Skip to Content

60 Winter Cocktails That Will Get You Feeling Festive

Your heart will definitely grow three sizes after trying our spiked hot chocolate.

By and
hot cocktail in a glass mug topped with cranberries and lemon
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

If you thought summer had the cocktail game on lock, think again—it's winter's time to shine. Especially when the weather outside is frightful, we think that there's no better way to warm up than with a festive winter cocktail. So we've gathered our favorite winter cocktails to put you in the spirit of the season. Featuring all the best seasonal flavors (plus warm and cozy hot drinks and Christmas-themed cocktails), these 60 cold-weather cocktails will get everyone feelin' festive.

If you're a hot drink only type of person in the wintertime, no worries, we've got you covered with plenty of warming, ultra-cozy cocktails. Our classic Hot Toddy, mulled wine, and spiked hot chocolate are the boozy drinks you need to warm up when cold weather strikes. Looking to get festive? Our Rum Rum Rudolph, figgy spritz, and jingle juice are sure to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. Even the meanest of Grinches won't be able to resist cheersing a boozy Grinch punch; however, these winter cocktails go way beyond Christmas! These drinks were made to be enjoyed all season long—with classic cocktails and winter flavors like cranberry (cranberry mimosas or cranberry orange whiskey sour, anyone?), warming gingerbread, and decadent caramel.

Planning a holiday party? Many of these drinks are a breeze when it comes to entertaining. From crowd-pleasing holiday punches to big-batch drinks, these cocktails are easy, delicious, and a fabulously festive way to celebrate at your next party. Looking for more? Check out our favorite Christmas sangria recipes, holiday desserts, and festive appetizers to round out your winter celebration.

1

Hot Claus

hot cocktail in a glass mug topped with cranberries and lemon
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Baby, it’s cold outside! What’s better than to experience it with a bourbon-filled, warm embrace in the form of this twist on a winter classic: a hot toddy? Infused with the flavors of tart hibiscus (in the red zinger tea), maple syrup, bitter Campari, and warm spices, this deep red drink is ready to elevate your winter evenings in one quick stir. It’s not only perfect for a cozy evening on the couch or a quiet night by the fire, but also plays well with the seasonality of ingredients such as cranberry and citrus.

Get the Hot Claus recipe.

2

Gingerbread Martini

gingerbread martini with whipped cream, cinnamon and gingerbread
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Not only does this adorable cocktail look the part, but if you close your eyes, it also tastes just like gingerbread cookies. The homemade gingerbread simple syrup truly is the star of this martini.

Get the Gingerbread Martini recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Fireside Negroni

negroni in a mug with an orange slice
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Move over, hot toddy—there's a new hot drink in town, and the name is fireside negroni. We dressed up the tried and true negroni with Earl Grey tea and a touch of maple syrup. The tea adds notes of bergamot and citrus, and the maple syrup gives a touch of rich sweetness that welcomes another sip, and another sip, and another, until it’s time to put the kettle back on for another cocktail.

Get the Fireside Negroni recipe.

4

Milk & Cookies Shots

mini cookie cups lined with chocolate and filled with milk
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

It’s time to make milk and cookies for the adults. That, of course, means that the cookie itself is a shot glass, and the milk is spiked with Baileys. To make these really simple we used a store-bought cookie dough, but if you want to make your own chocolate chip cookie dough, go for it. We also think these would be just as good with a peanut butter cookie, but you do you.

Get the Milk & Cookies Shots recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Partridge In A Pear Tree

cocktail with a pear garnish and candied ginger
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Here at Delish, we love a seasonal cocktail. Taking a creative cue from the carol, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” we created a Partridge in a Pear Tree cocktail to make this holiday season. With warming bourbon and whisky, a bit of bubbles, a punch of pear brandy, and spiced syrup, this drink is one you'll want multiples of.

Get the Partridge In A Pear Tree recipe.

6

Yule Mule

cranberry orange mule served in copper mugs and garnished with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This Christmas cocktail is just as refreshing and bright as the traditional version, but makes a few festive swaps that make it perfect for the holidays. Instead of lime juice, we opt for the classic winter combination of cranberry and orange. We also give the mule a holiday twist by using rosemary instead of mint. There’s also a sprig used as a garnish, so you get a whiff of the festive holiday fragrance with every sip.

Get the Yule Mule recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Rum Rum Rudolph

two glasses filled with ice, rum, cherry juice, and cola, garnished with a maraschino cherry decorated with two sprigs of rosemary
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This Christmas version of a rum and coke is inspired by Rudolph the reindeer’s bright red nose. To get the vibrant hue, we use tart cherry juice. The juice, aside from being a beloved ingredient in a sleepy girl mocktail, also imparts a mild tartness that balances the sweetness of the soda.

Get the Rum Rum Rudolph recipe.

8

Jingle Juice

bowl of punch with cranberries and lime
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

You'll be hearing jingle bells in no time with this sweet-tart big-batch cocktail. We love a punch at the holidays as it cuts down on bartending time, and they're maybe a little too easy to mix up!

