Maybe you’re snuggled up on the couch in your Christmas pajamas with a good book. Or closing out your holiday celebration watching Elf. Or flipping pancakes with your family gathered around the table on a slow vacation morning.
Know what these holidays-at-home moments are missing? A cozy warm cocktail.
And you’re in luck! Today we’re sharing 3 of our favorite winter cocktails. Adam is our cocktail maker extraordinaire. As soon as the weather turns chilly, these are the cocktails he starts whipping up. And gosh darn, they’re so good that I’ve swiped his recipes to share with you.
From a boozy coffee to kick off New Year’s Day to my absolute favorite nightcap, these recipes will add just a little spice to your holiday celebrations! You can enjoy these over the holiday season or all winter long as indoor bars and restaurants remain closed.
Adam and Anna’s Favorite Winter Cocktails
Mulled Wine
This makes a big ol’ pot of mulled wine! It’s great for drinking throughout the holiday week – we pour leftovers into mason jars and keep in the fridge. It will last for a while, though the anise taste will become more pronounced over time.
Perfect for: sipping throughout the afternoon on Christmas day
Ingredients:
- 1 750 ml bottle of red wine (we often use Pontifics from Trader Joe’s, but any dry affordable red will work)
- 3-4 cups apple juice or cider (to taste)
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1½ oranges, zested fully then squeezed (save the remaining orange half to make into wheels for garnish)
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 anise stars
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Several good shakes of Angostura bitters
Mix all ingredients together in a large pot, bring to a boil and then simmer about 10 minutes. Adjust ingredients to taste. This can be served immediately, but we prefer to let it sit on very low heat for 30 min – 1 hour to deepen the flavor.
To serve, pour into mug and garnish with orange wheel.
Hot Toddy
This is my very favorite winter cocktail – it’s like the cold-weather version of a whiskey smash (my summer drink of choice). Fair warning: it does put me right to sleep!
Perfect for: a cozy yet refreshing nightcap (especially if you’re feeling a little under the weather)
Ingredients:
- Boiling water, about 6 oz or enough to fill a mug
- 1½ oz whiskey or rye
- 2-3 tsp honey (to taste)
- 2-3 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (to taste)
- Optional: 1 lemon ginger tea bag
- Optional: a lemon wheel studded with 2-3 whole cloves to garnish
Pour the boiling into the mug. If using the tea, allow to steep for 2 minutes, then mix in other ingredients. Adjust ingredients to taste.
Irish Coffee
Adam claims that this is the perfect brunch drink. The coffee and whiskey balance each other perfectly – the coffee cuts the alcohol burn, and the whiskey dulls the bitterness of the coffee. I don’t like coffee, but even I can enjoy a few sips of this.
Perfect for: a slow, sleepy vacation morning
Ingredients:
- Black coffee
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1 oz Irish whiskey (we like Jameson, but use whatever you have)
- Cream, for topping
Mix the brown sugar and whiskey in your mug. Fill the mug nearly to the top with black coffee, leaving some space at the top. Gently whip cream (no need to add sugar!) until it is slightly thickened, but still pour-able. If peaks form, you’ve gone too far. Pour the cream over the back of a spoon onto the coffee. It should float on top and not mix with the rest of the drink so you get a little bit of cream in every sip.
Any other favorite winter cocktails? Tell us everything in the comments!
P.S. Looking for more holiday drink inspiration? Try my very favorite homemade chai recipe, or check out Adam’s recommendations to build your home bar (and gear up to make classic cocktails!).
