35 Best Winter Cocktails To Warm Up This Frosty Season

When winter weather makes you feel down, cheer yourself up with a roaring fire and a festive winter drink. Whether cooking a holiday dinner or curling up on the couch for a night of Christmas movies and popcorn, these 35 cocktails are perfect for many cold-weather occasions.

From soothing hot chocolates to spiked sippers with pomegranate, blood orange, and peppermint, there's a great winter drink for everyone.

1. Classic Hot Toddy

You've been missing out if you've never had a Hot Toddy. This warm and nourishing cocktail is a satisfying staple whether you're fighting off a cold or just trying to relax at the end of a long day.

Hot toddies are hot cocktails that are easy to create and keep you warm during winter. All you need is a base liquor, honey, lemon juice, and tea. You can use this formula as a jumping-off point for making your unique hot toddies since it has inspired many other variations.

Get the recipe here.

2. Aged Rum Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a classic rum cocktail and one of the freshest drinks you can make. It only has three ingredients, which everyone should try at least once. For the ultimate daiquiri, you'll need excellent aged rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.

You'll want your daiquiri to be sweet and sour, but you can play around with the proportions to get your perfect sip. Those sugary-sour bottled daiquiris have no place in the bar once you establish your optimal blend.

Get the recipe here.

3. Coquito

What do you get when you combine Christmas, coconuts, and rum? An incredible Puerto Rican holiday drink. The Coquito is a Christmas tradition in Puerto Rico: an eggnog and rum punch with a conflicted colonial past, much like the Gin and Tonic.

The original recipe was of Spanish origin. As Spanish colonists experimented with the local rum, adding a splash of coconut milk and a spritz of fresh lime made it a tropical treat.

Get the recipe here .

4. Gold Rush

This wintertime favorite is the bee's knees, literally. Bee pollen is one of the hottest new garnishes on the scene. Famously healthy, the bee pollen enhances the notes of honey in this delectable drink and is said to be great for curing allergies naturally.

Much like the Hot Toddy, this cocktail is the cooler version, also served with honey and lemon, but instead of any old whiskey , the Gold Rush calls for fine bourbon .

Get the recipe here.

5. Merry Mule

Who doesn't love a good mule party? The Winter Mule has your mule favorites: ginger beer and fine vodka. What makes it wintry is the addition of the winter superfood: apricot.

Dried or fresh, we love the tangy sweetness incorporated with a splash of apricot liqueur, garnished with dried apricots and a sprig of rosemary. No matter the occasion, with holiday spirit or bah-humbug, enjoy the simple pleasures this year when winter comes.

Get the recipe here.

6. Old-Fashioned Swedish Glogg

This winter season, let Sweden's glögg warm your heart and soul. Glögg, which translates to "glowing ember," is an Old Norse term for a mulled wine drink that has become a Christmas-time tradition in many countries.

You may have seen glögg on the shelves at Ikea and wondered what it is. You can find various delicious takes on the mulled wine tradition throughout Europe. When made Swedish-style, glögg is often spiked with bourbon or vodka and flavored with cardamom pods to give it an extra kick.

Get the recipe here .

7. Boulevardier

It's not a Negroni ! However, it is Negroni's long-lost autumnal cousin. The Boulevardier, first mentioned in print in 1927 in a slim volume called Barflies and Cocktails, takes the same Negroni formula—a good dose of gin brushed up with equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth —and twists it by substituting whiskey for the gin .

The Boulevardier is rich and intriguing, whereas the Negroni is crisp and lean. The two drinks differ slightly in preparation, but their results are stunning. When winter comes around, you can very well enjoy these cocktails.

Get the recipe here.

8. Autumn In New England

Autumn In New England is a unique cocktail you may not find in a book. This is something that anyone will love from all ages because it tastes so good with just a hint of warmth.

The process begins by adding sage leaves and syrup to the base and then topping it with main ingredients such as bourbon, apple cider, and vinegar and mixing it with ice. Garnish it with a sage sprig and serve.

Get the recipe here.

9. Tequila Mexican Spiked Hot Chocolate

This drink is for you if you enjoy cuddling on snowy days or reading a good book with a hot beverage. It's similar to Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate but uses tequila instead of bourbon.

It's very chocolaty and simple to make in a slow cooker. Serve the kids and non-drinkers first, then spike it with alcohol for those who want a hot chocolate cocktail.

