The Coziest Winter Cocktails

Winter is the perfect season to cozy up with a festive cocktail that warms you from the inside out. From rich and creamy drinks to spiced and citrusy sippers, these winter cocktail recipes are designed to capture the magic of sweater weather. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, there’s a drink here to make this winter a memorable one.

A glass mug of spiked hot chocolate is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, resting invitingly on a pristine white surface.

The best winter cocktails

Winter is always such a busy season with lots of highs and lows. As it first gets cold, there’s the pre-holiday rush, then the holidays themselves, and then the after-holidays catch-up and new year planning. And by that point, it’s really cold and all you want to do is stay inside.

Winter cocktails have a way of making the season feel extra special, even those nights inside. There’s just something about sipping a warm mulled wine or a spiced old-fashioned when it’s freezing outside that makes you feel cozy.

And winter cocktails are even better with good company. One of my favorite memories is hosting a small holiday gathering where we set up a hot chocolate bar with boozy add-ins. It was such a hit, and everyone left with rosy cheeks and full hearts!

Whether it’s a creamy, decadent drink or something bright and citrusy to cut through the cold, winter is the perfect excuse to get creative with your cocktail shaker *. From classics like eggnog to new twists on holiday flavors, there’s a drink for every festive moment. (Prefer a mocktail? Don’t miss out on these winter mocktails.)

Stocking your bar for winter cocktails

When you’re stocking your bar for the winter, you’ll need a basic bartending set * and a few key spirits, such as whiskey, spiced rum and gin.

You can also create some wintry simple syrups like rosemary syrup or cranberry syrup, and will want to stock up on basic ingredients like lime juice and other festive mixers like apple cider, cranberry and pomegranate juices.

And use them all to make the best tasty cold-weather drinks. There’s some for sparkly celebration, one to soothe a sore throat and many more for chilly winter nights. Let’s dive into some of the best winter cocktail recipes to make your gatherings unforgettable!

