In this infographic we share 10 alcoholic drinks to try this winter.
Here’s what makes the list:
- Christmas Rum Punch
- Whisky Mac
- Bombardino
- Eggnog
- Pear Brandy Sidecar
- Hot Toddy
- Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate
- Candy Cane Cocktail
- Tom and Jerry
- Mulled Wine
Check out the infographic for more information.
As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like cozying up by the fireplace or bundling up in a blanket with a delicious, warming alcoholic drink in hand. Winter is the perfect time to explore a variety of comforting beverages that not only provide warmth but also evoke the festive spirit of the holiday season.
From classic favorites to unique concoctions, we’ve curated a list of 10 warming alcoholic drinks to try this winter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to unwind after a long day, these winter cocktails are sure to lift your spirits and keep you toasty all season long.
Christmas Rum Punch
Kickstart your winter festivities with a vibrant and fruity Christmas Rum Punch. This delightful concoction combines the rich flavors of dark rum, cranberry juice, orange juice, and a hint of spice from cloves and cinnamon. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- A pinch of ground cloves
- A cinnamon stick
- Orange and cranberry garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the dark rum, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves on top.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange or cranberry.
This Christmas Rum Punch is not only visually appealing but also packs a punch of holiday cheer with its fruity and spiced profile.
Whisky Mac
For those who appreciate the bold and smoky flavors of whisky, the Whisky Mac is a classic choice. This simple yet satisfying drink consists of just two ingredients: whisky and ginger wine. The combination of the two creates a warm, comforting beverage that’s perfect for sipping by the fireside.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whisky (preferably Scotch)
- 2 oz ginger wine
Instructions:
- Pour the whisky and ginger wine into a heatproof glass.
- Gently warm the mixture without boiling.
- Stir well and serve.
The Whisky Mac is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in winter cocktails, allowing the whisky’s character to shine through while adding a subtle warmth and sweetness from the ginger wine.
Bombardino
Hailing from the Italian Alps, the Bombardino is a creamy and indulgent winter drink that’s guaranteed to keep you warm on the coldest of nights. This delightful concoction combines Advocaat liqueur and brandy, creating a velvety smooth and sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Advocaat liqueur
- 1 oz brandy
- Whipped cream
- Grated nutmeg
Instructions:
- Pour the Advocaat liqueur and brandy into a heatproof glass or mug.
- Gently warm the mixture without boiling.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.
The Bombardino is like a comforting dessert in a glass, making it a wonderful après-ski drink or a delightful winter indulgence.
Eggnog
No list of warming winter drinks would be complete without the beloved classic, Eggnog. This creamy and flavorful beverage is a holiday staple, and it’s easy to see why. With its rich combination of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon, Eggnog is the epitome of festive cheer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rum
- 4 oz eggnog
- Ground nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine the bourbon or rum and eggnog with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass.
- Sprinkle ground nutmeg and cinnamon on top for a warm, spicy finish.
Eggnog is a quintessential holiday treat that’s equally delicious with or without alcohol, making it a versatile choice for winter gatherings.
Pear Brandy Sidecar
If you’re looking for a sophisticated winter cocktail with a fruity twist, the Pear Brandy Sidecar is an excellent choice. This elegant drink combines the warmth of brandy with the subtle sweetness of pear brandy and a touch of citrus for a refreshing kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 oz pear brandy
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Sugar for rimming the glass
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar.
- In a shaker, combine the brandy, pear brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the sugar-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Pear Brandy Sidecar strikes a perfect balance between the warmth of brandy and the fruity allure of pear, making it an ideal winter cocktail for those who appreciate a touch of elegance.
Hot Toddy
When it comes to classic winter warmers, the Hot Toddy reigns supreme. This timeless concoction combines whisky, honey, lemon juice, and hot water to create a soothing and comforting drink that’s perfect for chasing away the winter chill and soothing a sore throat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whisky
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Hot water
- Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the whisky, honey, and lemon juice to a heatproof glass or mug.
- Fill the glass with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.
The Hot Toddy is a classic choice for winter evenings when you want to relax and unwind with a warm and soothing beverage.
Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate
For those who enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and mint, the Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate is a must-try winter treat. This creamy and indulgent drink marries the rich flavors of hot chocolate with the invigorating essence of peppermint schnapps.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 8 oz hot chocolate
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy cane for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare a mug of hot chocolate.
- Stir in the peppermint schnapps.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane for a festive touch.
This Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate is like a warm and cozy dessert in a mug, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings and post-snowball fight celebrations.
Candy Cane Cocktail
If you’re looking to infuse your winter celebrations with a burst of peppermint flavor, the Candy Cane Cocktail is the perfect choice. This vibrant and visually appealing drink combines vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de menthe for a cool and minty sensation.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white crème de menthe
- Crushed candy cane for rimming the glass
- Peppermint stick and candy cane for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a chilled martini glass with crushed candy cane.
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de menthe with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the candy cane-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a peppermint stick and a candy cane.
The Candy Cane Cocktail is a delightful and festive drink that adds a touch of holiday magic to any winter gathering.
Tom and Jerry
The Tom and Jerry is a classic winter cocktail that harkens back to a bygone era. This creamy and frothy drink is traditionally served during the holiday season and is a favorite in many households. It’s made using a special batter and a combination of brandy and rum.
Ingredients: For the batter:
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cocktail:
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz dark rum
- Hot milk
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the batter. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until they’re thick and light in color.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, spices, and vanilla extract to the egg yolks, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture to create the batter.
- To make the cocktail, place a spoonful of batter in a heatproof glass or mug.
- Add the brandy and rum to the glass.
- Fill the glass with hot milk and stir until well combined.
The Tom and Jerry is a labor of love, and the effort put into making the batter is well worth the reward of sipping on this creamy and festive drink during the winter months.
Mulled Wine
No list of warming winter drinks would be complete without the comforting embrace of Mulled Wine. This traditional beverage, also known as “Gluhwein” in Germany, “Vin Chaud” in France, and “Vin Brulé” in Italy, is a warm and spiced red wine that’s perfect for festive gatherings and chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (preferably a robust and fruity variety)
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-6 cloves
- 4-6 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
Instructions:
- Pour the red wine into a large saucepan.
- Add the brandy or rum, honey or sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and the sliced orange and lemon.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through but not boiling (about 20-25 minutes).
- Once heated, remove from heat and strain into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon, and a cinnamon stick.
Mulled Wine is the epitome of winter coziness, with its aromatic spices and warming red wine. It’s a perfect choice for holiday parties and gatherings around the fireplace.
Conclusion
Winter is a time for warmth, comfort, and celebration, and these 10 warming alcoholic drinks are the perfect companions for the season. Whether you prefer the creamy indulgence of Eggnog, the spiced allure of Mulled Wine, or the invigorating minty freshness of the Candy Cane Cocktail, there’s a winter beverage to suit every taste and occasion. So, gather your friends and loved ones, cozy up by the fire, and toast to the joys of the season with these delightful winter cocktails. Cheers to a warm and festive winter!