15 Cozy Cocktail Recipes to Warm You Up from the Inside Out
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
While we might indeed be drinking our rosé this winter, sometimes the cold weather calls for a beverage that's a little stronger. We're talking cocktails that make you feel all warm inside, whether it's because they're served hot like your favorite tea latte, or because they pack a punch when it comes to the hard stuff. You don't need a ton of booze in your drinks to get that tingly, warming sensation — just a shot or splash can give you warm fuzzies. These cocktails are exactly what you want to be sipping when sweater weather rolls around.
Ukranian Winter Punch: Served warm, this spiced punch made with dried fruits is different from the drinks you might be used to. And it's family-friendly — you can opt to leave the brandy out, and drinkers can add a shot or two if they desire. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)
Irish Hot Chocolate: When you think of "Irish" drinks, your mind probably goes to whiskey. But in this cozy drink, a reduction of Irish stout is what brings the flavor and fire to your hot cocoa. (via The Hungary Buddha)
Spiced Rye and Jam Cocktail Recipe: After preserving your autumn fruit, what do you do with all of it? We recommend combining it with spiced rye whiskey to make this warming cocktail. (via JoJoTastic)
Pumpkin Spiced White Owl: This cocktail is served chilled, but its flavors will warm you right up. It's basically a pumpkin spice latte in a glass, thanks to Kahlúa and pumpkin spice creamer. (via College Housewife)
Pumpkin Kentucky Mule: Swap vodka for bourbon to make this autumnal twist on the classic mule. Cardamom bitters and pumpkin butter round out the flavors. (via Beyond Mere Sustenance)
Pomegranate Lime Margaritas: Just because the weather changes doesn't mean you have to stop drinking your favorite beverage. A splash of pomegranate juice takes your margaritas right into winter, so you can keep on living large. (via Simmer + Sauce)
Hot Buttered Rum: Hot buttered rum is a classic cold-weather cocktail. The secret lies in making a butter batter that emulsifies when blended with the warm liquor. Yum. (via Blooming Bites)
Homemade Nutella Liqueur: Creamy, homemade Nutella liqueur is so tasty, you don't even need to mix it into a cocktail. You could add some to your hot cocoa, but sipping it from a festive glass on its own will do just as well. (via The View from Great Island)
Homemade Irish Cream: We always break out a bottle of Irish cream liqueur when winter comes around, but this version is even better. When you make it in your own kitchen, you can customize the different flavor notes in your Irish cream, be they chocolate, vanilla, almond, or coconut. (via Sugar and Soul)
Cranberry Gin and Tonic: Sometimes all it takes is a small tweak to bring your favorite cocktail into the new season. Just add some cranberry juice to your gin and tonic to make this big-batch drink holiday party-worthy. (via SaloonBox)
Cinnamon Spiced Old Fashioned: Old Fashioneds definitely turn up the heat when it's cold outside. A homemade cinnamon simple syrup makes this one even more spine-tinglingly delicious. (via Feast in Thyme)
Chambord and Ginger Beer Cocktail: The best things in life are usually those that strike just the right balance. In this case, it's sweet red and black raspberry Chambord and spicy, fragrant ginger beer that make this cocktail sing. (via Cooks With Cocktails)
Blackberry Sangria: This deeply hued blackberry sangria certainly looks the part, but it's the muddled blood oranges, brandy, and Chambord that create its rich flavor — best enjoyed in front of a crackling fireplace. (via Jennifer Meyering)
Bitter Lemon Spritz: Your summer lemonade gets a makeover with this recipe. Angostura bitters and rosemary give your warm-weather cocktail a wintertime edge. (via Domesticate Me)
Apple Chai Hot Toddy: Spiced apple tea sounds like the perfect pick-me-up on a blustery evening. Pour in some dark rum to add even more flavor (and coziness) to your drink. (via The Suburban Soapbox)
For more holiday entertaining ideas, follow us on Pinterestand check out our other hot cocktails for more inspiration.
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.