Get the Jingle Juice recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Figgy Spritz

figgy spritz cocktail with a fig and rosemary garnish
PHOTO: MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

In this fall rendition of everyone's favorite summer spritz, we included a woodsy rosemary sprig and fig syrup to welcome fall’s rich earthy flavors and make the easiest large format cocktail that will impress everyone at your holiday table. Thanksgiving’s aperitivo hour just got a delicious upgrade.

Get the Figgy Spritz recipe.

10

Hot Toddy

a glass mug filled with warm whiskey, honey, and water garnished with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

A hot toddy is one of our favorite drinks to sip on when you're feeling under the weather or as a nightcap. Best part is? You almost definitely have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now. Change things up and make an apple cider version complete with caramel!

Get the Hot Toddy recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Cranberry Paloma

a short glass with a sugar rim, filled with a tequila grapefruit and cranberry cocktail, garnished with a grapefruit twist and fresh cranberries
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

The holidays usually usher in seasonal cocktails with cozy spices to stay warm in the winter, but we think bright, refreshing beverages should be enjoyed all year long. If you love sipping on margaritas and palomas but want a more festive recipe to enjoy during the holiday season, meet the cranberry paloma.

Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.

12

Christmas Punch

christmas punch
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

This Christmas punch forgoes all the added sugar and instead derives its natural sweetness from apple cider. Add some spice from ginger beer and tartness from unsweetened cranberry juice, and you have a sophisticated, festive punch for your next holiday party.

Get the Christmas Punch recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

White Christmas Mojito

mojito with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

It seems around only 25% of Americans are able to get a white Christmas, which, in our opinion, is totally unfair. But don't worry—we’ve got you covered with this white Christmas mojito. With this cocktail in hand, you won't even need to pay attention to the forecast. To turn this classic summer drink into a holiday star, we added coconut cream to create that frosty, snow-topped vibe, and pomegranate seeds as a bright and festive garnish. It has all the refreshing flavors of the classic mojito, with a sweet holiday twist.

Get the White Christmas Mojito recipe.

14

Eggnog Espresso Martini

pouring an eggnog espresso martini
Joseph De Leo

The creamy texture, sweetness, and gentle warming-spice notes of homemade eggnog make it a versatile base for many cocktail flavor pairings. Use it to replace the cream or milk in any of your favorite dairy-based cocktails—like matcha or chai martinis—to add a taste of the holidays. Whatever you choose, once you add this to your holiday cocktail rotation, it’s not coming out.

Get the Eggnog Espresso Martini recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour

pink ginger cranberry whiskey sours in coupe glasses garnished with candied ginger

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.

16

Lambrusco Smash

lambrusco smash
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

While a glass of Lambrusco is always good served on its own, it’s also a fantastic starting point for a cocktail. The smoky mezcal, bright orange citrus, and spice from the ginger beer here tie together beautifully, giving you a zingy, sweet-ish, refreshing, and original cocktail.

Get the Lambrusco Smash recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

50/50 Eggnog Affogato

dessert in a glass with multiple layers and a decorative wafer
Joseph De Leo

An affogato is already an indulgent treat—so why not add some fresh and festive eggnog for the holidays? For a boozy version, you can pour a shot of bourbon or spiced rum in with the eggnog and espresso before garnishing, but it will be delicious either way. Separating the ice cream from the liquid keeps the ice cream’s frozen texture even under the piping hot, freshly brewed espresso. It also gives you a nice, flat surface to decorate to your heart’s content with themed sprinkles, crushed cookies, or your favorite candies.

Get the 50/50 Eggnog Affogato recipe.

18

Not-So-Naughty Jack Frosties

blue cocktail in a glass
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STLYING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Winter is the perfect time for steaming mugs of spiced, warm apple cider and marshmallow-laden hot chocolate, but just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean a chilled, blended drink doesn’t hit the spot too. These vibrantly blue not-so-naughty Jack Frosties are a refreshing departure from the hearty flavors of the holiday season. We went for a non-alcoholic version here for kids, non-drinkers, or people just wanting a break for the night.

Get the Not-So-Naughty Jack Frosties recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Cherry-Lime Margarita

cherry lime margarita with a lime rim and cherry and lime garnish
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

The margarita is a seasonal drink…right? We think so! Especially this cherry-lime margarita, which is right on theme for a tropical Christmas. We used both cherry concentrate and the syrup from a maraschino cherry jar to achieve the perfect balance of tart and sweet. If you’re looking for an elevated twist on a classic margarita, look no further. Bring this cocktail to your next Christmas party, holiday movie night, or festive celebration!

Get the Cherry-Lime Margarita recipe.

20

(Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes

red frozen ice cubes with orange slices and spices
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Looking for a quick way to level up your holiday punch bowl or cocktails without the hassle? These stunning ice cubes are an incredibly easy solution—and they’ll make you look super-classy too! These ice cubes use pomegranate juice instead of water, adding both flavor and a vibrant red hue to what would otherwise be plain ice.

Get the (Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below