Regardless of what part of the Northern Hemisphere you live in (particularly in the US), there’s a good chance winter conditions are less favorable than the rest of the seasons.
Even if you don’t get lake effect snow and howling wind, you likely at least need to throw on a windbreaker to temper the chilly winter air. But the only thing better than warming sweaters and pull-overs during the blustery season is warming, boozy cocktails.
Like in any season, there are a few cocktails that every drinker should know how to make in the winter months (and well into spring in some parts of the country). Below, you’ll find some of our favorite cocktails featuring whiskey, vodka, rum, and more. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy just might be the perfect winter cocktail. It’s warm, boozy, and is sure to cure what ails you. In the simplest terms, a Hot Toddy is a hot cocktail made with hot water, whiskey (bourbon, Scotch whisky, whatever you prefer), lemon juice, and honey. You can add a cinnamon stick or other spices, but the simplified version is already a perfect, warming mix of whiskey, tart, refreshing citrus, and honey sweetness.
El Presidente
If you’ve never tried an El Presidente, this winter is the time to whip one up. This Cuban-born drink from the early 1900s is made with aged rum, dry vermouth, orange curacao, and grenadine. The aged rum, dry vermouth, and curacao work in perfect unison to give this drink perfect balance. It’s a great respite from the cold winter days ahead.
Godfather
There might not be a simpler, more warming winter drink than the classic Godfather. It’s literally made with a 50/50 split of blended Scotch whisky and Amaretto. It’s boozy, sweet, complex, and sure to warm you inside and out on the coldest winter day.
Old Fashioned
No winter cocktail list is complete without the Old Fashioned. To make this drink, you muddle a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Then you add ice and an ounce a half of rye or bourbon whiskey. Stir to combine and garnish with a cocktail cherry or orange peel. It’s one of the most popular cocktails of all time for good reason.
White Russian
If this drink was good enough for Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, it’s good enough for us. Tis decadent drink is made with vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. It’s boozy, indulgent, and has a nice mix of cream sweetness and coffee flavor. It’s an all-time winter favorite and one you’ll want to add to your repertoire.
