5 Bold Winter Cocktails to Ignite Your Holiday Spirits

Why Winter Cocktails Are Perfect for the Holidays

Want to cozy up next to the fireplace this holiday? Looking for ways to warm up and unwind after a long, cold day? You can't go wrong with winter mixed drinks. Refreshing winter cocktails are the perfect nightcap or social gathering cocktail during the winter season. Winter cocktails have a wide range of bold, complex flavors, perfect for the festive season.

Here are our favorite winter cocktail ideas to consider for the cold season ahead:

5 Must-Try Winter Cocktail Recipes

Winter cocktails are known for bold, flavorful, and festive flavors. Whether you're planning a party or looking to experiment with new winter-inspired flavor combinations, here are our favorite winter cocktail ideas to consider for the cold season ahead.

1. Ignite Hot Chocolate

Ignite your spirits with the warming sensation of a boozy Ignite hot chocolate. This sweet, rich winter mixed drink is perfect for winter holiday parties or cold nights snowed in.

• 1.5 oz Ignite Blanco Tequila
• 0.5 oz Agave Nectar
• 4 oz Brewed Hot Chocolate
• Pinch Salt/Cinnamon
• Optional: Top with whipped cream

Pour ingredients into a large mug, gently stir, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

2. Ignite Cranberry Joy

Experience a burst of seasonal flavors of one of the most refreshing winter cocktails. This drink is a playful, festive spin on a traditional cranberry vodka. It's perfect for holiday parties, date nights, and winter weather.

• 1.5 oz Ignite Vodka
• 3 oz Cranberry Juice
• 2 oz Club Soda
• 4 Cranberries for Garnish

Combine vodka and cranberry juice into a shaker over ice and shake. Pour over ice in a high ball glass and top with club soda. Add cranberries for garnish for a seasonal touch.

3. Ignite Peppermint Pleasure

Indulge in the minty sensations of a peppermint winter cocktail recipe. This festive drink tastes like a candy cane in a glass. It pairs well in a martini glass and a candy cane of your choice.

• 2 oz Ignite Vodka
• 2 tsp peppermint schnapps
• 3 oz white chocolate liqueur
• Marshmallow topping
• 2 candy canes

In a small plastic bag, gently crush one candy cane. With a martini glass, dip the rim of the glass in marshmallows, topping them into the crushed candy cane.

Fill a cocktail shaker with IGNITE vodka, schnapps, liqueur, and ice and shake well. Strain and pour into a prepared martini glass, garnish with a candy cane, and enjoy!

4. Ignite Cider Margarita

Get festive with an IGNITE margarita  made for cold, winter days. This cocktail offers a festive spin on a classic. The sweet and tangy apple cider flavor profile pairs elegantly with a crisp, high-quality tequila.

• 1 oz Ignite Reposado Tequila
• 0.5oz Triple Sec
• 3oz Spiced Apple Cider
• 1tsp Sugar
• Pinch or two of Kosher Salt
• Cinnamon Sticks & Apple Slices

In a shaker, combine the IGNITE Reposado, triple sec, and apple cider. Shake all ingredients together. Rim a glass with cinnamon, sugar, and kosher salt. Fill the rimmed glass with shaken ingredients. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices (optional).

5. Ignite Anejo Manhattan

Enjoy a cozy night in with a festive take on a traditional Manhattan. A Manhattan offers a strong, complex flavor profile that will warm you up after a cold winter day.

• 2 oz. IGNITE Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 1 Dash Angostura® Bitters
• Orange Peel

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir well for 30 – 40 seconds, then strain into a coupe glass. Pinch orange peel to exude natural orange oils over the cocktail and rub the peel around the rim if desired. Discard peel or use as a garnish. 

Ingredients to Stock Up for Winter Mixed Drinks

Winter mixed drinks have a distinct flavor profile that will remind you of the festive holiday season. When stocking up on essentials, ensure you have ingredients like cinnamon, peppermint, and nutmeg. If you want refreshing winter cocktails, stock up on cranberry, apple cider, and oranges.

You also want to ensure you have a high-quality spirit, like IGNITE Vodka or Tequila, on your bar cart to ensure you have everything you need to make festive winter cocktails for you, your friends, and your family.

Quick Tips for Serving Festive Winter Drink

Planning a social get-together? Ready to stock up on your favorites before the holiday season? Here are a few quick tips to ensure your bar cart is prepared to serve festive winter mixed drinks:

• Invest in quality spirits
• Get playful with festive cocktail cups and glasses
• Use fresh ingredients when possible
• Add a classy touch with fresh or festive garnishes
• Have the essential bar cart tools needed to make your favorite drinks

Invest in Quality with Ignite Spirits

At IGNITE, quality is always our number one priority. We use high-quality ingredients to develop fresh, refreshing flavors that pair perfectly with your favorite winter cocktail recipes. With IGNITE spirits on your bar cart, you can look forward to being the hostess with the mostest throughout the winter season.

Shop our tequila and vodka today to get started.

FAQS:

1. What are the best spirits to use for winter cocktails?

Vodka is a versatile choice that pairs elegantly with various winter flavor profiles. Consider tequila if you’re looking for a more earthy or herbal flavor profile.

2. How can I make my winter cocktails stand out?

Drinks made with apple cider, peppermint, or cranberry are great for getting in the festive spirit at social gatherings or holiday parties. Add garnishes and use fancy cocktail glasses for the perfect finishing touch. 

3. What are some easy winter cocktails to make at home?

Boozy hot chocolate, peppermint martinis, and mulled wine are three festive favorites for winter. These winter mixed drinks require only a few ingredients and are easy to make with a high-quality spirit.