10 Best Winter Cocktails to Serve at Your 2024 Holiday Gathering

Impress your guests this winter with Sip and Vibe SLC’s top cocktail picks for every festive occasion.

As the winter season rolls in, cozy up with these 10 most popular winter cocktails of 2024, each crafted for warmth and cheer. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, a cozy evening, or a winter gathering, Sip and Vibe SLC's signature cocktails are sure to impress.

Here's the list of our top 10 picks:

1. Spiked Hot Chocolate

Perfect for those cold nights, this indulgent treat combines chocolatey sweetness with a little warmth from your favorite liquor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot chocolate

• 1.5 oz whiskey or rum

• Whipped cream

• Cocoa powder

Recipe: Heat the hot chocolate, add liquor, and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

2. Cranberry Moscow Mule

A refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with a seasonal cranberry flavor to brighten up the chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 3 oz cranberry juice

• 1 oz lime juice

• Ginger beer

• Fresh cranberries

Recipe: Mix vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Add ginger beer and garnish with cranberries.

3. Winter Spice Old Fashioned

Warm spices of cinnamon and cloves take the Old Fashioned to a whole new level for winter sipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 sugar cube

• 3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Cinnamon stick

• Orange peel

Recipe: Muddle the sugar and bitters, add bourbon and ice. Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange peel.

4. Peppermint Martini

A festive martini with a minty kick and a velvety texture that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz peppermint schnapps

• 1 oz white crème de menthe

• Crushed peppermint for garnish

Recipe: Shake the vodka, schnapps, and crème de menthe with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with crushed peppermint.

5. Hot Buttered Rum

Rich, creamy, and indulgent, this classic drink is the ultimate comfort for winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rum

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• Hot water

• Cinnamon stick

Recipe: Melt the butter with sugar, add rum, fill with hot water, and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

6. Eggnog White Russian

A seasonal twist on the classic White Russian, blending creamy eggnog with coffee liqueur and vodka.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• 1 oz eggnog

• Nutmeg for garnish

Recipe: Shake vodka, coffee liqueur, and eggnog with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with nutmeg.

7. Gingerbread Martini

Spiced and sweet, this cocktail brings the flavors of gingerbread cookies into a delightful martini.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream

• 1 oz gingerbread syrup

• Crushed gingerbread cookie for garnish

Recipe: Shake the vodka, Baileys, and syrup with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with crushed cookie.

8. Mulled Wine

A warm, spiced red wine drink that’s perfect for gathering with friends during the chilly winter months.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine

• 1 orange (sliced)

• 5 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup brandy

Recipe: Heat wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar in a pot. Stir in brandy and simmer, then strain and serve.

9. Winter Sangria

A twist on the traditional sangria with winter fruits and spices, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine

• 1/2 cup brandy

• 1 apple (sliced)

• 1 orange (sliced)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Recipe: Combine wine, brandy, fruit, and spices in a pitcher. Chill overnight and serve over ice.

10. Maple Bourbon Cider

Sweet maple syrup combined with bourbon and cider makes this drink a winter classic for warmth and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 4 oz apple cider

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Cinnamon stick

Recipe: Heat the cider and maple syrup, add bourbon, and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.