10+ Best Winter Cocktail Recipes from Instagram
Whether served warm to soothe the soul on a frosty evening or chilled to refresh and invigorate, winter cocktails are an essential part of the season’s festivities. Winter cocktails breathe life into holiday gatherings, offering a moment of cheer and togetherness amidst the hustle and bustle.
Warm cocktails, like mulled wine, hot toddies, and spiked hot chocolate, are akin to liquid comfort blankets. They envelop you with their heat, spices, and rich flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere that encourages relaxation and conversation. These beverages are about the warmth they bring to your hands and heart, making them perfect companions for snuggling by the fireplace or strolling through a winter market.
On the other hand, chilled cocktails, with their crisp and invigorating flavors, add a dash of elegance and excitement to any celebration. Drinks like cranberry martinis, peppermint mules, or rosemary pomegranate spritzes are vibrant and colorful, echoing the festive spirit with every sip. They’re the perfect toast to the new year, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the promise of good times ahead.
In this winter cocktail roundup, we bring you 10+ recipes from Instagram creators with a knack for mixing up a stiff yet tasty drink!
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1. Mulled wine by @bakingamoment
This classic mulled wine recipe by Allie Roomberg is a delightful concoction that promises to warm you from the inside out. It’s a simple, quick-to-make beverage perfect for chilly days, combining red wine with a medley of spices and citrus. The recipe features a rich blend of earthy red wine, sweet brown sugar, and traditional mulling spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, all enhanced with a hint of zesty citrus and a splash of brandy. Perfect for you and partner, or a winter-themed party, this soul-warming drink is about the experience of feeling cozy and relaxed, making it an ideal choice for unwinding on a cold night!
2. Homemade eggnog by @lifeloveandsugar
This homemade eggnog recipe by Lindsay Conchar is a delightful and straightforward way to create a thick, creamy beverage filled with the rich flavors of nutmeg and cloves. Perfect for those who love the holiday classic, this recipe surpasses store-bought versions with its superior thickness and creaminess, achieved by using seven egg yolks. The eggnog is a blend of milk, cream, sugar, and spices, cooked to perfection to ensure a safe and delicious drink. It’s a comforting, custard-like beverage that’s easily customizable with your favorite spirits, making it a festive treat to enjoy during the holiday season.
3. “The perfect” old fashioned by @matthewaugusta
The Perfect Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that’s especially delightful during the winter months. This recipe calls for a warming blend of 2 oz Angels Envy Whisky, a touch of sweetness with 3/4 oz simple syrup, a hint of citrus from 1/2 tsp fresh squeezed orange juice, and a dash of complexity with 3-4 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Garnished with a Luxardo cherry and an orange peel, this drink is not just a cocktail but a cozy winter experience. The large ice cube ensures a slow melt, keeping the drink perfectly chilled and slightly diluted over time. As you sip, the warmth of the whisky and the subtle spice from the bitters make it an ideal companion for a cold evening, offering comfort and sophistication in each glass!
4. Hot spiked cider by @cardinalspirits
Hot spiked cider is a quintessential winter warmer, perfect for those brisk, sunny days when you need something toasty in your hands.
This large-batch recipe makes about 16 servings, but can easily be halved for smaller gatherings. The cider combines the classic autumnal flavors of apple, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice with a hint of citrus from orange and lemon slices. A dash of vanilla extract and a bit of sugar add depth and sweetness. The real kick comes from 2 cups of Cardinal Spirits White Oak Whiskey, which is stirred in after the cider has been simmered and slightly cooled.
This beverage is a warm, inviting experience, perfect for sharing with friends at tailgates or cozy gatherings. The rich spices and the smooth whiskey blend beautifully with the apple cider, creating a drink that’s sure to lift spirits and warm bodies during the cold winter months.
5. Hot buttered rum by @creativculinary
This hot buttered rum recipe by Barb Kiebel is a decadent cocktail made from a unique batter of melted butter, brown and confectioners’ sugar, vanilla ice cream, and spices, frozen for later use. To serve, warm a sugared-rim mug, add hot water, rum, and the batter, then stir. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg for a rich, comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings and festive occasions. This classic concoction offers a warm embrace with each sip, combining creamy texture, aromatic spices, and a delightful rum kick.
