Winter Cocktails to Warm Up your Winter
Dry January who?! The winter season is often considered a dreary and bitter-cold time of year. We find it best to warm up those cold months with a delicious and cheerful drink in your hand! Below is a list of some of our favorite winter cocktail suggestions. Whether you are looking for something to warm you up or cool you down, these sips are perfect for anyone!
Fireside Negroni
The Fireside Negroni is the big brother to the classic Hot Toddy. Made by combining earl grey tea, maple syrup, gin, star anise, and sweet vermouth, this tasty cocktail is a warm and rich twist on a cozy classic! A Fireside Negroni is best served with an orange peel for garnish, making it the perfect drink to warm up the winter freeze.
Hot Toddy
The inspiration to the Fireside Negroni, a Hot Toddy is yet another warm drink perfect for a cold and snowy day. This drink is best on days when you feel under the weather or need some help falling asleep! The Hot Toddy can be made by combining hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon. Also recommended for extra flavor is caramel sauce—think spiked apple cider!
Cranberry Paloma
A bright cocktail is the perfect way to add color to the dull winter weather. Combine your favorite tequila, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, club soda, and a sugared cranberry for a wintery garnish. Not to mention all the health benefits that cranberries have… this is practically a wellness drink! We recommend serving in glass with a sugared rim. For extra flavor and winter cheer, consider adding a grapefruit slice, cinnamon stick, or sprig of rosemary!
Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour
If one cranberry flavored drink isn’t enough for you, try two cranberry cocktails! This cranberry flavored cocktail is ideal for whiskey lovers. To make, mix together cranberry juice, whiskey, lime juice, ginger beer or ale, and garnish with a lemon twist. This cocktail is the perfect simple complement to any winter party.
Lambrusco Smash
This cocktail is a tasty addition to any winter evening. Mix together Lambrusco, orange juice, ginger beer, and mezcal. Garnished with orange peel for an extra colorful element. A Lambrusco Smash is great for a bright, tangy, and sweet cocktail option. Best served over ice or chilled, this cocktail is sure to brighten up your winter.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini
While this drink sure won’t necessarily warm up your winter, it’s a tasty twist on the classic winter drink. To make this chilly drink, blend ice, your favorite vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and hot chocolate mix. It is highly recommended to add whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint—this makes any hot chocolate all the more festive!
Mulled Wine
A classic Mulled Wine is a delicious addition to your cold winter months! Make this tasty drink by simmering red wine with honey, orange slices, brandy, and assorted spices. We recommend using cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and nutmeg. Serve in a wintery mug garnished with orange slices and a cinnamon stick. You could say this is the perfect cocktail to spice up a party!
Hot Buttered Rum
This classic cocktail is a great way to warm up your winter days! First, mix together a hot buttered rum batter. Melt together butter, brown sugar, vanilla ice cream (or salted caramel if you’re feeling fancy), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Once the mixture is cool, combine it with your favorite rum in a mug and garnish with nutmeg. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this drink, try pairing it with apple cider, milk, or coffee instead!
It’s always wonderful to come home after a long day to a delicious cocktail—especially during the chilly winter months. This wide range of drink suggestions is sure to get you through the cold of the current season. Whether you find it the most comforting to sip on a bright and tangy drink, or you enjoy a hot and cozy drink by the fire, this list is a great reference for the best winter cocktails!