Get the recipe here.

10. Kings of Manhattan

The Kings of Manhattan is a classic cocktail as old as the 1900s. It is made using a mixture of bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and then a dash of Angostura bitters.

You need very few quality ingredients to savor, such as a drink that gets the adjective king in its name. You can replace the last dash with either Angostura or Regan's orange bitters.

Get the recipe here.

11. Jalapeno Cranberry Margarita

This jolly and spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Margarita is made with fresh-squeezed cranberry juice, a simple syrup from jalapenos, and tequila. The homemade cranberry juice in this cocktail has a richer and more robust flavor than the typical thin and watery commercial juice.

The real stars are tequila, jalapeno syrup, and lime juice; every sip fills you with warmth. The jalapeno adds a welcome spicy kick that keeps the drink from being too sweet.

Get the recipe here.

12. Spiced Winter Sangria

This Spiced Winter Sangria recipe has a fruity, sweet taste with warm cinnamon and clove undertones. It's a fun twist on classic red sangria , thanks to warm spices and winter fruit.

To make this winter variation of sangria, you need to make a simple syrup infused with warm winter spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. This syrup gives the cocktail a nice warm, spiced undertone.

Then, to brighten the flavors, add orange juice to the wine, followed by a splash of brandy . For fruit, combine oranges and pears from the fall and winter seasons.

Get the recipe here.

13. The Lucky Few

When the weather's too cold to go outside, warm up with The Lucky Few, a cognac-based cocktail.

This recipe calls for Rémy Martin XO cognac , which has flavors of plum, mature fig, and candied orange, as well as spicy notes with a hint of cinnamon and freshly crushed hazelnuts, and finishes with gourmet notes of roasted cocoa beans, honey, and ginger.

Another highlight of this cocktail is the Som Pineapple Szechuan Pepper, which combines sweet pineapple with spicy szechuan peppercorn and a tart vinegar kick. It's deliciously topped with club soda and goes well with lime and pineapple juice.

Get the recipe here.

14. Very Merry Bourbon Alexander

The Very Merry Bourbon Alexander is a contemporary twist on the classic brandy Alexander . It's a tasty cocktail that enchanted drinkers for most of the 20th century and hasn't lost its charm.

Although the cocktail's origin is unknown, and many claims to have invented it, all stories seem to point to a New York bartender named Alexander as the true mastermind behind this smooth and delicious concoction. The drink shouldn't taste like chocolate, but it should have a hint of chocolate flavor that goes well with the cream and brandy.

This classic cocktail is made with bourbon instead of brandy. The bourbon adds a spicy pepper flavor from the rye, sweet corn notes, and vanilla on the chocolatey flavor of cream de cacao.

Get the recipe here.

15. Eximo Noir

After a long day of work, sometimes you want to curl up on the couch and drink something warm and refreshing with just enough sweetness. Eximo Noir is made with Facundo Eximo, a rich mahogany rum. A dark brew coffee syrup and Amaro Montenegro give the cocktail its color while the tang of Combier orange liqueur adds sweetness.

The Facundo Eximo dark rum is a blend of medium and heavy-bodied rums aged in fine oak barrels. The rum's robust flavor pairs well with the sweeter liqueurs for a delicious drink.

Get the recipe here.

16. Espresso Martini

If you need a little jolt of energy after dinner, try an Espresso Martini. Since its launch in the 1980s, the cocktail has been used to kick off events and extend parties. Pull an espresso shot and pop it in the fridge for a quick chill if you have an espresso machine. But cold brew concentrate is a simple workaround if you don't have access to this equipment.

Kahla Coffee Liqueur is added to the mix to complement the espresso and deepen its coffee flavor. During a lazy winter day, a well-made Expresso Martini is just what you need to get through your day.

Get the recipe here .

17. Snowshoe Grog

This snowshoe grog recipe is a simple lowball cocktail served on the rocks that will warm you up from the inside out. It's also very simple to make because all you have to do is pour, stir, and enjoy!

It is a favorite in colder northern climates, made with either bourbon or brandy. Pairing these spirits with peppermint schnapps makes for a quick drink on cold winter days.

Get the recipe here.

18. Pumpkin Spice Latte

When the weather cools, people tend to crave pumpkin-spiced lattes. You can also add a boozy kick by sprinkling it with vodka or rum.

