5 Whiskey Cocktails for Winter

When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing more delightful than cozying up with a whiskey cocktail in hand. Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in a classic mixed drink, there's a recipe for you. From a warming whiskey hot toddy to a rich and creamy whiskey eggnog.

5 Whiskey Cocktails for Winter
Photo by Sid Balachandran / Unsplash

Whiskey Cocktails

When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing more delightful than cozying up with a whiskey cocktail in hand. Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in a classic mixed drink, there's a recipe for you. From a warming whiskey hot toddy to a rich and creamy whiskey eggnog, these five whiskey cocktails will help you make it through the winter. Cheers!


Hot Toddy

A Hot Toddy is a classic winter cocktail, perfect for warming up on a cold night. Made with whiskey, honey, and lemon, it's both sweet and sour, and can be spiced up with a cinnamon stick or a dash of nutmeg.

To make a Hot Toddy, you'll need:

  • 1 ounce of whiskey
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 8 ounces of boiling water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 dash of nutmeg (optional)

Start by combining the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice in a mug. Then, add the boiling water and stir to combine. If you're using a cinnamon stick, add it now. If you're using nutmeg, add it along with the honey and lemon juice. Stir again and enjoy!


Whiskey Eggnog

When the temperature starts to drop and the nights get longer, there's nothing quite like a cozy whiskey cocktail to warm you up. Eggnog is a classic winter drink, and it's even better with a little bourbon or rye whiskey added in. Here are five delicious whiskey eggnog recipes to try this winter.

For a traditional eggnog, combine 6 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 pint of whipping cream, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of bourbon in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in glasses garnished with nutmeg.

For a festive twist on the classic, try this recipe for Eggnog Spiced Whiskey Punch. Combine 1 cup of bourbon, 1 cup of spiced rum, 1 cup of apple cider, 1 cup of orange juice, 8 eggs, and 1 cup of sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in glasses garnished with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.

For a lighter take on eggnog, try this recipe for Whiskey Eggnog Lattes. Combine 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of whipping cream, 6 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of bourbon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a blender and blend until smooth.


The Manhattan

There are few cocktails as classic and well-loved as the Manhattan. This whiskey-based drink is perfect for sipping on a cold winter evening, and its complex flavor profile is sure to satisfy even the most discerning drinkers.

To make a Manhattan, you'll need:

  • 2 ounces of rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • 1 Maraschino cherry

Start by mixing the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters together in a mixing glass. Then, add ice and stir until well chilled. Finally, strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.

The Manhattan is a timeless classic for a reason: its complex flavor profile is the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and strong. Give this cocktail a try the next time you're in the mood for something truly special.


The Old Fashioned

There's nothing more classic than an Old Fashioned, and it's the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night. This cocktail is made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water, and it's garnished with a cherry and an orange peel.

To make an Old Fashioned, start by adding a sugar cube to a rocks glass. Then, add a few dashes of bitters and muddle the sugar until it's dissolved. Next, add 2 ounces of whiskey and a splash of water. Stir the drink until it's well-combined, then garnish with a cherry and an orange peel.

If you're looking for a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, try substituting bourbon for the whiskey. You can also add a splash of club soda or ginger ale to the drink. And if you want to make it extra festive, garnish with a cinnamon stick instead of the cherry and orange peel.


The Whiskey Sour

There's something about a whiskey sour that just screams wintertime. Maybe it's the deep amber color of the whiskey, or the way the citrus cuts through the richness of the drink. Whatever the reason, we think this classic cocktail is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter night.

To make a traditional whiskey sour, you'll need:

  • Whiskey
  • Lemon juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Egg white (optional)

Start by combining the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. If you're using the egg white, add it to the shaker and shake again to combine. Then, float the egg white on top of the drink by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

If you're looking for a twist on the classic, try one of these variations:

  • The Gold Rush: Swap out the lemon juice for honey syrup and top with a dusting of ground cinnamon.
  • The Kentucky Mule: Add a splash of ginger beer to the mix.
  • The Boulevardier: Substitute bourbon for the whiskey and add a dash of bitters.

Whiskey Cocktail Ideas

As the weather gets colder, we all start looking for ways to warm up. One of the best ways to do that is with a delicious whiskey cocktail. There are so many different recipes out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of five of the best whiskey cocktails for winter.

If you're looking for a classic winter cocktail, the Old Fashioned is a great choice. This cocktail is made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus. It's a simple but delicious drink that will warm you up from the inside out.

If you're in the mood for something a little sweeter, the Hot Toddy is a great option. This cocktail is made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices. It's the perfect drink to curl up with on a cold night.

If you're looking for a cocktail that's a little bit different, the Sazerac is a great option. This cocktail is made with whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and a twist of lemon. It's a complex and flavorful drink that is sure to warm you up on a cold winter night.

If you're looking for a festive winter cocktail, the Christmas Cake is a great choice. This cocktail is made with whiskey, amaretto, lemon, and spices. It's a delicious and festive drink that's perfect for holiday parties.

Finally, if you're looking for a winter cocktail that's a little bit different, the Smoked Maple Manhattan is a great option. This cocktail is made with whiskey, smoked maple syrup, bitters, and a twist of orange. It's a unique and delicious drink that's perfect for sipping by the fire.