On a chilly day, there are few things more comforting than indulging in the warmth of hot cocktails. Whether it be during the winter season, a cozy autumn evening, or a brisk spring night, these delightful alcoholic beverages have the power to envelop you in a comforting embrace. Throughout the centuries, certain recipes have stood the test of time, with classics such as Bishop and Wassail being mentioned in renowned literary works hundreds of years ago. Joining the ranks are 20th-century creations like Irish Coffee, as well as contemporary adaptations like Hot Penicillin, crafted by the expertise of leading modern mixologists.
Embark on a journey through the best winter cocktail recipes, all of which can be easily prepared within the confines of your own home, allowing you to savor their warmth without venturing out into the cold to visit a bar.
1. Irish Coffee
The warm, boozy, caffeinated cocktail is a classic. It was created by Joe Sheridan in the 1940s when travelers were stranded in the Irish airport. He mixed Irish whiskey, cream, coffee, and sugar, creating a crowd favorite. The beverage eventually made it overseas, becoming a staple in the winter cocktail world.
2. Philadelphia Fish House Punch
This warming punch is an old recipe that serves up to ten people, making it great for winter parties. With dark rum, cognac, peach brandy, black tea, sugar, and lemon, Philadelphia Fish House Punch is a hot, boozy beverage that can also be served on the rocks and enjoyed year-round.
3. Bishop
Mentioned by Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Charlotte Brontë, and Charles Dickens, this 18th-century hot cocktail is reminiscent of Mulled Wine. The Bishop is made with cloves, honey, hot water, Tawny port, and orange juice.
4. Mulled Spiked Cider
A traditional British beverage, Mulled Spiked Cider is an autumn and winter staple. It tastes like a riff on the Wassail with apple cider, dark rum, orange, cinnamon, and cloves sure to warm you up.
5. Wassail
This Wassail recipe might be a bit more sophisticated than the original, but with all the goodness that’s made it a winter cocktail for centuries. It’s made with whole apples, brown ale, sherry, lemon, cinnamon, brown sugar, orange, and nutmeg for a crowd-pleasing favorite inspired by Charles Dickens’s recipe.
6. Rumplesnuggler
A combination of the best winter flavors, Rumplesnuggler is the perfect après-ski beverage full of hot chocolate, Baileys, Rumple Minze peppermint schnapps, and topped with whipped cream. You don’t have to save it for the slopes, though, as it makes a delicious warming cocktail any day of the winter.
7. Mulled Wine
The traditional spiced red wine is a Christmas market staple in Europe. Made with warm mulling spices like cinnamon sticks and star anise, dry red wine, orange, and honey. Often, an addition of another spirit like brandy, rum, vodka, or amaretto is common, varying from region or country.
8. Mulled White Wine
Bright and warming, Mulled White Wine is as rich as the deep burgundy-red Mulled Wine with a lighter body. Make it with a balanced Chardonnay or Viognier, avoiding astringent wine, and simmer apple juice, lemon juice, mulling spices, and Drambuie Scotch whisky liqueur.
9. Hot Penicillin
The Penicillin riff takes the healing properties of the original in a hot cocktail that’s rumored to fend off cold symptoms. It’s made with blended Scotch, apple cider, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer.
10. Boozy Hot Chocolate
This adult variation of the essential winter drink is versatile. Make hot chocolate with high-quality semi-sweet chocolate and rich whole milk or refreshing low-fat milk. Then, add any spirit of your choice, like a liqueur such as Baileys, Frangelico, Drambuie, or a dark spirit like bourbon, Irish whiskey, rum.
11. Tea and Sympathy
Tea and boozy may be the mainstay of winter cocktails, but Tea and Sympathy takes a twist on the combo with spicy chai, Cachaça the fruity Brazilian liqueur, spiced ginger liqueur, and zesty lemon juice. It offers a warm embrace to fend off the cold with every sip.
12. Hot Toddy
