11 Must-Try Winter Cocktails!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Is there anything better than a cozy cocktail on a cold winter evening? There’s something so cathartic about coming home from a busy day, closing the door behind you, lighting the fire, and sitting down to enjoy a festive tipple. I’ve sampled more than my fair share of winter cocktails over the year, and I’ve created this collection of 11 of my all-time favorites. 

These recipes are easy to prepare, and they’re perfect for cozy, chilled out evenings, or even scaling up to serve a crowd at parties. I’ve included smokey, elegant classics like the winter inspired old fashioned, as well as some fun, holiday themed options like the Santa Claus cocktail. Without any further ado, let’s jump into the recipes… 

1. Marshmallow Mule

marshmallow mule

This delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule features marshmallow fluff and a hint of vanilla, making it the perfect winter treat! It’s sweet, bubbly, and wonderfully festive—perfect for sipping by the fire. The lime juice brings a touch of acidity so it’s sweet without being sickly, for a balanced drink. 

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz vodka
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • 1 oz marshmallow fluff
  • Mini marshmallows for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and marshmallow fluff.
  2. Shake gently to combine.
  3. Pour into copper mugs and garnish with mini marshmallows.

2. Baileys Martini

baileys martini

We can’t talk about winter cocktails without considering irish cream! This creamy and indulgent Baileys Martini is a dessert in a glass. Smooth, rich, and oh-so-decadent! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a post-dinner treat that will impress your guests.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz Baileys Irish Cream
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice and add Baileys, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
  2. Shake well and strain into martini glasses.
  3. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

3. Jack Frost Cocktail

jack frost cocktail

This frosty blue cocktail is as delightful to look at as it is to sip, featuring coconut cream and blue curaçao for a surprisingly tropical twist. Super fun and great for parties! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup blue curaçao
  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • Shredded coconut for rimming glasses and garnishing

Instructions:

  1. Rim glasses with shredded coconut.
  2. In a blender, combine vodka, blue curaçao, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into prepared glasses and serve, with some extra coconut for garnish. 

4. Holiday Winter Sangria

holiday winter sangria

This holiday twist on sangria combines red wine with winter fruits and spices, creating a refreshing yet festive drink. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings, as it can be made ahead and served in a punch bowl!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine
  • 1 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cups soda water

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, sliced orange, diced apple, cranberries, and cinnamon stick.
  2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  3. Just before serving, stir in soda water.

5. Winter Old Fashioned Cocktail

winter old fashioned cocktail

This classic cocktail gets a winter twist with the addition of spiced syrup and orange zest, making it super cozy and wonderfully sophisticated. The complex, smokey flavors and perfect for winter nights in front of the fire. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/4 oz spiced syrup (simple syrup with cinnamon and nutmeg)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a glass, combine bourbon, spiced syrup, and bitters.
  2. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
  3. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

6. Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer

tipsy rudolph spritzer

This fun and festive spritzer combines cranberry juice and ginger ale for a refreshing, bubbly drink that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s light, fruity, and oh-so-festive, making it a great option for parties!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 2 cups ginger ale
  • 1/2 cup vodka 
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice, ginger ale, and vodka.
  2. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

7. Mistletoe Margarita

mistletoe margarita

This merry margarita features fresh lime juice, tequila, and a splash of cranberry for a festive holiday twist. It’s a fun and fruity drink that’s perfect for holiday celebrations and adds a pop of color to your cocktail lineup!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz tequila
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz orange liqueur
  • Salt for rimming glasses

Instructions:

  1. Rim glasses with salt.
  2. In a shaker, combine tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur with ice.
  3. Shake well and strain into prepared glasses.

8. The Grinch Cocktail

the grinch cocktail

This vibrant green cocktail is as fun as it sounds! With a mix of lime and mint flavors, it’s a playful drink for the holiday season.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups lime sherbet
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda
  • 1/2 cup vodka 
  • A few drops of green food coloring (optional) 
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda.
  2. Stir in vodka and green food coloring, if using.
  3. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

9. Pomegranate Gin and Tonic

pomegranate gin and tonic

This sophisticated twist on the classic gin and tonic incorporates pomegranate juice for a refreshing and festive drink. It’s light, refreshing, and beautifully festive—perfect for toasting with friends!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz gin
  • 4 oz tonic water
  • 2 oz pomegranate juice
  • Pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill two glasses with ice.
  2. Pour gin and pomegranate juice over the ice, followed by tonic water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with pomegranate seeds and lime wedges.

10. The Santa Claus Cocktail

the santa claus cocktail

This jolly red drink features cranberry juice and vodka, creating a festive and easy-to-make cocktail for any holiday party.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz vodka
  • 4 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice with ice.
  2. Shake well and strain into glasses.
  3. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

11. The Naughty Elf Cocktail

the naughty elf cocktail

This cheeky cocktail features peppermint schnapps and chocolate liqueur for a festive and indulgent treat. It’s fun and creamy, and it’s also a great choice for a winter dessert! 

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 2 oz chocolate liqueur
  • 4 oz cream
  • Crushed peppermint candy canes for rimming glasses
  • Chocolate sauce

Instructions:

  1. Rim glasses with crushed peppermint candy canes, and drizzle in a little chocolate sauce.
  2. In a shaker, combine peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and cream with ice.
  3. Shake well and strain into prepared glasses. Garnish with extra candy canes and chocolate shavings, if you like. 

These 11 Best Winter Cocktail Recipes are sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits this holiday season. Whether it’s a quiet night in front of the fire, or you’re hosting a party for a crowd, there’s such to be something here that fits the bill. Which cocktail will you be trying first?