Warm Cocktails: 6 Classics To Cozy Up With
In need of warm cocktails for a chilly autumn night or a frigid winter afternoon? You’re in luck! We’re snuggling up with some spicy cocktails that scream fireside, toasty s’mores, and quilts. That slow burn will last you all evening.
6 Warm Cocktails You Can Hold Close This Winter
Cocktails for the Warm Hands of Coffee Lovers
1) Kentucky Coffee
Kentucky Coffee is good all by yourself or with friends. [Photo cred: Skitterphoto]
What did you expect us to begin with? We hail from the land of bluegrass and bourbon, so we’re recommending this Spruce Eats recipe upfront. Most of us love a steamy cup of joe all year long. But you can substitute that cream and sugar with bourbon and honey if you want to really warm up!
| Kentucky Coffee Recipe
● 1 oz. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey ● 0.5 oz. Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur ● Hot Coffee (recommended: thick and rich coffee) Preheat your coffee mug, then add the bourbon and liqueur. Add coffee. Garnish with whipped cream if you like. |
2) Alive & Kicking
Warm up with a cold brew. It’s deliciously ironic! [Photo cred: Wiki Commons]
Whether you’re frozen solid or wilting from cabin fever indoors, this “warm” cocktail is getting it done even though it’s icy. "How"; you ask? You’re probably wondering why we’re breaking the “warm cocktails” rules only a third of the way into this article. But when Scotch is in the house, things are warming up. Bon Appetit informs us that Orangerie is a whisky that’s infused with orange peel, clove, and cassia (Chinese cinnamon). Hello, fall! They further note that it can be sourced online.
| Alive & Kicking Recipe
● 1 Tbsp. Demerara sugar (for simple syrup) ● 4 oz. Strong cold-brewed coffee ● 4 oz. Fernet ● 3 oz. Amaro ● 3 oz. Orangerie Scotch First, for the simple syrup, combine sugar and 1 Tbsp. hot water in a jar. Cover and shake until the sugar is dissolved, then chill. For each cocktail, combine 1 oz. coffee, 1 oz. fernet, 0.75 oz. amaro, 0.75 oz. Orangerie, and 0.25 oz. simple syrup in your cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker up with ice, and vigorously shake for about 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass. Garnish these cold but oh-so-somehow-warm cocktails with orange twists. Makes 4 servings. |
Lady Autumn’s Warm Cocktails
3) Warm Pumpkin Spice Rum Cocktail
Pumpkin spice makes everything nice. Especially your cocktail. [Photo cred: Pixabay]Okay, so back to physical heat. We like this warm cocktail from Honest Cooking. It seems just about perfect for October and November when pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla are in full swing. But the rum and coconut are making us think about warm summer sunshine down in the islands. So, there’s that memory to get us through the fall months, too. Sip away, sailor!
| Warm Pumpkin Spice Rum Cocktail Recipe
● 2 c. Pumpkin spice coconut milk ● 1 c. Unsweetened coconut milk ● 4 Tbsp. Organic canned pumpkin ● ½ tsp. Pumpkin pie spice ● 1 tsp. Cinnamon ● 1.5 oz. Dark Rum ● 1.5 oz. Vanilla flavored vodka (Check out the products by So Delicious if you have trouble finding all the ingredients.) In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pumpkin spice milk, unsweetened coconut milk, pumpkin, and spices. Bring to a simmer, stirring often. Add the rum and vodka, and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve hot. Garnish with vegan whipped topping and cinnamon sticks, if desired. Yields 3 servings. |
4) Hot Apple Toddy Recipe
Harvest time makes us think of bountiful orchards and apples, apples everywhere! We’re highlighting another Spruce Eats find in this classic-with-a-twist. And we’re thinking such a simple, traditional favorite with new flair will keep you nice and cozy this autumn.
| Hot Apple Toddy Recipe
● 2 oz. Apple Brandy ● 1 tsp. Honey ● 5 oz. Hot Apple Cider Use an Irish coffee glass or your trusty mug for this cocktail. Coat the bottom of the glass or mug with honey. Add the apple brandy, then fill up with hot apple cider. Stir well. Garnish with a lemon wedge, a cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves. |
Old Man Winter’s Warm Cocktails
5) Last-Minute Mulled Wine Cocktail
Cinnamon sticks and star anise are the perfect wintertime garnishes. [Photo cred: Flickr]Picture this: it’s winter, and your buddies are going stir-crazy inside. They’re coming over to hang out, and you’ve got to whip up a last-minute cocktail. This Liquor.com drink could be your solution! Grab these quick pantry items, and you’re well on your way.
| Last-Minute Mulled Wine Cocktail Recipe
● Half a bottle of fruity red wine ● 2 oz. Bourbon ● 2 Star anise pods ● 1 Long strip of lemon or orange peel ● 1 tsp. sugar Add all ingredients to a saucepan over low heat. Heat through, being careful not to let it boil. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm in mugs or glass punch cups. Garnish with cinnamon sticks. |
6) Toasty S’mores Cocktail
Liquid s’mores, anyone? [Photo cred: Pixabay]
Ready for s’more? Here’s the last of our cold-weather cocktails, and it’s a champion. Once again, we’re playing with fire and ice: vodka and ice cubes. If you’re chilled to the bone or just longing for a little fun and excitement as you’re stuck inside, get ready for this campfire favorite. And if you want to make some oven, microwave, or fireplace s’mores as you down this lovely beverage, it’s fine by us.
| Toasty S’mores Cocktail Recipe
● 4 oz. Chocolate liqueur ● 2 oz. Marshmallow vodka ● 2 oz. Whipping cream ● 1 Graham cracker square Crush graham cracker first and coat the rims of two martini glasses with the crumbs. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add liqueur, vodka, and whipping cream. Cover and shake for about 30 seconds or until very cold. Strain mixture into glasses, with or without ice. Garnish with chocolate curls. |
Warm Cocktails FTW
We sincerely hope these cocktails warm your heart and palate! Icy or steamy, they’re all bringing the heat in one way or another. Don’t let the autumn gloom and winter blues get you down. Party on with these delicious drinks!
We’ll also go ahead and say that our decanters and whiskey glasses are necessities as you prepare for hibernation, Papa Bear. So, you know…order before the deep freeze hits!
Can we also just all agree that a Manhattan warms you up anytime? Yes. See our recent article Manhattan Drink Recipe Ideas You’re Going to Love. The title doesn’t lie. You’re going to love them. And cuddle them. And crave them.
Have a warm cocktail that’s your go-to? Share it with the Prestige community in the comments below.
About Author
Each decanter is handcrafted and hand-blown, formed into designs limited only by imagination. We never skip steps to cut costs either. Instead, our decanters are made the hard way because quality takes effort and that’s what you deserve. Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your home bar or shopping for something elegant for that special loved one, our decanters are always a timeless gift. If you're searching for style, inspired craftsmanship, and a transformative piece of art that also elevates the flavor profile of your favorite wines and spirits, look no further.