Kahlua has a full-bodied, rich, sweet flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel on the finish. It pairs well with vodka, which has a clean black peppercorn spice and a faint brown bread flavor.

Get the recipe here.

19. Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

Old-fashioned cocktails are the perfect drink to enjoy during the winter season. This recipe for an Old Fashioned infused with seasonal spices like cinnamon and clove will warm you from head to toe while keeping your taste buds tantalized with its refreshing aroma!

Get the recipe here.

20. Mulled Malbec

Mulled wine is a traditional drink in many places in Northern Europe, dating back to the 8th century BC. This version of mulled wine goes perfectly with Malbec.

Malbec is a good choice when you're looking for a wine that's similar to Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. It tastes like dark fruits with a smoky finish. The Argentinean version tends to have a velvety texture, tasting of plums and other fruits. While the French version is more structured, with firmer tannins and dark, moody quality.

The Malbec is served with spices that make you feel warm inside and out. It's the perfect drink to sip if you live somewhere cold.

Get the recipe here.

21. Time Regained

For Time Regained cocktail, the blended scotch acts as a malty, buttery base with a warming spice at the end. At the same time, the Singani 63 Brandy shows its notes of dried fruit, sweetness, grape, and spice.

When combined with the dry vermouth's crisp tartness and the jasmine tea syrup's aromatic floral tones, you have the perfect cocktail for snowy days!

Get the recipe here.

22. Sidecar

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It is as popular today as it was invented in the early 1900s.

The original recipe calls for cognac or Armagnac. Either will create one of the most enjoyable brandy cocktails you can make. Bourbon is often poured in a modern bar, making it a bourbon sidecar ; some drinkers enjoy it with premium cherry brandy.

When making a sidecar, it is important to strike a balance between sweet and sour, and too much lemon or liqueur can quickly ruin the intended flavor.

Get the recipe here .

23. Tequila Cocoa Caliente

This recipe combines two classic warm drinks—tequila and hot cocoa—into one. If you like spicy chocolate and tequila, this is for you.

The drink is another twist on classic Mexican hot chocolate. Instead of regular tequila, add a shot of aged tequila flavored with cinnamon and serrano peppers. The resulting spice complements the richness of the hot chocolate.

Get the recipe here.

24. Martinez

If you're a fan of classic cocktails, try mixing up a Martinez. You might end up falling in love with this drink and making it your go-to.

Martinez is a twist on the traditional gin martini. It is nearly identical to the original but with a few minor tweaks that make it a fun way to switch up your standard cocktail routine. This version takes the gin and vermouth pairing to a sweeter place, where sweet vermouth and a touch of maraschino liqueur replace dry vermouth.

Get the recipe here.

25. Nutty Irishman

A glass of Nutty Irishman cocktail - Image by Tipsy Bartender

The Nutty Irishman is a sweet, creamy drink with a bit of an Irish kick. It consists of Frangelico and Irish cream—some recipes include a splash of Irish whiskey. The best part about this drink is the perfect combination of nutty and creamy that's just right for winter.

Get the recipe here.

26. Snowflakes Martini

A martini made with white chocolate snowflakes is an elegant touch to a wintry evening. These cocktails will keep you happy whether you enjoy them at the ski lodge after a day on the slopes, at a formal dinner, or on a quiet night.

The vanilla cream and milk chocolate in the White Godiva Chocolate Liqueur blend seamlessly to create a silky, sweet flavor. At the same time, the vanilla vodka is infused with a rich vanilla flavor that hints at bitter dark chocolate, butterscotch, and peppery spice on the first sip.

Get the recipe here.

27. Habanero Blood Orange Margarita

Give the Habanero Blood Orange Margarita a shot if you're in the mood for something different from the standard margarita. The blood orange, available from about December to April, is the star of this cocktail.

The drink combines sweet citrus with a fresh habanero pepper puree. The drink then incorporates a mellow combination of tequila and sour mix. Finally, the mole negro rim adds a spicy dark chocolate flavor to the classic margarita.

Get the recipe here.

28. Cocoa Old-Fashioned

The chocolate in this Cocoa Old-Fashioned comes from two unexpected places: a cocoa-infused rye whiskey and mole bitters. These are combined with the drink's traditional orange and cherry muddle, but the sugar takes on a darker hue appropriate for the season.