6. Espresso martini by @brodievissers
After a rich, indulgent holiday dinner, you might find yourself craving something sweet yet invigorating. The espresso martini is the answer. The vodka provides a clean, crisp base, allowing the coffee and Kahlua to shine. The espresso offers a caffeine kick, perfect for keeping the conversations going into the night. The Kahlua adds a touch of sweetness, akin to a dessert but not overwhelmingly so. And the sea salt? It’s the touch that brings all the flavors into sharp relief, making each sip a complex journey through sweet, salty, and bitter - much like a gourmet dessert.
So, when the plates are cleared, and it's time for something sweet, shake up this espresso martini. It’s not just a drink, it’s the perfect liquid dessert to cap off a winter feast.
7. Hot toddy by @loveandlemons
Jeanine Donofrio’s hot toddy recipe is a delightful blend of comfort and zest, perfect for unwinding after a hearty winter holiday dinner. Instead of traditional hot water, it uses freshly brewed ginger tea, adding a warm bite. Dark whiskey, like rye, bourbon, or Irish whiskey, provides a robust base, while fresh lemon juice brightens the drink. Maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, harmonizing the flavors. To make it, steep ginger tea, then mix with whiskey, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Adjust to taste, then garnish with festive elements like orange slices or pomegranate seeds for a cozy, celebratory feel.
8. Rye Manhattan by @jameswitty
On a cool winter evening, there’s something inherently comforting about sipping a Manhattan. Its warmth envelops you, the spices from the bitters dance on your palate, and the sweet vermouth’s herbal notes remind you of a time when the world was green and lush. It’s a drink that invites contemplation and conversation, perfect for sitting by the fire or gazing out at a cityscape from a high-rise.
In essence, while the Old Fashioned is like a warm, familiar embrace, the Manhattan is like a stimulating conversation in front of a crackling fire. It’s a cocktail that offers not just warmth but also an invitation to explore the more nuanced and intricate flavors of the winter season.
9. White Russian by @wearejrg
The White Russian is a rich and effortlessly crafted cocktail, blending vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream. Originating in the 1960s as a creamy twist on the Black Russian, it gained iconic status thanks to the 1998 film “The Big Lebowski.” The drink’s allure lies in its simplicity and the delightful harmony of its three ingredients. To make it, add 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice, then top with 1 ounce of heavy cream and stir. For the best experience, use quality vodka and cream, and opt for slow-melting ice to maintain the drink's decadent texture without diluting its rich flavor.
This cocktail is a testament to indulgence and simplicity, perfect for savoring slowly on any occasion. And for those looking to customize their drink, options include using Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice or Peppermint Cream for a seasonal twist, substituting non-dairy milk for a lighter version, or adding a hint of cinnamon with RumChata instead of vodka.
10. Spiked hot chocolate by @thehungryytraveler
This spiked hot chocolate is a luxurious winter treat, blending rich hot chocolate with a kick of bourbon or vanilla vodka and coffee-flavored Kahlua. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, while whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow add creamy and smoky notes. Optional shaved chocolate on top makes this more than just a drink—it’s a decadent dessert in a cup, perfect for warming up and adding a festive touch to any cold winter day.
11. Rosemary pomegranate spritz by @sarahellenrandall
The beauty of the rosemary pomegranate spritz lies in its versatility and visual appeal. The deep red of the pomegranate juice, combined with the green of the rosemary and the festive red of the cranberries, makes this drink a visual feast, perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet, tart, bitter, and herbal notes creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, offering a sophisticated and refreshing experience.
Whether you’re toasting to Christmas, New Years, or any special occasion during the cooler months, this spritz is sure to be a hit. Its ability to be both a mocktail and a cocktail ensures that all your guests can enjoy a glass of festive cheer!
Mix your next cocktail today!
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Tag @grocerslist in the IG comments of a recipe you like.
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