Top 20 winter drinks
Indulge in a warming cocktail or a crowd-pleasing punch using our best winter drink recipes. Make a batch of classic mulled wine or a smooth hot chocolate
From a steaming glass of traditional mulled wine, brimming with spices, to an indulgent mudslide cocktail, our winter drinks recipes are perfect for seeing in the festive season. Curl up in your fluffiest jumper with a creamy peppermint hot chocolate, or get the party started with a batch of our marvellous mulled gin.
Keep everyone's glasses topped up with our favourite festive drinks and mouth-watering non-alcoholic drinks for every taste. Check out our best Christmas cocktails and mocktails for endless festive fun. Find top mixology tips, reviews of our favourite products and even more triple-tested recipes in our cocktails and drinks hub.
20 cosy winter drink recipes
1. Spiced apple syrup with clementine & cloves
Our spiced apple syrup with clementine & cloves will add a burst of fabulous Christmas flavour to any drink. Try adding to hot apple juice or mulled wine for festive fruit and spice. It's even delicious drizzled over ice cream for an upgraded frozen treat. It will keep for about a month, so store it in the fridge ready for impromptu gatherings.
2. Gingerbread latte
Fight off the winter chill by curling up with a festive film and warming your hands around a spiced gingerbread latte. To give it an even cheekier twist, add a shot of espresso and a swirl of whipped cream.
3. Mulled wine cocktail
Winter wouldn't feel the same without a warm mug of mulled wine, maybe with a splash of sloe gin for sweetness. But if you want to take that comforting cup of mulled wine and turn it into a fancier cocktail for your winter get-togethers, try our make-ahead mulled wine cocktail.
More like this
Check out our 10 mulled wine recipes with a twist.
4. Mulled pomegranate juice
Keep all your party guests happy, including those who aren’t drinking, with this easy non-alcoholic Christmas-spiced fruit punch. Served warm and brimming with festive flavour, it’s ideal for a crowd. This recipe makes a generous litre and calls for just seven ingredients, using spices you're likely to have in your cupboard. Perfect for effortless holiday entertaining.
5. Winter whisky sour
Warm up from the inside out with our simple winter whiskey sour. Give the classic sour a couple of delicious tweaks and it's ready for the festive season. Add a splash of orange juice to your favourite bourbon, a little sugar syrup and some fresh fruit. Need more help getting into the spirit?
Try our best ever whisky cocktail recipes.
6. Dirty chai latte
Elevate your at-home barista game with a cosy twist on a classic chai latte. This version gets a little pick-me-up from a splash of coffee and is finished with a dusting of fragrant nutmeg.
7. Gingerbread hot chocolate
Elevate your hot chocolate game with this festive version infused with zesty orange, warm ginger, spicy cloves, and cinnamon. To take it to the next level, don't forget to crown it with a cloud of luscious whipped cream and top with crumbled gingerbread for extra spice.
Got something of a sweet tooth? Try our top hot chocolate recipes, from hazelnut cream to salted caramel.
8. Vegan chai hot chocolate
With this indulgent vegan hot chocolate, there is no need to compromise on flavour or creaminess. Made with oat milk and warming spices, it's the perfect cosy drink for chilly days. Top it with a swirl of vegan whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence – you won't miss out on any of the fun!
9. Mince pie rum
Let someone know you care with a homemade holiday drink that can be prepared ahead and keeps well for up to six months. It's perfect for spicing a hot toddy or adding winter warmth to punch. Why not try it instead of spiced rum in our cinnamon butter rum recipe to bring an extra-Christmassy flavour?
Whether you prefer white or dark, spiced or smooth, we have a rum cocktail recipe to get your party started.
10. Hot spiced buttered rum
Warm up from the inside with a cosy mug of hot spiced buttered rum. It's the ultimate nightcap, perfect for sipping by a crackling fire or keeping your hands toasty while watching the fireworks on Bonfire Night.
11. Mulled pear & cranberry punch
Our versatile mulled pear & cranberry punch can be served as a cocktail or a non-boozy version, simply miss out the sloe gin. The beauty of this all-in-one recipe means you can simply chuck your ingredients in a pan, leave to heat, then ladle out as needed. It takes just 10 minutes to make, so no need to sweat it out in the kitchen.
12. Mulled gin
Infusing apple juice with seasonal spices like bay, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and juniper transforms it into a festive delight. Serve it as is for those not drinking alcohol or mix it with gin for some extra holiday spirit.
13. Mudslide
This creamy, coffee-flavoured drink is for adults only. Our mudslide is pure decadence, something to be savoured and sipped at your leisure.
14. Brandy Alexander
Indulge in a classic Brandy Alexander with just three simple ingredients – brandy, crème de cacao, and velvety double cream. Finish with a sprinkle of spiced sugar to dial up the festive cheer. Try one of our three flavour variations: trifle, strawberry, or passion fruit & coconut for a playful twist.
15. Winter Pimm's punch
This archetypal English tipple isn't just for summer. Our winter Pimm's punch is paired with sweet brandy and light apple juice for an instant winter winner. You'll probably have most of the ingredients already lurking in kitchen cupboard. It can be served warm or cool.
16. Slow cooker mulled cider
Hosting a Christmas party? Let guests serve themselves with this festive mulled cider. Just pop everything in the slow cooker and let it gently simmer – perfect for ladling into heatproof glasses throughout the evening. It’s a brilliantly low-effort option that proves great hosting doesn’t have to be hard work.
17. Gingerbread gin
Want a twist on traditional holiday cocktails? Make way for our latest Yuletide obsession: gin with the warming embrace of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, fragrant cardamom and a touch of sugar. What could be more festive?
For those who prefer a more subtle flavour, why not try our mulled gin? It's a delicate infusion of apple juice, aromatic spices like bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, juniper berries, and a hint of honey to impart delicate sweetness.
Discover how to make more gin infusions with our flavoured gin recipes.
18. Eggnog
Welcome guests to a party with our simple eggnog recipe. This traditional Christmas drink, crafted with just five key ingredients including rich egg yolks and a splash of brandy, will bring a touch of holiday nostalgia to your gathering. A single batch serves a group of 4-6 people. The best part is that it can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your seasonal celebration.
For more cocktail recipes when entertaining, try our jug cocktail ideas.
19. Irish coffee
After serving up a hearty winter feast, treat your guests to a luxurious after-dinner tipple with an Irish coffee. Made with smooth Irish whiskey, rich cream, and freshly brewed coffee, it’s the perfect finish to a cosy meal.
20. Spiced clementine mulled whisky
Make the most of clementines this Christmas with a warming mulled whisky. Adding ginger beer as a base boosts the festive flavours of cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice.
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What's your favourite winter tipple? Leave a comment below...