1
a bourbon hot toddy cocktail in a glass mug
Bourbon Hot Toddy
The Bourbon Hot Toddy is perfect for soothing a sore throat or warming up on a cold winter night. Its simple ingredients make it a cozy choice for a nightcap on casual evenings inside.
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2
a green champagne bottle pours champagne into a pomegranate mimosa
Pomegranate Mimosa
The Pomegranate Mimosa is a festive addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. Its bright color and bubbly texture make it ideal for toasting the season.
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3
Two mugs of hot chocolate with whipped cream on top.
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Baileys Hot Chocolate is a boozy, comforting treat for chilly winter days. This creamy drink is perfect for relaxing by the fire or sharing with friends.
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4
Two glasses of blonde cocktail with a slice of grapefruit.
French Blonde Cocktail
The French Blonde Cocktail combines bittersweet, sour and floral notes for a unique winter drink. It's a sophisticated option for both intimate gatherings and holiday parties.
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5
Two Brandy Alexanders with nutmeg on a tray.
Brandy Alexander Cocktail
The Brandy Alexander is a creamy classic that tastes like a boozy milkshake. It's a nostalgic drink that works beautifully for winter evenings or parties.
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6
Mulled wine in a gold cup with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is a warm and aromatic choice for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations. The combination of spices and wine creates a festive and inviting drink.
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7
A round glass with clear liquid and a rosemary sprig inside, with bubbles clinging to the herb.
Snow Globe Drinks
The Snow Globe Cocktail features rosemary "Christmas tree" ice cubes for a magical winter presentation. Its light, herbal flavor is perfect for holiday parties or special nights in.
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8
Clear mug of apple cider with a cinnamon stick and star anise on top, placed on a coaster. Apples and spices are in the background.
Spiked Apple Cider
Spiked Apple Cider is a cozy, spiced cocktail perfect for holiday parties or relaxing nights in. The blend of warm apple flavors and spices feels like a hug in a glass.
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9
a glass mug with Irish coffee
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a warm and boozy classic that's perfect as a brunch cocktail or an after-dinner drink. With just four ingredients, it's simple to make and great for winter gatherings.
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10
A shiny gold tray sits on a white marble surface holding two martini glasses filled with coffee-colored liquid. Coffee beans are scattered around
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich and bold dessert cocktail that ends any meal on a high note. It's an ideal pick-me-up for late winter evenings or festive dinners.
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11
spiced hot buttered rum in an Irish coffee mug
Spiced Hot Buttered Rum
Spiced Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy and indulgent drink for chilly nights. Its warm spices and buttery richness make it a holiday favorite.
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12
A glass of lemonade with a lemon peel garnish, beside a jigger and cocktail stirrer, on a white surface with a subtle marble pattern.
Limoncello Martini
The Limoncello Martini is a bright, citrusy cocktail that’s refreshing even in the cold months. It's a great option for adding a zesty touch to holiday gatherings.
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13
cinnamon white Russian on a white background
Cinnamon White Russian
The Cinnamon White Russian is a sweet, spiced cocktail perfect for the holidays. Spiced with cinnamon syrup and a cinnamon sugar rim, this creamy drink is a great way to end a festive evening.
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14
Two grasshopper drinks on a marble countertop and garnished with chocolate shavings and chocolate cookie sticks.
Classic Grasshopper Drink
The Classic Grasshopper Drink is a minty, chocolatey cocktail that is perfect for dessert. Its bright green hue makes it a fun addition to holiday parties.
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15
A glass with gold polka dots sits on a white background with can of ginger ale and gold metal jigger off to the left. A lime slice garnishes the glass with half a lime to the right.
Whiskey Ginger Cocktail
The Whiskey Ginger Cocktail is a refreshing yet warming drink for wintry nights. Its balance of spice and citrus works for casual evenings or festive gatherings.
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16
A gold jigger lies next to a pair of Nutty Irishman Drinks.
Nutty Irishman
The Nutty Irishman is a creamy, dessert-like drink perfect for the holidays. Its rich flavors make it a delicious way to end a meal.
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17
A cocktail with orange slices and rosemary sprigs.
Prosecco Punch
Prosecco Punch is a bright, citrusy cocktail that's great for parties. Its bubbly, refreshing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any winter celebration.
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18
Two glasses with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary on a gold tray.
Christmas Mimosa
This White Cranberry Mimosa is a bubbly, refreshing drink with a seasonal twist. Its delicate flavor makes it ideal for winter brunches or festive toasts.
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19
a christmas sugar plum sidecar with fresh rosemary on a white background
Sugar Plum Sidecar
Sparkling and festive, the Sugar Plum Sidecar is a delicious cocktail with a delightful plum flavor. This jewel-toned drink is perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights at home.
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20
a coffee old-fashioned on a blue plate with coffee beans
Coffee Old-Fashioned Cocktail
The Coffee Old-Fashioned is a smooth and aromatic cocktail made with bourbon and coffee. It's a great winter option for after dinner or lazy weekends.
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21
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Cranberry Gin Fizz
This cranberry gin fizz is a great addition to your holiday cocktail rotation. Made with gin, fresh-squeezed orange juice, homemade whole-berry cranberry sauce, and a splash of fizzy water.
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22
blood oranges and a mimosa cocktail
Blood Orange Mimosas
Blood Orange Mimosas are a vibrant addition to any brunch or holiday celebration. Their bright, citrusy flavor is a refreshing twist on a classic.
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23
Two greyhound cocktails garnished with grapefruit slices and sprigs of sage.
Greyhound Drink
The Greyhound Drink is a simple two-ingredient cocktail with a tart, citrusy punch. Using fresh grapefruit juice makes it a bright and refreshing winter option.
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24
Rosemary sprigs stick out of a gold-rimmed glass with a bubbly cocktail inside.
Rosemary Champagne Cocktail
The Rosemary Champagne Cocktail is a bubbly drink infused with fragrant herbs. It's an elegant choice for holiday toasts or intimate gatherings.
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25
A frothy, creamy drink in a textured glass sits on a marble coaster, with another similar glass blurred in the background.
New Orleans-Style Milk Punch
New Orleans Style Milk Punch is a creamy and lightly spiced cocktail perfect for winter mornings or brunch. This classic drink brings a festive touch to holiday gatherings.
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26
A copper mug with a pink cocktail, garnished with cranberries and rosemary sprigs, placed on a white surface. Other copper mugs, cranberries, and a jigger are in the background.
Yule Mule
This holiday Moscow mule with cranberry juice and vodka is a delightful holiday drink that works all winter long. (Just call it a cranberry mule if you don't want it to sound Christmas-y.)
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27
Two glasses of mulled wine with cinnamon sticks.
Fireball Eggnog
Cinnamon Eggnog with Fireball is a spiced, boozy twist on the holiday classic. Its warm cinnamon flavor makes it a perfect choice for cozy nights or festive celebrations.
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28
Pomegranate Negroni
Pomegranate Negroni
A Pomegranate Negroni cocktail is a sweet, tart take on the classic bitter cocktail. It’s a cocktail that’ll brighten up any winter evening.
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29
bubbles form on top of a creamy colorado bulldog cocktail.
Colorado Bulldog
The Colorado Bulldog is a creamy cocktail with a fizzy twist, making it a fun winter treat. This decadent drink is great for dessert or a casual evening by the fire.
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30
A tray of lady finger desserts sits to the left of two Tiramisu Martinis garnished with chocolate shavings and a lady finger
Tiramisu Martini
The Tiramisu Martini is a dessert cocktail with rich coffee and chocolate flavors. It’s an indulgent treat for winter evenings or after a festive meal.
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31
A White Christmas margarita with cranberries and rosemary on a gold tray.
White Cranberry Margarita
The White Cranberry Margarita is a tart and refreshing cocktail with a wintery twist. Its crisp flavor and pale hue make it perfect for holiday parties.
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32
A glass mug of spiked hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Make hot chocolate even better by adding a splash of whiskey, rum or liqueur. Boozy Hot Chocolate will be your new favorite winter cocktail.
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33
Two glasses of pomegranate martini cocktail on a tray.
Pomegranate Martini
The oh-so-elegant Pomegranate Martini is a vibrant and tangy cocktail that’s perfect for winter celebrations. Its jewel-like color adds elegance to any holiday table.
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34
A martini glass filled with a clear beverage, garnished with three green olives on a toothpick. A metal jigger and a small bowl of green olives are seen in the background.
Dry Martini
The Dry Martini is a timeless classic that’s elegant and versatile for any occasion. Its crisp and clean flavor is perfect for intimate winter evenings or parties.
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35
A Peppermint-infused White Russian with candy canes.
Peppermint White Russian
The Peppermint White Russian is a creamy cocktail with a festive minty twist. It's a delightful holiday treat for cozy nights or after-dinner drinks.
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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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  1. Anne @ Unique Gifter says

    I am all over that pomegranate bellini! I just found more pomegranate seeds in my fridge this morning, that I didn’t realize I had.

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