17+ Winning Cocktails for the Winter Olympics

As the Winter Olympics heat up the cold season, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a cozy drink in hand. From rich, steamy classics to festive global sips, we’ve gathered winter-ready beverages perfect for cheering on your favorite athletes. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or curling up solo, these drinks bring the Olympic spirit to your mug.

Your guide to Winter Olympics drinks

Since the Winter Olympics only come around every four years, they’re the best reason to celebrate with something warm and festive in hand. I’m a lifelong Olympics fan, and you’ll find me watching figure skating with a mug of hot chocolate in hand.

Show your spirit for your home country (or your favorite winter sport) with these cozy cocktails and global sips inspired by nations around the world. With two weeks of thrilling events ahead, there’s plenty of time to try them all — from the Opening Ceremony to the final gold medal run.

These red, white and blue drinks are ideal for cheering on Team USA — and any other nation proudly flying those colors, like France or the UK.

When to enjoy Winter Olympic Cocktails

The Olympics take place every two years and each time a different country hosts it. Each one alternates from summer games to winter sports. Challenges for different events take place every day (and are often re-broadcasted in primetime depending on your time zone).

In 2024, the Summer Olympic Games took place in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11. The next Winter Olympics are in Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy from Feb. 6 to 22, 2026. And organizers have picked the next several host cities, so you have plenty of time to plan your opening ceremony watch parties. Don’t miss our Summer Olympics cocktails, too.

• 2028 Summer Olympics: Los Angeles, USA
• 2030 Winter Olympics: French Alps, France
• 2032 Summer Olympics: Brisbane, Australia
• 2034 Winter Olympics: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
• 2036 Summer Olympics and beyond: Not yet decided

Olympics drinks

These drinks from around the world are perfect for sipping while watching the events unfold, but they are delicious long after. Maybe you plan to host your own mini-Olympics or are just looking for an après-ski cocktail — you’re in the right place!

1

Italy: Affogato

Hot coffee meeting cold gelato feels especially right for Italy, the current Winter Olympics host. Affogato plays with contrast, balancing espresso’s bitterness against creamy sweetness in one simple spoonful. It’s elegant without trying and perfect for watching athletes push through icy conditions.

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2

France: Chocolat Chaud

This French café classic leans into depth and texture rather than sugary sweetness. Chocolat Chaud blends real chocolate with warm milk for a thick, velvety sip that feels quietly luxurious. With France set to host the next Winter Olympics, it’s a fitting moment to master this at home. Keep it warm in a slow cooker for the whole crew.

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3

Germany: Glühwein

Few drinks feel more tied to winter than Germany’s Glühwein. Red wine simmers with citrus and spices, creating warmth that’s aromatic rather than heavy. Served hot, it’s made for lingering and gathering — exactly what you want while watching competitions unfold.

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4

United States: Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider is unmistakably American, built around apples, history and the kind of warmth that suits cold-weather gatherings. It’s comforting on its own when served non-alcoholic, or easy to spike with whiskey or rum for extra depth.

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5

United Kingdom: Hot Butterbeer

On cold days, this is exactly what Hot Butterbeer feels like it was made for, the kind of drink you’d picture warming hands during the Triwizard Tournament — a key athletic competition in the Harry Potter books and part of British literary lore. Served hot, a spiced butter base gives it creamy richness, while malted sweetness and gentle heat keep it balanced rather than heavy.

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6

Taiwan: Tiger Milk Tea

Served cold, this Taiwanese favorite brings contrast to a lineup of warm winter drinks. Tiger Milk Tea layers chilled milk tea with ribbons of brown sugar syrup, delivering sweetness with depth rather than heaviness. It’s a fun, refreshing drink to mix things up during the Winter Games.

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7

Puerto Rico: Hot Buttered Rum

Rum makes sense as Puerto Rico’s drink representative thanks to its outsized role in U.S. imports, even if Hot Buttered Rum itself traces back to New England. Dark rum carries warm spices and butter, creating richness without tipping too sweet. Served hot, this classic proves rum can anchor cold-weather drinks just as confidently as tropical ones.

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8

Jamaica: Rum Hot Toddy

From Jamaica, where rum is a way of life, this hot toddy leans into warmth without complication. Hot water, citrus and spice mellow rum’s boldness as you sip. It’s the kind of drink that makes being warm on the couch feel even better while the athletes battle the cold outside.

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9

India: Chai Espresso Martini

Inspired by Indian spice traditions, this Chai Espresso Martini cocktail brings warmth through aroma instead of heat. Chai spices soften espresso’s bitterness, creating something cozy yet energizing. It fits naturally into long viewing nights, when you want something warming without slowing down.

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10

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South Korea: Soju Yogurt Cocktail

Late-night energy meets creamy comfort in this easy-going favorite from Korea. The Soju Yogurt Cocktail uses tangy yogurt to soften soju’s clean edge, creating a lightly sweet balance. It’s playful, approachable and might disappear faster than the podium spots.

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11

South Africa: Tea Hot Toddy

In South Africa, tea is part of daily rhythm, and that influence shows up here. Rooibos tea adds depth, structure and gentle warmth. It’s calming, familiar and non-alcoholic — perfect for slower events or an early morning medal catch-up.

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12

Denmark, Norway and Sweden: Gløgg

Across Scandinavia, Gløgg is synonymous with winter gatherings. Wine warmed with citrus and spice fills the room with aroma before the first sip. Almonds and raisins give this version of mulled wine a nutty, fruity finish that's ultra cozy.

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13

Ireland: Irish Coffee

Few drinks feel as tied to place as Irish Coffee, with its mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and cream. It's balanced, gentle and never overpowering. It’s a delicious, winning finish to the night.

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14

Ukraine: White Ukranian

Ice-cold and creamy, the White Ukranian puts a fresh lens on a familiar classic. Made with Ukrainian vodka, it keeps the creamy mix of coffee liqueur and cream smooth and indulgent. Familiar, comforting and easy to sip while the competition unfolds.

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15

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Switzerland: Winter Spritz

Alpine energy comes through in this cold-weather take on a spritz. Prosecco and Cynar bitter liqueur keep things bright, with citrus adding lift. It’s great for opening ceremonies or anytime you want bubbles without feeling summery.

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16

Chile: Navegado

From Chile, where wine culture runs deep, Navegado is warm red wine with citrus and spice. It's aromatic and clean, never heavy, and oh-so-cozy.

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17

Canada: Maple Old-Fashioned

Canada’s signature ingredient takes the lead here, with maple syrup rounding out rye whiskey’s warmth. The sweetness stays subtle, letting the spirit do the work. It’s sweet and delightful on cold nights.

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