When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a delicious winter cocktail in hand. From rich chocolate indulgences to bright, citrusy blends, a well-crafted winter cocktail can turn even the chillest night into something magical. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself, each winter cocktail in this collection brings its own brand of seasonal warmth and festive cheer. Let these recipes inspire your next cold-weather sip and help you celebrate winter in style!
Cinnamon Toast Martini
A winter cocktail that tastes like your favorite childhood cereal – but all grown up. Sweet, creamy, and warm with cinnamon-spice coziness, this martini is basically a dessert that decided to wear a fancy outfit.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon Schnapps (1 oz)
- Cream Liqueur (1 oz)
- Whipped Cream (1 dollop)
- Cinnamon Stick (1)
- Ground Cinnamon (1 pinch)
Recipe
- Add the cinnamon schnapps and cream liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake like you’re waking up holiday magic – until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Top with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Mocktail Moment!
Swap schnapps for 1 oz cinnamon syrup and cream liqueur for 1 oz vanilla coffee creamer. Shake over ice, strain, and garnish the same way. Cozy zero-proof deliciousness!
Recipe via Cocktail Wave
Heat Warmer
Like a hug in a mug. This rich, velvety winter cocktail blends warm chocolate with smooth spirits for a sweet, slightly spicy winter sipper.
Ingredients
- Rum (2 oz)
- Brandy (1 oz)
- Amaretto (0.5 oz)
- Hot Chocolate (4 oz)
- Whipped Cream (1 dollop)
- Chocolate Shavings (1 tsp)
Recipe
- Heat the hot chocolate in a saucepan until warm (don’t let it boil!).
- In a heatproof mug, combine the rum, brandy, and amaretto.
- Pour in the hot chocolate and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Sip immediately – preferably under a fuzzy blanket.
Mocktail Moment!
Replace the spirits with:
- Almond Syrup (1 oz, in place of amaretto)
- Apple Cider (1 oz, to add warmth)
- Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup (1 oz)
Prepare exactly the same way – comforting and kid-friendly!
Recipe via Cocktail Wave
Polar Bear
Smoky, minty, bittersweet, and bold – this is the winter cocktail for people who love complex flavors and chilly nighttime adventures.
Ingredients
- Mezcal (1.5 oz)
- White Vermouth (0.75 oz)
- Creme de Menthe (0.5 oz)
- Angelica Tincture (6 drops)
- Fresh Mint (1 sprig, for garnish)
Recipe
- Add mezcal, vermouth, and crème de menthe to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and silky.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Add tincture or bitters drop by drop.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve.
Mocktail Moment!
- Smoked Black Tea Concentrate (1.5 oz, cooled)
- White Grape Juice (0.75 oz)
- Mint Syrup (0.5 oz)
- Non-Alcoholic Bitters (3-4 drops)
Stir over ice and garnish the same way – complex and alcohol-free!
Recipe via Cocktail Wave
Drunk Reindeer
A festive cozy-as-a-sleigh-ride winter cocktail bursting with creamy chocolate and winter spice. The vodka gives it a little kick, but the cinnamon reins it in.
Ingredients
- Hot Chocolate (8 oz)
- Vodka (2 oz)
- Chocolate Liqueur (2 oz)
- Cherry (1)
- Cinnamon Sticks (2)
- Whipped Cream (for taste)
- Chocolate Shavings (for garnish)
Recipe
- Prepare the hot chocolate and pour into a mug.
- Add vodka and chocolate liqueur; stir with cinnamon sticks.
- Leave cinnamon sticks in as garnish.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Add a cherry on top – because the reindeer demands it.
Mocktail Moment!
- Hot Chocolate (8 oz)
- Chocolate Syrup (1 oz)
- Vanilla Syrup (1 oz)
Stir with cinnamon sticks, garnish the same way. Rudolph-approved!
Recipe via Cocktail Wave
White Christmas Margarita
A creamy, tropical-meets-holiday winter cocktail that tastes like a snowy beach vacation. Thick, bright, citrusy, and a total crowd-pleaser – with festive color from pomegranate and mint.
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
- Water (1.5 cups)
- Lime Peel (4x 2-inch strips)
- Fresh Ginger (2 oz peeled and roughly chopped)
Margaritas
- Coconut Cream (1x 14 oz can)
- Blanco Tequila (1 ¾ cups)
- Orange Liqueur (1 ¼ cups)
- Fresh Lime Juice (1 cup)
- Fresh Orange Juice (½ cup)
Coconut Lime Rim
- Sweetened Finely Shredded Coconut (1 cup)
- Lime Zest (2 tsp)
- Lime Wedges (8x)
- Ice (for serving)
- Pomegranate Seeds (for garnish)
- Mint Sprigs (for garnish)
- Extra Lime Slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar, water, ginger, and lime peel in a medium saucepan. Bring to a rolling simmer.
- Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Strain into a measuring cup and discard solids. Store up to 2 weeks if needed.
Margaritas
- In a blender, combine the entire batch of simple syrup, coconut cream, tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orange juice.
- Blend of medium-high for 2 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
Coconut Lime Rim
- Combine shredded coconut and lime zest on a plate.
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass.
- Dip the rim into the coconut mixture.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour in margarita mix.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds, mint, and lime slices.
Mocktail Moment!
Replace the alcoholic components with:
- Coconut Water (1 ¾ cups)
- Orange Juice (1 ¼ cups extra)
- Sparkling Lime Soda (½ cup for fun fizz)
Blend with coconut cream and simple syrup as directed, strain, and serve!
Recipe via Baker by Nature
With flavors ranging from creamy and comforting to bold and refreshing, these winter cocktails are sure to add sparkle to all your winter celebrations. Keep the seasonal sipping going and discover even more cozy creations by checking out Cocktails to Keep You Warm All Season Long. Cheers to staying warm, festive, and wonderfully hydrated all winter long!
