Dessert in a Glass: Indulgent Winter Dessert Cocktails
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in rich, comforting flavors, and dessert cocktails are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying warm. These luxurious drinks combine the best of mixology and dessert, offering a decadent treat in every sip.
From spiced creations like the Gingerbread Martini to creamy delights like the Salted Caramel White Russian, here are some indulgent winter dessert cocktails to make your evenings cozier.
1. Gingerbread Martini
This festive favorite captures the essence of holiday cookies in a creamy, spiced drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz Irish cream liqueur
1 oz gingerbread syrup (recipe below)
Crushed gingerbread cookies for rimming
Whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with crushed gingerbread cookies.
Shake vodka, Irish cream, and gingerbread syrup with ice.
Strain into the prepared glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Gingerbread Syrup: Simmer 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp molasses, and 1 tsp gingerbread spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) until the sugar dissolves. Strain and cool.
2. Salted Caramel White Russian
A decadent twist on the classic White Russian, this drink blends creamy coffee flavors with sweet and salty caramel notes.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
1 oz salted caramel syrup
1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
Caramel sauce and sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
Drizzle caramel sauce inside a rocks glass and sprinkle sea salt on top.
Fill the glass with ice and add vodka, coffee liqueur, and salted caramel syrup.
Stir gently and float the cream on top.
3. Tiramisu Espresso Martini
Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, this cocktail combines coffee, chocolate, and creamy liqueurs for a drink that’s pure indulgence.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)
0.5 oz coffee liqueur
0.5 oz chocolate liqueur
Mascarpone cream or whipped cream for garnish
Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
Shake vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and chocolate liqueur with ice.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Top with a dollop of mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
4. Hot Buttered Rum
This classic winter drink is rich, buttery, and the perfect way to warm up on a cold night.
Ingredients:
2 oz dark rum
1 tbsp hot buttered rum batter (recipe below)
4 oz hot water
Whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Combine rum, batter, and hot water in a mug. Stir until the batter dissolves.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Hot Buttered Rum Batter: Cream 1 stick unsalted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
5. Peppermint Mocha Martini
A delightful blend of chocolate and mint, this cocktail feels like a grown-up version of your favorite holiday coffee.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz chocolate liqueur
1 oz cream
Crushed candy canes for rimming
Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes.
Shake vodka, peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and cream with ice.
Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a mini candy cane.
6. Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate
This spicy and sweet cocktail takes hot chocolate to the next level with the addition of tequila and warming spices.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz reposado tequila
1 cup hot chocolate (made with milk or cream)
Pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
Stir tequila, cinnamon, and cayenne into hot chocolate.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Why Dessert Cocktails Are Perfect for Winter
Rich Flavors: The creamy textures and bold flavors of dessert cocktails are ideal for colder months.
Festive Appeal: These drinks are perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.
Versatility: Dessert cocktails can double as after-dinner drinks, offering a sweet ending to any meal.
Experience Dessert Cocktails at Sweetbriar
For a luxurious cocktail experience, visit Bar 27 at Sweetbriar in NYC’s Flatiron District. Our talented mixologists have created dessert-inspired drinks that blend indulgent flavors with artisanal techniques.
Featured Cocktail: The Nutty Nog—a creamy blend of bourbon, hazelnut liqueur, and nutmeg, served with a toasted marshmallow garnish.
Sip Your Dessert This Winter
From the bold flavors of a Gingerbread Martini to the comforting warmth of Hot Buttered Rum, dessert cocktails are a delicious way to celebrate the season. Try these recipes at home or visit Bar 27 at Sweetbriar to explore even more indulgent creations crafted by NYC’s top mixologists.
Cheers to sweet sips and cozy nights!
