What Are The Best Winter Cocktails?

• The Essentials of the Best Winter Cocktails
• Fun Winter Cocktails to Try this Year
• Hot Buttered Rum
• Mulled Wine
• Spiked Hot Chocolate
• Gingerbread Martini
• Winter Sangria
• What Is the Best Winter Cocktail?

Winter is upon us, and with it, we need to figure out how to keep ourselves warm. Of course, you may be up for wrapping yourself with a cozy blanket to isolate yourself from the cold. But you can also try to warm yourself up from the inside with some delicious winter cocktails. 

It really doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a holiday gathering this winter, or plan to have many quiet nights in, get inspired by the list of fun winter cocktails that are perfect for those chilly, frosty, and snowy days. 

What are the best winter cocktails for you?

The Essentials of the Best Winter Cocktails

Before we jump into specific recipes, let’s think for a while about what makes a cocktail a winter cocktail. 

Generally, winter cocktails offer flavors that somehow match with the chilly season. Think of rich spices, warm herbs, and cuddling flavors. Popular ingredients include:

• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• ginger
• cranberry

while base spirits for best winter cocktails often feature: 

• whiskey
• rum
• some of those cozy herbal liqueurs

Who says winter cocktails have to be complicated? Many of the best winter cocktails are also easy to make, which is perfect for those of us who would rather spend time enjoying the festivities than mastering mixology.

Fun Winter Cocktails to Try this Year

Hot Buttered Rum

If you’ve never experienced the cozy bliss of hot buttered rum, you’re missing out. This classic winter cocktail is like a warm hug in a mug.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Hot water
• A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine the butter, brown sugar, and spices.
2. Pour in the dark rum.
3. Top with hot water and stir until the butter melts.
4. Optional: Add a cinnamon stick for garnish and an extra flavor boost.

Why it’s great: It’s easy to whip up and warms you from the inside out, making it one of the best winter cocktails for those cold nights.

Mulled Wine

Ah, mulled wine – the quintessential winter drink. It’s aromatic, it’s festive, and it makes your home smell like a holiday market.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (choose one you actually like to drink)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the wine, orange slices, sugar, and spices.
2. Heat gently over low heat for about 30 minutes (don’t let it boil).
3. Strain out the solids and serve warm.

Why it’s great: You can make a big batch and let your guests help themselves. Plus, it’s one of those fun winter cocktails that creates a magical atmosphere.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, let’s not forget about spiked hot chocolate. Because why should kids have all the fun?

Ingredients:

• 2 oz chocolate liqueur (or any chocolate spirit you love)
• 1 cup hot chocolate (homemade or from a packet)
• Whipped cream
• A sprinkle of cocoa or chocolate shavings

Instructions:

1. Prepare your hot chocolate.
2. Stir in the chocolate liqueur.
3. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle some cocoa or chocolate shavings on top.

Why it’s great: It’s incredibly easy to make and is sure to impress your friends with your chef-like skills. Plus, who doesn’t love a rich, chocolaty drink?

Gingerbread Martini

For a winter cocktail that’s festive and a little on the cheeky side, try a gingerbread martini. It’s ideal for holiday parties or just when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 oz cream
• Crushed gingerbread cookies for rimming the glass

Instructions:

1. Rim your martini glass with crushed gingerbread cookies.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, gingerbread syrup, and cream.
3. Shake well and strain into the glass.

Why it’s great: It’s not only delicious but also a fun winter cocktail that adds a little flair to your holiday festivities.

Winter Sangria

Sangria might typically be associated with summer, but there’s also a winter version that’s just as refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• Seasonal fruits (like oranges, apples, and pomegranates)
• 2 cups sparkling water

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sliced fruits.
2. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
3. Before serving, add the sparkling water for a fizzy kick.

Why it’s great: This drink can be made ahead of time, and you can get creative with whatever fruits you have on hand, making it one of the more fun winter cocktails.

What Is the Best Winter Cocktail?

Now that you’ve got a handful of recipes to choose from, you might still be wondering, what is the best winter cocktail? Honestly, it’s a subjective question. It really depends on your taste and the vibe you’re going for. 

The chances are that one winter day you’d like to feel the warmth of hot buttered rum, while on the other day, you’d love to give a taste to the festive flair of a gingerbread martini. Just give all of the best winter cocktails listed above a try to know what you should make or order this winter.