5 Best Winter Cocktails to Warm Up Your Cold Nights

When the nights draw in, a warm cocktail beats almost anything. Here are five winter classics with simple recipes in UK measures, plus how to turn them into a festive night with friends.

Every recipe makes one drink unless it says otherwise, and you won’t need any special kit beyond a saucepan and a few mugs.

1. Hot toddy

The original winter warmer: whisky, honey, lemon and hot water. It takes two minutes, and it’s just as good on a cold night in as at a festive get-together.

You’ll need:

• 50ml whisky
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 150 to 200ml hot water
• A cinnamon stick or a few cloves, to garnish

Method:

1. Add the whisky, honey and lemon juice to a heatproof glass or mug.
2. Top up with hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Add the cinnamon stick or cloves and serve straight away.

Try a slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth, or swap the water for hot apple juice.

2. Mulled wine

Nothing smells more like winter. Mulled wine is made in one pan, keeps warm all evening and is ideal for a crowd.

You’ll need (serves 6):

• 1 bottle (75cl) of fruity red wine, such as Merlot
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 or 5 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 50ml brandy (optional)

Method:

1. Put everything except the brandy in a large saucepan.
2. Warm gently over a low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring until the honey or sugar dissolves. Don’t let it boil.
3. Stir in the brandy, if using, then ladle into heatproof glasses.

A handful of cranberries or a sliced apple makes it even more festive.

3. Irish coffee

Half pick-me-up, half pudding. A proper Irish coffee is all about the layer of cream floating on top.

You’ll need:

• 200ml hot, freshly brewed coffee
• 40ml Irish whiskey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Double cream, lightly whipped

Method:

1. Warm a heatproof glass with hot water, then empty it.
2. Add the coffee, whiskey and sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top, then sip the coffee through the cream.

4. Boozy hot chocolate

A childhood favourite with a grown-up twist, and the easiest crowd-pleaser on this list.

You’ll need:

• 250ml whole milk
• 60ml double cream
• 50g dark chocolate, chopped
• 30ml dark rum, bourbon or a cream liqueur
• Whipped cream, marshmallows or grated chocolate, to top

Method:

1. Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan until steaming.
2. Take it off the heat, add the chocolate and stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the spirit, pour into a mug and add your toppings.

Orange liqueur or peppermint schnapps both work brilliantly instead of the rum.

5. Eggnog

Rich, creamy and made for December. Homemade eggnog is far better than shop-bought, and you can serve it warm or chilled.

You’ll need (serves 6):

• 4 egg yolks
• 100g caster sugar
• 500ml whole milk
• 250ml double cream
• 150 to 200ml dark rum, bourbon or brandy
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Method:

1. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
2. Heat the milk and cream until steaming, then slowly whisk it into the eggs.
3. Return to the pan and stir over a low heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Take it off the heat, stir in the spirit and serve warm or chilled, with nutmeg grated over the top.

Cooking the custard until it thickens makes it safer. If anyone in your group is pregnant, skip the eggnog or use a pasteurised version.

Turn it into a winter cocktail night

Don’t fancy making them yourself? Our mobile cocktail masterclass brings the whole bar to you for Christmas parties, birthdays and winter hen dos. Your host, a butler in the buff or a smartly dressed mixologist if you’d prefer, arrives with the glassware, shakers and every ingredient, alcohol included, and teaches your group to make three or four cocktails each over two hours.

Classes start from £25 per person with your host included, and we can give your class a festive theme. Year-round favourites like the Espresso Martini and the Pornstar Martini are always on the menu.

Book a cocktail lesson

Questions? Call us on 07360 677638 or 01924 806151, or email [email protected].