Cozy Up: The 6 Best Winter Cocktails to Try in 2025/2026
While we're enjoying the spring sunshine right now, it's never too early to dream about cozy winter evenings. As the temperatures drop later in 2025, our cocktail preferences will shift towards drinks that offer warmth, richness, and comforting spice. Looking at the trends shaping up for the year – including the enduring love for coffee cocktails, the resurgence of whiskey, sophisticated twists on classics, and indulgent flavours – we can predict some fantastic sips for the colder months ahead.
Get ready to embrace the hygge season! Here are 6 must-try winter cocktails for late 2025 and early 2026:
1. Winter-Spiced Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini isn't going anywhere in 2025, but for winter, give it a seasonal makeover. Swap vodka for a richer aged rum or bourbon, and infuse it with warming spices. Think a hint of cinnamon, star anise, or even a touch of dark chocolate liqueur alongside the coffee kick.
Why it's perfect for Winter '25/'26: Taps into the massive Espresso Martini trend while adding seasonal depth and warmth with spices and richer spirits. The ultimate festive pick-me-up.
Key Ingredients: Aged Rum or Bourbon, Coffee Liqueur, Fresh Espresso, Winter Spice Syrup (Cinnamon/Star Anise), Optional Chocolate Liqueur.
2. Brown Butter Old Fashioned
Fat-washing is a technique gaining traction, adding texture and unique flavour. A Brown Butter Old Fashioned takes the timeless whiskey classic and adds a layer of nutty, rich complexity that feels incredibly luxurious and perfect for a winter evening by the fire.
Why it's perfect for Winter '25/'26: Uses the predicted-to-be-popular bourbon/whiskey, incorporates the innovative fat-washing trend, and delivers deep, comforting flavours.
Key Ingredients: Bourbon or Rye Whiskey (Brown Butter-Washed), Demerara Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Orange Peel.
3. Smoky Mezcal Hot Chocolate
Take hot chocolate to a whole new level! The burgeoning popularity of agave spirits, particularly smoky Mezcal, makes it a fascinating partner for rich dark chocolate. This combination offers comforting sweetness, warmth, and an intriguing layer of smoke – maybe add a pinch of chili for a spicy kick, another 2025 trend.
Why it's perfect for Winter '25/'26: Combines the indulgent chocolate trend with the popular agave/mezcal category. A sophisticated, warming, and slightly unexpected treat.
Key Ingredients: Good Quality Dark Chocolate or Cocoa Powder, Milk/Cream, Mezcal, Sweetener (Agave/Sugar), Optional Chili Powder/Cinnamon.
4. Spiced Pear & Aged Rum Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a winter non-negotiable. Elevate it this year using seasonal spiced pear and a quality aged rum. The rum provides a deep, molasses warmth that complements the baked fruit and aromatic spices like clove and nutmeg beautifully.
Why it's perfect for Winter '25/'26: A comforting hot cocktail staple given a seasonal fruit twist. Uses richer aged rum and warming winter spices for ultimate coziness.
Key Ingredients: Aged Rum, Hot Water, Spiced Pear Syrup (or Pear Nectar + Spices), Lemon Juice, Cinnamon Stick/Star Anise garnish.
5. Black Manhattan
Reflecting a trend towards sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktails and the growing appreciation for Italian bitters (Amari), the Black Manhattan is a stellar winter choice. It swaps sweet vermouth for richer, more complex Amaro Averna, creating a darker, bolder take on the classic Manhattan.
Why it's perfect for Winter '25/'26: Showcases quality whiskey (Rye or Bourbon), highlights the Amaro trend, and offers a complex, warming sip perfect as a digestif.
Key Ingredients: Rye Whiskey or Bourbon, Amaro Averna, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters (optional), Cherry Garnish.
6. Whiskey Mulled Wine (or Cider)
Nothing says winter gatherings quite like mulled wine or cider. Give this batch-friendly favourite an extra layer of warmth and complexity by fortifying it with whiskey (bourbon or rye work well). The whiskey enhances the spices and adds a robust backbone.
Why it's perfect for Winter '25/'26: A familiar, comforting crowd-pleaser elevated with the warmth of whiskey. Perfect for holiday parties and leveraging the whiskey trend.
Key Ingredients: Red Wine (or Apple Cider), Whiskey (Bourbon/Rye), Orange Slices, Mulling Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Star Anise), Optional Sweetener (Maple/Honey).
As the days draw in later this year, these cocktails offer the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and sophisticated flavour to see you through the winter season. Whether you're curled up with a book or celebrating with friends, there's a perfect warming sip waiting.
What's your favourite way to stay warm with a cocktail in winter? Let us know! Cheers to cozy nights ahead!