A Bartender’s Guide to Winter Cocktails

Winter is more than just a season — it’s an opportunity to elevate your bar’s offerings and boost sales with thoughtfully crafted cocktails.

For bar operators, embracing seasonal menus isn’t just about following trends; it’s a proven way to keep customers engaged and excited. A winter-inspired drink list lets you showcase seasonal ingredients while creating an experience that draws guests in and keeps them coming back.

Ready to craft a menu that stands out this winter? Let’s explore some of the best cocktail ideas to help you wow your guests and maybe even make them consider staying for “just one more.”

Why seasonal menus matter for bars and restaurants

Seasonal menus are more than just a trend. They serve as a strategic tool for attracting and retaining customers while keeping the offerings aligned with market demands. For bars and restaurants, refreshing your cocktail list with winter drinks is a great way to:

• Capitalize on seasonal ingredients: Winter is synonymous with rich, comforting flavors like cranberry, pomegranate, citrus, ginger, clove, and peppermint. By incorporating these ingredients into cocktails, bartenders can craft drinks that attract guests craving these cozy, festive flavors.

• Create a sense of urgency: Limited-time offers, such as a winter cocktail menu, evoke a feeling of exclusivity. Customers are more likely to visit when they know these seasonal delights won’t be available year-round. This encourages repeat visits during the colder months.

• Engage customers on social media: Seasonal menus provide bars and restaurants with an easy and engaging way to promote new offerings. Customers love sharing aesthetically pleasing and on-trend holiday cocktails on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, giving establishments free marketing exposure.

• Cater to comfort: As temperatures drop, people crave drinks that offer warmth and indulgence. Winter-themed cocktails, such as spiked hot chocolates, mulled wines, or drinks with spiced syrups, fulfill that need, leading to happier customers and potentially higher check averages as patrons linger for another round of seasonal cheer.

By embracing winter flavors and highlighting them in your bar’s cocktail menu, you create a seasonal experience that draws in customers and keeps them coming back. Now, let's dive into 15 winter cocktail recipes that will elevate any menu.

15 of the best winter cocktails

1. Peppermint mocha espresso martini

A festive twist on the classic espresso martini, this cocktail combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint with a powerful coffee kick. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy winter evening, it's like a liquid dessert with a spirited punch.

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Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• 1 oz fresh espresso

• 0.5 oz peppermint schnapps

• 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur

• Ice

• Crushed candy cane (for rim)

• Chocolate shavings or candy cane garnish

2. Spiked eggnog

A classic holiday libation that warms the soul, this spiked eggnog elevates the traditional creamy drink with a generous pour of spirits. Nutmeg and cinnamon add a nostalgic touch to this festive cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz homemade or store-bought eggnog

• 1.5 oz rum (dark or spiced)

• 0.5 oz brandy

• Pinch of ground nutmeg

• Cinnamon stick for garnish

• Ice (optional)

3. Boozy hot chocolate

A decadent winter warmer that turns the classic hot chocolate into an adult treat. Rich, creamy, and spiked with a blend of spirits, this cocktail is like a cozy blanket in a mug.

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Ingredients:

• 6 oz hot chocolate

• 1 oz vanilla vodka

• 0.5 oz Irish cream liqueur

• 0.5 oz crème de cacao

• Whipped cream

• Marshmallows

• Chocolate shavings

4. White margarita

A winter-white version of the classic margarita, this cocktail uses white spirits and a touch of white cranberry juice to create a festive, snow-inspired drink with a tangy twist.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz white tequila

• 1 oz white curaçao

• 1 oz coconut milk

• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice

• Toasted coconut flake rim

• Lime wheel garnish

• Ice

5. Mulled wine

A warming winter classic that transforms a simple white wine into a comforting, spice-infused beverage. This mulled wine blends bright Sauvignon Blanc with festive cranberry and aromatic herbs, creating a drink that's both elegant and rustic.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc

• 0.5 cup cranberry juice

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 oz honey

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• Whole spices (cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves)

• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish

• Optional: orange slices

6. Frost Berry Sangria

A seasonal take on the classic Spanish punch, this winter sangria combines robust red wine with warming spices and seasonal fruits for a festive and shareable cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (preferably a bold red like Cabernet)

• 0.5 cup brandy

• 0.25 cup orange liqueur

• Sliced oranges, apples, and cranberries

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Star anise

• 0.25 cup orange juice

• Splash of sparkling water

• Ice

7. Winter spritz

A festive twist on the classic Italian spritz, this cocktail brings holiday cheer with a bright, bubbly profile that's perfect for toasting the season.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz prosecco

