Best Winter Warmers – Hot Cocktails to Sip When It’s Cold Outside

As winter settles in and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm cocktail to take the chill off and add a bit of cheer to your evening. From classic mulled wine to comforting hot toddies, winter cocktails are designed to provide both warmth and flavor, bringing cozy comfort to the coldest days. Here are some of the best hot cocktails to enjoy this winter, complete with recipes and recommendations on where to find the finest versions in NYC.

1. Mulled Wine – A Warm and Spiced Winter Staple

Mulled wine is a quintessential winter warmer, loved for its rich, fruity flavor enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Traditionally enjoyed throughout Europe during the colder months, mulled wine has become a staple at winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Recipe:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)

• 1/4 cup brandy

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1/4 cup honey or sugar

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cloves

• 3 star anise

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and warm over low heat.

2. Simmer for 20–30 minutes without letting it boil.

3. Strain and serve in heatproof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.

Where to Find It in NYC: You can sip a delicious mulled wine at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. The cozy outdoor market offers a warm ambiance and festive setting, making it perfect for enjoying this winter classic.

2. Hot Toddy – The Classic Cold-Weather Cure-All

Few drinks are as comforting as the hot toddy, a simple cocktail made with whisky, honey, lemon, and hot water. Known for its soothing properties, the hot toddy is often a go-to remedy for winter chills, offering warmth and gentle flavors to unwind with on a frosty night.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz whisky (Scotch or bourbon works well)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 4–5 oz hot water

• Cinnamon stick and lemon slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine the whisky, honey, and lemon juice.

2. Top with hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.

3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

Where to Find It in NYC: The Dead Rabbit in Lower Manhattan serves an exceptional hot toddy with its signature twist, making it a perfect stop for whisky lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

3. Irish Coffee – A Warm Pick-Me-Up

A blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream, Irish coffee is a classic winter cocktail that delivers warmth and a welcome caffeine kick. It’s great as an after-dinner drink or as a cozy morning treat on a snowy day.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz Irish whiskey

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 4 oz hot coffee

• Lightly whipped heavy cream, for topping

Instructions:

1. Combine whiskey and brown sugar in a heatproof glass or mug, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add hot coffee and stir.

3. Top with a layer of whipped cream by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon.

Where to Find It in NYC: For a top-notch Irish coffee, head to The Dead Poet on the Upper West Side. Their expertly crafted Irish coffee balances strong coffee with rich whiskey and cream for a classic experience.

4. Hot Buttered Rum – Rich and Decadent

Hot buttered rum is a true indulgence—a rich blend of dark rum, spices, brown sugar, and a pat of butter stirred into steaming hot water. The result is a creamy, warming drink that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Recipe:

• 2 oz dark rum

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 small pat of butter

• 4 oz hot water

• Cinnamon stick and nutmeg, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, add the rum, brown sugar, and butter.

2. Top with hot water and stir until the butter melts.

3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Where to Find It in NYC: For a taste of hot buttered rum, try The Rum House near Times Square, where this cozy cocktail is expertly crafted in a warm and inviting setting.

5. Warm Spiced Apple Cider with Scotch

For a Scotch twist on a winter classic, try a warm spiced apple cider with a splash of smoky Scotch. This cocktail combines the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the depth of Scotch, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Recipe:

• 4 oz apple cider

• 1.5 oz Scotch (choose a lightly peated Scotch for subtle smoke)

• 1/2 oz honey or maple syrup

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Orange slice and clove-studded apple slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the apple cider, honey, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan over low heat until warm (but not boiling).

2. Remove from heat and add the Scotch.

3. Pour into a mug, and garnish with an orange slice and clove-studded apple slice.

This Scotch cider’s warmth and gentle spice bring out the richness of the Scotch without overwhelming it, making it an ideal drink for a cozy evening by the fire.

Join Us to Learn More at Our November Art of the Cocktail Class

If you’re a fan of Scotch and looking to expand your cocktail knowledge, join us on November 12 for our Art of the Cocktail class. You’ll learn to make a range of Scotch cocktails that highlight its versatility, from seasonal autumn drinks to winter warmers like the Spiced Apple Cider with Scotch. It’s the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and discover new ways to enjoy Scotch.

Reserve your spot now for an evening of expert-led cocktail creation, tasting, and seasonal inspiration.