13 Must-Try Winter Cocktails

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to spread Christmas cheer than with a festive cocktail!

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a lively holiday party, these 13 winter cocktails are sure to impress.

From warm, spiced beverages to refreshing twists on classic drinks, each recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Get ready to mix up something delicious and bring even more joy to your Christmas celebrations!

1. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Warm, sweet, and spiced with cinnamon and cloves, this apple cider sangria will bring the cozy vibes to your holiday party. It’s a perfect balance of fruity and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Servings: 8
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine (such as Chardonnay)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy.
2. Add the sliced apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Stir everything together and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or over ice, and garnish with extra cinnamon sticks if desired.
5. Tip: For a fun twist, top each glass with a splash of club soda for a fizzy finish!

2. Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnappsc

A holiday classic with a boozy twist, this indulgent hot chocolate is the ultimate winter warmer. The peppermint schnapps adds just the right amount of minty freshness to the rich chocolate flavor.

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Crushed candy canes, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint schnapps.
3. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream.
4. Garnish with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch!
5. Tip: If you prefer a richer hot chocolate, use more heavy cream or add a few pieces of chocolate to the mix.

3. Cranberry Moscow Mule

A seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this version adds a burst of tart cranberry flavor, making it perfect for the holidays. The ginger beer gives it a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the cranberry and lime.

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 3 oz vodka
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
2. Shake well and strain into two mule mugs filled with ice.
3. Top each mug with ginger beer and gently stir.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedges.
5. Tip: For extra flavor, muddle a few cranberries at the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.

4. Cinnamon Bourbon Sour

This bourbon sour gets a winter makeover with the addition of cinnamon, making it perfect for those chilly nights. The balance of sour and sweet flavors, with the warmth of bourbon, is sure to warm you up!

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 3 oz bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Ice
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into rocks glasses filled with ice.
4. Garnish with cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
5. Tip: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup depending on your preference.

5. Gingerbread Martini

A dessert-inspired cocktail that tastes just like your favorite gingerbread cookies, this martini combines the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a delightful holiday drink.

Servings: 1
Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz ginger liqueur
• 1 oz half-and-half
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Gingerbread cookie crumbs, for rimming

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with gingerbread cookie crumbs.
2. In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, ginger liqueur, half-and-half, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add ice and shake well.
4. Strain into the prepared martini glass and serve.
5. Tip: Garnish with a mini gingerbread cookie for an extra festive touch!

6. Eggnog White Russian

Combining the creamy richness of eggnog with the bold flavors of a classic White Russian, this cocktail is a creamy, indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz coffee liqueur
• 4 oz eggnog
• Ground nutmeg, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill two rocks glasses with ice.
2. Pour vodka and coffee liqueur into each glass.
3. Top with eggnog and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.
5. Tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat eggnog or a dairy-free alternative.

7. Pomegranate Moscow Mule

A festive and fruity take on the classic Moscow Mule, this pomegranate version adds a beautiful color and a sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 3 oz vodka
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice.
2. Shake well and strain into mule mugs filled with ice.
3. Top each mug with ginger beer and gently stir.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and lime wedges.
5. Tip: For added flavor, muddle a few pomegranate seeds before adding the liquids.

8. Hot Toddy

When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing more comforting than a classic Hot Toddy. Made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and warm spices, this drink is a perfect way to unwind after a busy holiday season.

Servings: 1
Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Hot water
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof mug, combine whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Fill the mug with hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
4. Tip: Add a slice of lemon for extra citrus flavor.

9. Snowy Night Margarita

Take your margarita game to the next level this Christmas with a snowy version that features white tequila and coconut. It’s a tropical winter treat!

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 3 oz white tequila
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Shredded coconut, for rimming

Instructions:

1. Rim two glasses with shredded coconut.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain into the prepared glasses.
5. Tip: Garnish with a lime wedge or a coconut flake.

10. Holiday Mimosa

A sparkling, refreshing cocktail perfect for holiday brunches or an early celebration, the Holiday Mimosa is a simple, yet festive drink.

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish
• Orange slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour cranberry juice into each glass, filling about 1/4 of the way.
2. Top each glass with champagne or sparkling wine.
3. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
4. Tip: For a more vibrant color, use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry juice.

11. Mulled Wine

This warm, aromatic mulled wine recipe is perfect for the cold winter evenings. With spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it’s guaranteed to fill your home with holiday cheer.

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine wine, brandy, orange juice, and honey.
2. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
3. Heat over medium heat until it’s warm, but not boiling.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Serve warm, garnished with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick.
6. Tip: Make it ahead and let it simmer for longer to intensify the flavors.

12. Vanilla Chai Martini

Inspired by your favorite chai latte, this martini blends vanilla, chai spices, and a splash of vodka for a cozy, flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for holiday parties.

Servings: 1
Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz vanilla liqueur
• 2 oz chai tea concentrate
• Ice
• Cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine vodka, vanilla liqueur, chai tea concentrate, and ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Tip: For extra richness, use a little half-and-half in place of the chai concentrate.

13. Christmas Punch

This vibrant holiday punch is perfect for large gatherings. The mix of fruit juices and sparkling water gives it a light, festive flavor, while the rum adds a touch of warmth.

Servings: 10
Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 cup rum
• 1 liter ginger ale
• Sliced citrus fruits, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and rum.
2. Stir well and refrigerate until chilled.
3. Just before serving, add ginger ale for fizz.
4. Garnish with slices of citrus fruits.
5. Tip: Add ice cubes made from cranberry juice to keep your punch chilled without watering it down.

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These 13 winter cocktails are sure to elevate your Christmas party and create unforgettable memories.

Whether you prefer a warm, comforting drink or a refreshing, fruity cocktail, there’s something here for everyone.

Which recipe will you try first?

Let us know in the comments below!