28 Whiskey Cocktails You'll Want To Drink All Winter Long
Winter and whiskey make the perfect pair.
Name a more iconic duo than the winter season and a warming whiskey cocktail. You can't, can you? We thought so, because, as far as we're concerned, whiskey is the base spirit for all the best wintry cocktails (whether you need a Christmas/New Year's Eve/tailgating-friendly signature cocktail, or just something to perk up your home bartending game on a dreary February night). So we think it's time to take your love of whiskey and bourbon to the next level, no matter if trying to warm up or want to pretend you're somewhere tropical, you'll love these 28 whiskey-based drink recipes.
First things first: Whiskey and bourbon-based cocktails are often the simplest of all (typically less than 4 ingredients max), so it's important to use a solid-quality bottle for mixing up cocktails, like a Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, or a Gold Rush. Not sure what bottles to stock your bar cart? We've tested all the best whiskeys and bourbons around so you can skip right to the good part. Save that Fireball for another time, please!
If you're new to the whiskey world, there's no need to get intimidated by all the varieties (or those drinkers who prefer it neat). Whiskey lend itself perfectly well to bright and refreshing cocktails (like our Prosecco mint juleps and ginger-cranberry whiskey sour), rich and decadent drinks (like our spiked hot chocolate), or just a downright comforting bev (like our Hot Toddy). Don't be surprised when these winter-approved whiskey cocktails make their way into your year-round rotation!
Need some more seasonal drink ideas? Make one of these hot cocktails for cold nights or choose from our favorite winter cocktail recipes next.
Classic Manhattan
There are few cocktails more storied (or simple!) than the Manhattan. First stirred up in 1894 by a bartender at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, the defining characteristic is that it uses Scotch whiskey. Change up your bitters with a few dashes of walnut, lavender, or black cherry for a fun twist.
Get the Classic Manhattan recipe.
Gold Rush Cocktail
Fans of the whiskey sour to the front, please! The Gold Rush cocktail is the whiskey drink you’re already in love with, with just a few changes. It calls for honey instead of simple syrup, and doesn't call for any egg whites (so it's even easier to whip up).
Get the Gold Rush Cocktail recipe.
Prosecco Mint Julep
This festive sparkling drink is perfect for a low-key holiday cocktail hour. A sort of lightened-up mint julep, the addition of a dry sparkling wine provides a pleasant brightness and effervescence that plays well with the rich, caramelized tones of bourbon whiskey.
Get the Prosecco Mint Julep recipe.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a forever fave, but sometimes we want something with a little more oomph. Enter, this boozy version, that's got just the right amount of whiskey to keep you warm this winter.
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
Oaky and sweet, with a hint of citrus on the finish, the classic whiskey Old Fashioned is truly a bourbon lover's drink. You only need a few ingredients to make this classic cocktail too—sugar, bitters, and a large ice cube.
Get the Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe.
Campfire Mules
Staying faithful to our queen mother, the Moscow mule, we’ve replaced the vodka with some smoked bourbon or whiskey, added some maple syrup for a touch of wintery magic, kept our lemon juice and ginger beer as our old-time residents, and included an optional roasted marshmallow to garnish (campfire → roasted marshmallow… get it? 😉).
Get the Campfire Mules recipe.
Classic Eggnog
Here at Delish, we can't get enough of eggnog. Rich, creamy, and, well, egg-y, we'd go as far as to say no Christmas celebration is complete without a glass of this festive drink. If this winter cocktail is also a must at your holiday gatherings, we've got a few tips to make perfect eggnog every year.
Get the Classic Eggnog recipe.
Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour
This wintery version of a whiskey sour features punchy ginger flavor and tangy cranberry juice. Though it requires minimal ingredients, it’s full of strong, bright flavors that perfectly complement rich holiday hors d'oeuvres like baked brie and bacon-wrapped dates.
Get the Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour recipe.
Hot Toddy
A fire might be delightful when the weather outside is frightful—but the only way we want to warm up on a cold night is with a hot toddy. There’s no need to break out your cocktail shaker set, either; this hot cocktail comes together in just one mug.
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
Whiskey Ginger
Is there any whiskey cocktail more iconic and simple than a whiskey ginger? It’s just two ingredients, but it’s truly one of the best bubbly/spirit combinations out there. Bonus: It goes SO smoothly as an after-dinner drink.
Get the Whiskey Ginger recipe.
Apple Pie Bourbon Shots
If you're truly looking to get your party started this holiday (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your next gathering. All you need are a few ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—too!
Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.
Classic Mint Julep
Mint juleps are often only brought up around the time of the Kentucky Derby and we think that’s a crying (neighing?) shame! Not only does the classic frosty cup and minty flavor provide a cooling freshness on a hot day, it’s also one of the best low-effort cocktails out there. It's only 3 ingredients (if you don’t count ice) and the prep couldn’t be simpler.
Get the Classic Mint Julep recipe.
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
We crave cranberry cocktails all season long, and this is our go-to one during the holiday season. It's warm and spicy from the whiskey and ginger beer, but refreshing and tart from the cranberry and citrus.
Get the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour recipe.
Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
A little brown sugar makes this classic cocktail extra warm and cozy, adding a hint of caramel, which makes this drink feel anything but old fashioned. It's the only way we like to make it now!
Get the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned recipe.
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
To make a quick and easy homemade Baileys, you need: whiskey, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a blender. THAT'S IT. Who knew you could make something so deliciously boozy at home?
Get the Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur recipe.
Irish Mule
We figured it was only a matter of time before we took the Moscow mule on a road trip to another country. We settled on Ireland because we loved how the oaky, vanilla-y flavors that come from your favorite whiskey are so well complimented by the fresh ginger and lime. It’s the perfect slight twist on the classic that will surprise all your guests.
Get the Irish Mules recipe.
Irish Coffee
Coffee cocktails are the ideal double hit of caffeine and booze straight to the system, perfect for the start or end of the night. Irish coffee is one the most classic coffee mixed drinks that just requires a combination of sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and (of course) whipped cream. It's cozy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.
Get the Irish Coffee recipe.
Whiskey Tonic
We know what you’re thinking, Whiskey??? What in the world are you doing pairing whiskey and tonic? But before you judge us too much, we urge you to try this twist on the classic. The warm vanilla-y notes add a whole new dimension, especially when paired with classic G&T garnishes like cucumber and rosemary.
Get the Whiskey Tonic recipe.
Big Apple Manhattan
This Manhattan uses apple brandy to give it a fruity twist. It's a strong enough drink to handle any and all holiday hustling, and is perfect served alongside your turkey or any of our apple desserts.
Get the Big Apple Manhattan recipe.
Bourbon Milk Punch
A brunch staple in New Orleans thanks to Benjamin Franklin(!). Be warned: This boozy milkshake packs a serious punch. Mixed with bourbon and honey, it's like a Southern summer dream, and we can't get enough. Try out our red wine milkshakes next! We have a feeling you'll really like them.
Get the Bourbon Milk Punch recipe.
