Maple Apple Cider

Hot Maple Apple Cider

Hot Maple Apple Cider is a cozy and comforting drink that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the warmth of apple cider.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just reaches a simmer. Do not boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.
  4. Strain the mixture to remove the spices.
  5. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with an orange slice.

26. Spiked Chai Latte

Spiked Chai Latte

The Spiked Chai Latte is a warm and spicy drink that combines the flavors of chai tea with a splash of your favorite spirit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brewed chai tea
  • 1 oz spiced rum or bourbon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ cup steamed milk
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Brew a cup of chai tea according to package instructions.
  2. Stir in the spiced rum (or bourbon) and honey until well combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a mug and top with steamed milk.
  4. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and serve immediately.

27. Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa

The Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa is a festive and elegant cocktail that combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the sweetness of vanilla and sparkling wine.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • ½ oz vanilla syrup
  • Sparkling wine or champagne
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a champagne flute, combine the cranberry juice and vanilla syrup.
  2. Top with sparkling wine or champagne.
  3. Garnish with fresh cranberries and serve immediately.

28. Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte

Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy and flavorful drink that combines the classic flavors of pumpkin spice with a splash of coffee liqueur.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ cup steamed milk
  • Whipped cream
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is heated through.
  2. Stir in the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur.
  3. Pour the mixture into a mug and top with steamed milk.
  4. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
  5. Serve immediately.

29. Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange

Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange

Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange is a rich and warming drink that combines the flavors of chocolate, spices, and a hint of orange.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 oz orange liqueur
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
  • Whipped cream
  • Orange zest for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until fully dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the orange liqueur.
  4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream.
  5. Garnish with orange zest and serve immediately.

30. Spiced Rum Punch

Spiced Rum Punch

Spiced Rum Punch is a festive and flavorful cocktail that combines the warmth of spiced rum with the sweetness of fruit juices and a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz spiced rum
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz grenadine
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • Orange slice and cherry for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the spiced rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and ground nutmeg.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
  5. Serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy trying out these 30 Winter Cocktails as much as I did!