The winter cocktails you'll want to make all season

Toasty rum winter cocktails

If you plan to host a gathering, consider offering your guests a creamy and delightful Hot Buttered Rum cocktail. This exquisite drink is particularly well-suited for winter get-togethers, delivering an indulgent and comforting experience. To prepare, simply mix a batter of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Then, add rum and hot water to create a fragrant and cosy drink. For an extra touch of seasonal flair, August suggests swapping out whisky for rum in the classic Hot Toddy to create a unique and flavourful drink. With its ease of preparation and appealing flavours, this cocktail is an excellent addition to any winter event.

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright. And this cocktail will help make your festive celebrations merrier.

Wintery whisky cocktails

Winter is a season of enchantment that calls for warm drinks to lift the spirits. Whiskies, in particular, are a perfect choice for winter, offering a range of delicious cocktails to enjoy from the comfort of your home. The Whisky Eggnog stands out for its velvety texture and rich, warm flavour, making it an excellent choice for a cozy night in with loved ones. This smooth and creamy cocktail, with its hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, takes you on a journey of sensory delight that is sure to elevate your winter experience. For a contemporary twist, the Whiskey Maple Sour is an excellent option. This complex cocktail combines the smoky notes of whiskey with the smooth sweetness of maple syrup and the tanginess of fresh lemon juice. The result is a delicate balance of flavours that tantalise the senses, making this cocktail an excellent choice for those looking to try something new.

Swap the pudding for Baileys

Winter presents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy rich, comforting foods. But after a satisfying meal, the craving for dessert could pose a challenge for full stomachs. In such a scenario, Baileys is an excellent option. The Original Cream Liqueur, with its combination of sweet notes and rich, velvety texture, offers a sublime and indulgent experience. Similarly, the Chocolat Luxe flavour is a delightful option for those with a sweet tooth. Both flavours are best served over ice or as a topping for vanilla ice cream, providing an excellent opportunity to conclude a delicious meal.

Or, if you’re wanting to jazz up your Baileys, August has shared his favourite Baileys cocktails, “For many years, the Espresso Martini has been my go-to after dinner drink, and the Baileys Espresso Martini is a great way to make it even more special. Into a shaker, add 50ml (1.75oz) of Bailey's Original Cream, 25ml (0.75oz) espresso, 25ml (0.75oz) vodka, shake with ice and fine strain into a martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans and serve. If you are looking to mix things up a bit, Baileys Original Cream can be swapped for Baileys Chocolat Luxe."

“Another great cocktail to make this festive season Is the rich and delicious Baileys Nutterlicious. This takes a little more work but will be worth it. Melt chocolate (or use a chocolate and hazelnut spread) and use to rim a cocktail glass before dipping into 20g chopped hazelnuts for your garnish. In a blender, add 100ml (3.5oz) Baileys Original, 200ml (7oz) almond milk, 1 chopped banana, 60g hazelnuts and a handful of ice and blend. Once ready, pour this into your glasses, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top and enjoy!”

Vodka cocktails for easy entertaining

Winter vodka cocktails are a versatile and sophisticated addition to any frosty-weather occasion. Vodka is a clear and clean spirit that pairs well with various flavours, from sweet to savoury and dry to spicy. This makes it an ideal base for creating winter cocktails that perfectly complement your food or snacks. One such cocktail is the iconic White Russian - a delightful after-dinner drink with a sweet and alluring flavour. Another excellent choice is the classic Espresso Martini, with its rich and refined taste, making it an apt selection for serving as a welcome drink or nightcap instead of coffee.

August has some thoughts on how seasonal garnishes can really bring vodka cocktails to life, “Seasonal garnishes are great: There is nothing better than when the bright and warm-flavoured citrus fruits become available. Whenever I create drinks, I aim for the garnish to be an extension of the drink, or the element bringing different ingredients together. This could be something simple like a lime wedge in a G

“For vodka, which is a very versatile spirit, I normally use a garnish that ties in with the main flavour of the drink I am making. A flamed orange zest over a Cosmopolitan brings out the sweetness in the cranberry and juiciness of the Triple Sec. Something savoury like an olive or caper balances out the richness in a Bloody Mary. And of course, a fresh lemon zest over my Martini helps the vermouth come through.”

Alcohol free drinks that bring the winter flavour

Providing a premium cocktail experience for all guests, regardless of their alcohol preferences, is paramount. Fortunately, there are a multitude of alcohol-free options available that offer a delightful, uncompromising experience. If you appreciate a little heat, August recommends Seedlip Spice 94 or Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0%, both rich in flavour and thoroughly satisfying. For a creative twist on a classic cocktail, August suggests trying an Espresso Martino, which substitutes vodka with Seedlip Spice 94 for an unforgettable taste. If you prefer the classic taste of juniper, we suggest Tanqueray 0.0%, combined with your favourite mixer, which is crafted with the same botanicals found in Tanqueray London Dry Gin minus the alcohol content.

When it comes to alcohol-free cocktails, August has some firm favourites. “One of the rising stars of cocktails these days is the PaNOma. Normally using tequila, Seedlip Spice 94 is a great alternative in this long and refreshing drink. In a shaker, add 50ml (1.75oz) Seedlip, 30ml (1oz) fresh grapefruit juice, 15ml (0.5o\) fresh lime juice, 15ml (0.5oz) sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a long glass and add ice, top with soda and garnish with a grapefruit peel.

“Alternatively, why not try the Citrus Fizz? For this drink, a marmalade cordial needs to be made, but do not worry - it is rather easy: Mix 300g organic marmalade with 150ml (5oz) hot water, fine strain and bottle. Store in the fridge when not using it. Combine 50ml (1.75oz) Seedlip Grove 42 and 25ml (0.75oz) of the marmalade cordial in a champagne flute, top with sparkling water, garnish with orange zest and enjoy!”