• 1 oz cranberry liqueur

• 1 oz soda water

• Fresh cranberries

• Rosemary sprig

• Ice

• Orange slice

8. Winter cosmo

A sophisticated winter twist on the classic cosmopolitan, this white cosmo blends crisp vodka with bright citrus and a hint of herbal rosemary. The white cranberry juice gives it a luminous, snow-like appearance that's perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz white cranberry juice

• 0.5 oz fresh orange juice

• Rosemary sprig

• Ice

• Optional: white sugar rim

• Rosemary sprig or orange twist for garnish

9. Yuletide Manhattan

A sophisticated winter cocktail that adds a festive touch to the classic Manhattan with a splash of cherry liqueur and a garnish that evokes holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 0.25 oz cherry liqueur

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• Luxardo cherry

• Orange twist

• Ice

10. Winter negroni

A warming variation on the classic Negroni, this winter version incorporates a spiced gin and a touch of cinnamon syrup to bring seasonal warmth to the bitter cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz spiced gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 0.25 oz cinnamon syrup

• Orange peel

• Cinnamon stick

• Ice

11. Hot toddy

The ultimate cold-weather remedy, this hot toddy combines whiskey, honey, and warming spices to create a soothing, comforting cocktail that's both medicinal and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch)

• 1 oz honey

• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

• Hot water

• Cinnamon stick

• Lemon wheel

• Optional: star anise

12. Apple cider mimosa

A festive brunch cocktail that combines the crisp flavors of apple cider with the bubbliness of champagne, creating a perfect morning celebration drink.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz chilled champagne or prosecco

• 2 oz apple cider

• 0.5 oz apple brandy

• Cinnamon sugar rim

• Apple slice or cinnamon stick garnish

13. Maple Timber Old Fashioned

A seasonal twist on the classic cocktail, this winter old fashioned incorporates warming baking spices and a touch of maple syrup to create a cozy, sophisticated drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 0.25 oz maple syrup

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• 1 dash black walnut bitters

• Cinnamon stick

• Orange peel

• Brandied cherry

• Ice

14. Sugar cookie martini

A dessert-inspired cocktail that captures the sweet, nostalgic flavor of freshly baked sugar cookies. This creamy, indulgent martini brings the comforting taste of holiday baking directly into your glass.

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Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vanilla vodka

• 0.5 oz Irish cream liqueur

• 0.5 oz amaretto

• 1 oz milk

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

• Sprinkles (for garnish)

• Ice

15. Butterbeer cocktails

A magical libation inspired by the beloved wizarding world beverage, this cocktail transforms the comforting flavors of butterbeer into an adult treat. Rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, it captures the essence of cozy enchantment.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz aged rum

• 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup

• 0.25 oz brown sugar syrup

• 1 scoop vanilla gelato

• Ice

• Cinnamon stick for garnish

• Optional: whipped cream topping

How to market a new winter cocktail menu

Creating your winter cocktail menu is only the first step. Effectively marketing it is crucial for drawing in customers and boosting sales. Here are some key strategies for promoting your new winter cocktails:

1. Post on social media: Did you know that 84% of respondents prefer to see photos of food and drinks served on a restaurant's social media page? Share images of your cocktails across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Encourage customers to share their own photos and repost them on your story.

2. Host seasonal events: Launch your winter cocktail menu with a special event, such as a winter-themed happy hour or cocktail-tasting night. Offer exclusive deals to incentivize people to try the new drinks and create buzz around the event.

3. Collaborate with influencers: Partner with local food and drink influencers to promote your winter cocktails. Invite them to your bar or restaurant for a complimentary tasting in exchange for reviews and social media posts, helping you reach a broader audience.

4. Offer limited-time promotions: Create urgency by offering a limited-time discount or special offer on your winter cocktails. You can offer “cocktail of the week” promotions where a different winter drink is featured each week at a discounted price.

5. Design winter-themed menus: Update your printed or digital menus with seasonal graphics and descriptions of your winter cocktails. Make sure the menu highlights the flavors and ingredients that tie into the season, such as rosemary, cranberry, and apple.

6. Engage with email marketing: Send out an email to your customer list announcing your new seasonal menu. Include photos of the cocktails, descriptions, and any special promotions or events tied to the launch.

By effectively marketing your winter cocktails, you can attract both new and returning customers to enjoy the seasonal offerings.

Keep it going

Don’t let the seasonal push end in the winter. Continue on each season by crafting spring, summer, and fall cocktails as well. Need some non-alcoholic options? Check out our article on mocktails here. Lastly, if you need some more tips for marketing your fun new cocktail menu check out our Marketing Guide.