The best winter cocktails and how to prepare them

Winter is an excellent time of year to curl up in front of a cozy fire with friends or just a good book, especially if it is snowing outside. It's a great time to enjoy a seasonal cocktail. There are so many classic and signature cocktails that are prepared and served around the holidays. Here are some ideas for traditional and creative drinks that you can enjoy when the weather is chilly.

Espresso Martini

Espresso is such a nice treat on a chilly afternoon. Next time you brew a pot of espresso, make enough for martinis that you can serve to family and friends before a festive holiday meal. These will get the party going.

Ingredients:

• Ice

• 2 ounces brewed espresso, chilled

• 2 ounces good vodka

• 1 ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua

• 3 whole espresso beans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour the espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur over the ice. Place the top on and shake for 30 seconds until the spirits are frothy.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the beans and serve.

Aromatic Mulled Wine

Have you ever walked into someone’s house and was struck by the aroma of a pot of mulled wine simmering on the stove? This is one of the best ways to welcome friends after snowshoeing or cross country skiing. This recipe should easily serve 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine, such as Zinfandel or Cabernet

• 4 cups fresh apple cider

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 whole cloves

• 2 star anise

Instructions:

1. Place a large pot saucepan over medium-high heat. Add wine, cider, orange juice, zest, and honey. Stir to combine until the honey melts. Add the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

2. As soon as the wine comes to a boil turn the heat down to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

3. Remove the spices with a slotted spoon. Serve the wine in glass tea mugs while still warm.

Cranberry Old Fashioned

For those who enjoy a classic whiskey drink, an old fashioned generally hits the spot. When it is frigid outside, spice up your old fashioned with cinnamon and aromatic bitters. Add a splash of cranberry juice for that seasonal twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange wedge

• 1 sugar cube

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

• Crushed ice to fill the glass

• 2 ounces good bourbon

• 1 ounce cranberry juice

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Orange twist

Instructions:

1. Muddle or smash the orange, sugar, and bitters in a 10 ounce old fashioned glass until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add crushed ice to almost fill the glass. Pour the bourbon and cranberry juice over the ice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and twist of orange and enjoy.

Spiced Hot Buttered Rum

When a big snowstorm is in the forecast, head to the market and liquor store for supplies. Once the snow starts coming down, settle in and forget about going anywhere. Make yourself a hot buttered rum that you can sip on throughout the storm. This spicy and sweet cocktail will warm and relax you.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ounces dark rum

• 5 ounces of boiled water

Instructions:

1. Place the butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice into a nice coffee mug. Mix and muddle to combine well.

2. Pour in the rum and stir well. Add enough hot water to fill the mug. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy.

Pomegranate Orange Mimosas

You had a good night’s sleep and woke up to several inches of snow. You have the day off. Grab the shovel and clear the walkways. Now it is time for brunch and a mimosa. Jazz up this classic cocktail with some colorful pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• Chilled champagne

• 4 fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Place 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds into 4 champagne flutes. Pour 1 ounce of orange juice into each glass. Fill the flutes with the champagne.

2. Garnish each cocktail with a mint leaf and serve.

Final Thoughts

Some people really love winter and see it as a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Others can’t wait to get out into the snow and play hard. Either way, there are seasonal cocktails that can make all of this even more fun. Try these twists on classic cocktails to help you enjoy the winter weather.

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