The Best Hot Cocktails to Keep You Warm This Season

I don’t drink that often anymore. After a few too many next-day hangovers, I realized they weren’t worth the night-before fun. But there are always special occasions and special drinks that are simply too good to resist, especially when made at home. For me, hot cocktails and warm winter cocktails fall into that category.

I first fell in love with them while living in Ireland, where Irish pubs and local bars serve some of the most delicious warm alcoholic drinks you can imagine. Since then, I’ve come to see them as one of life’s little indulgences during the colder months. Today, I’m sharing five of my favorite hot cocktail recipes so you can stay warm and festive this season.

Why Hot Cocktails Are the Ultimate Fall and Winter Indulgence

I believe in treating myself to the occasional pleasure, especially when it comes to the holidays and colder months. During the fall and winter, we tend to experience seasonal depression, be less social, and feel less motivated to leave the couch and the house, especially for those of us who live in colder places.

A seasonal cookie and a hot alcoholic beverage on a chilly night can make all the difference in our mood after a long day at work. Life is about balance: prioritizing health and wellness, but also not feeling guilty about indulging in a spiced warm cocktail that feels like a hug in a mug.

The beauty of warm alcoholic drinks for fall and winter is that they’re completely customizable. You can adjust the alcohol content or swap in wholesome, clean ingredients to fit your lifestyle. Be it a spiked tea, mulled wine, or a classic hot toddy, these hot cocktail drinks are a reminder that moderation can be deliciously satisfying.

Best Hot Cocktail Recipes to Try This Fall and Winter

From creamy Irish Coffee to spiced mulled wine, these warm cocktails are perfect for chilly nights at home, and holiday parties. Here are a few of our favorites:

Irish Cream Coffee

If you love a creamy and slightly boozy coffee, this hot cocktail recipe is a must. You can adjust the strength by using equal parts Irish Cream and Irish whiskey, or make it creamier with two parts Irish Cream and just one part whiskey. While some recipes use only whiskey, coffee, sugar, and milk, this version, with both Irish Cream Coffee and whiskey, is my personal favorite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Five Farms Irish Cream liqueur

• Hot Coffee to top

• 0.75 oz Irish whiskey

• 1 tsp whipped cream

• Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour the Irish Cream liqueur and whiskey into a mug.

2. Top with hot coffee and mix well.

3. Add a dollop of whipped cream.

4. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve immediately.

This one is pure comfort, a good hot alcoholic drink for chilly evenings.

Holiday Mulled Red Wine Cocktail

Mulled wine is a timeless warm alcoholic drink for winter and the holidays. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a relaxed Sunday gathering with friends. The combination of spices, citrus, and bourbon makes this one of the best hot alcoholic beverages for the season.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine

• 1-2 oranges, sliced

• 1 apple, sliced

• 1 oz bourbon

• 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)

• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine all ingredients and warm over low heat. Do not boil!

2. Simmer for 25-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

3. Serve hot in mugs with a slice of orange or apple for garnish.

This warm cocktail recipe fills your home with holiday aromas and is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. We share a similar version of this recipe here.

London Fog Warm Cocktail with Lavender and Honey

One of my go-to drinks in the Fall is a classic London Fog. Add some bourbon, honey, and a hint of lavender, and you’ve got a soothing, warm mixed fall cocktail that feels simple, warm, and timeless. This spiked version is perfect for chilly evenings when you want comfort in a cup without anything too heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon or whiskey

• 1-2 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 oz almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1 tsp honey (or to taste)

• 2 Earl Grey tea bags, brewed in hot water

• Lavender twist or dried lavender, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brew the Earl Grey tea using two bags for a stronger flavor.

2. Stir in bourbon, sugar, almond milk, and honey until well combined.

3. Serve and garnish with some dried lavender.

Pumpkin Spice Spiked Latte

Nothing says fall season quite like a cozy pumpkin spice latte, and this spiked version is one of the best hot cocktails for autumn lovers. Creamy, cozy, and lightly boozy, it’s one of the best hot cocktails to enjoy at home while watching your favorite TV show.

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso or 2 oz Mr Black Coffee Liqueur

• 1.5 oz Cognac or vodka

• 2 oz coconut milk (or any preferred milk)

• 1 oz pumpkin spice syrup (homemade with pumpkin purée, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and water, or store-bought)

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• Whipped cream, for topping

• Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

1. Brew espresso (or use Mr Black Coffee Liqueur) and pour into a mug.

2. Stir in Cognac or vodka, coconut milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and vanilla extract.

3. Top with whipped cream and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

This festive warm cocktail recipe blends rich coffee with autumn spices and a hint of liquor, perfect for cozy nights in or a seasonal brunch.

Classic Milk Punch

Rich, creamy, and lightly spiced, the Classic Milk Punch is a timeless hot cocktail perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. Its velvety texture and warming liquor make it one of the best hot alcoholic drinks.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or brandy

• 1 oz dark rum (optional, for extra warmth)

• 1 tsp sugar (or to taste)

• 4 oz whole milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions

1. Gently heat the milk with sugar and vanilla in a small saucepan, do not boil.

2. Pour bourbon (and rum, if using) into a mug.

3. Slowly add the warm milk, stirring to combine.

4. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon and serve immediately.

This warm cocktail drink is simple, indulgent, and perfect for cozying up by the fire.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Cocktail

Here are some key tips to help you craft the ultimate warm alcoholic drinks for winter.

Spices Matter

Spices are the secret weapon in any great warm cocktail recipe. Some of our favorites to use are cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and star anise. They evoke the comforting flavors of the season. When using spices, consider both the type and the amount: a little goes a long way.

These are the spices we use:

• Nutmeg

• Cinnamon

• Allspice

• Cloves

• Star Anise

Keep in mind that freshly grated spices always taste stronger than pre-ground.

Pay attention to the details

Sweetness in a hot cocktail is just as important as spice. Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or simple syrup can add richness or overpower the drink.

Taste as you go and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients in your mug with the sugar and syrup. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely. Frothing milk can add a luxurious feel. 

• Mugs

Garnishes Make a Difference

You can never go wrong garnishing with nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, star anise, chocolate shavings, and edible flowers like lavender. As we said, they are the definition of Fall in a hot drink. 

Customize 

Adjust alcohol strength, sweetness, and spice levels to suit your personal preference. Experiment with liqueur and milk variations, etc. 

Love these hot cocktails recipes? We have More Seasonal Specials

I hope you enjoy these warm alcoholic drinks for winter as much as we do. This collection is perfect to keep on hand during chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a cozy, indulgent drink. Each recipe is easy to make at home and can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer a lighter version, a non-alcoholic twist, or a spiced, boozy treat. Let us know which combinations become your favorites!

If you try different ingredients or creative variations, share them in the comments, we’d love to hear your ideas. And if you loved these hot cocktail recipes, be sure to pin or save them to your Pinterest board so you can easily recreate them throughout the season.

For more cozy drinks, seasonal recipes, and ideas for warming up your fall and winter nights, check out our Wellness section. There, you’ll find recipes like Fall Dinner Ideas, Mexican Soup Recipes, and Mojito Recipe. To be the first to know when new seasonal and warm cocktail recipes are posted, subscribe to our email list and join our cozy, festive community.

Cheers to cozy nights, delicious flavors, and the joy of the perfect hot cocktails, enjoy every sip!

Besitos from the kitchen,

Laura

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