Get the recipe here.

29. Honey Kumquat Caipirinha

The caipirinha is a popular summer cocktail, and this version incorporates a small winter fruit. The caipirinha and honey-falernum combination creates a richer, more complex flavor than the classic recipe. The kumquats add their trademark citrusy notes, which can be seen in your glass as a vibrant garden.

The Kumquat-Ginger Caipirinha is a delight to drink and incredibly easy to make. Choose your favorite cachaça and enjoy this drink to brighten up your winter!

Get the recipe here.

30. Boozy S'Mores Milkshake

Warm up by the fireplace with this milkshake. When you add in some alcoholic beverages and s'mores, you have the drink of a great time. Everything that makes s'mores great is in this boozy milkshake.

Get the recipe here.

31. Figgy Sparkler

What better way to celebrate the winter season than with a special cocktail? This figgy sparkler is made with cranberries, figs, oranges muddled with vodka and Prosecco . It's a fantastic sparkling wine cocktail for the season.

Get the recipe here .

32. Peppermint Bark Mimosa

Toast the season with a Peppermint Bark Mimosa. To make your peppermint vodka, infuse candy canes in vodka in a jar. Mix peppermint vodka with creme de cacao, sparkling wine, or prosecco and top it with a chocolate garnish to be transported to a winter wonderland.

Get the recipe here .

33. Rumchata Hot Cocoa

Say hello to your new favorite Hot Cocoa! With the addition of RumChata, classic from-scratch hot chocolate gets a warm cinnamon vanilla twist and a dose of booze! It only takes 10 minutes to prepare!

RumChata is a cream-based liquor with a sweet cinnamon and vanilla flavor. It's great for White Russians, Hot Cocoa, boozy milkshakes, Irish Coffee, and more!

Get the recipe here .

34. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a popular winter drink that is irresistible. It's both sweet and warm, which is exactly what you want on the coldest days of the year. The OG butter beer can give you a silly mustache when you drink it.

When it's freezing outside, the only thing that will do is rum. But if you prefer to use whiskey, make a hot buttered whiskey instead.

Get the recipe here .

35. Bailey’s Irish Coffee

Coffee cocktails are the best way to kick off the night or wind down because they simultaneously deliver a dose of coffee and alcohol. Sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream are all needed to make a classic coffee mixed drink like Irish coffee. It's comforting, tasty, and simple to prepare.

Get the recipe here .

Best Winter Cocktails - Tips & Tricks

When the sun is less abundant and the temperature drops, many people find comfort in their favorite warm and spicy cocktail. Here are some tips & tricks to help you mix your winter cocktail.

• Go for Dark Liquors

Brown liquors, such as dark rums, single-malt scotches, and other types of whiskies, are the way to go in winter. These alcoholic beverages complement the warm flavors of winter spices.

• Season your Cocktail

Cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, and nutmeg are commonly used during the cold season. Ginger is another popular flavor, especially around the holidays. Ginger ale , ginger beer, and freshly grated ginger add a hint of spice that complements complex spirits perfectly.

• Add Bitters

One of the best ways to make delicious spicy drinks is to sprinkle a dash of bitters on top. Adding a dash of specialty bitters to the top of your cocktail provides a nice kick of extra flavor. While you can add this to almost any drink, it works especially well with botanical gins.

• Turn your Dessert Boozy

This tip is especially useful if you're entertaining and looking for warm winter dessert ideas. You can make your chocolate mousse with a cream-based liqueur or add vanilla vodka over your milkshake.

• Add some Flavor to your Hot Drink

If you prefer more than rich winter cocktails, a simple solution is to add some kick to your regular hot drink. Whisky makes your coffee an Irish coffee, and Amarula or Kahlua in your cocoa makes it a Mexican hot chocolate.

Conclusion

The frosty season is a wonderful time of the year, and we should enjoy it to the fullest. It's time for the flavors of strong liquors like bourbon, brandy, and rum. Mulled wine, Winter Spiced Old Fashioned, and Spiked Hot Chocolate are all great winter drinks. If you want to try something new, some recipes use the flavors of cranberry, cinnamon, jalapeño, coffee, and seasonal spices.

So wrap up, mix up, and enjoy a mug or two from this list of delicious cocktails. What's your favorite winter cocktail? Leave a comment below and let us know.