Best winter cocktails and classic fall drinks for cold weather

Author: The Bar Team

A martini glass filled with amber liquid, garnished with a lemon twist and cherry, set against an orange background with translucent leaf illustrations.

Try these classic cocktails recipes with seasonal ingredients, perfect for cozying up in fall and winter.

Experience the best winter cocktails to keep you cozy this cold season. From classic favorites like the Old Fashioned with a fall twist to inventive drinks using seasonal ingredients—apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, and cranberry—these winter cocktails and best alcoholic drinks for the winter season will warm your spirits and elevate your gatherings.

TLD: 5 classic cocktails with a seasonal twist

1. Maple Old Fashioned – classic whiskey cocktail with maple + chocolate bitters

2. Pomegranate Martini – bright, tart, fruity twist on the classic

3. Pimm’s Royale with Cranberries – sparkling, festive, wintery

4. Fall Rum Punch – cozy, spiced, rum-based punch for parties

5. Autumn Tequila Ranch Water– refreshing tequila highball with apple + spice

Old Fashioned cocktail with maple syrup

The traditional whiskey old fashioned is arguably already made for sweater weather, given that it’s a perfect balance of sweet, vanilla and oaky flavors. Make it even more autumnal with maple syrup instead of simple syrup, apple cider for tartness, and a few dashes of chocolate bitters to highlight the richness of this Old Fashioned with maple syrup.

A glass of amber-colored whiskey with a large ice cube, garnished with a cinnamon stick, sits on a gray surface.

Engravable

Bulleit

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

750ml

A clear, empty crystal tumbler glass with a thick, textured base is centered against a black background.

Nude

Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

Two martini glasses filled with a red sparkling drink sit on a wooden tray with red-rimmed ice cubes, against a light, shimmering background.

Pomegranate Martini

The martini is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, bright and elegant in both composition and presentation. This take on the drink incorporates pomegranate and apple flavors, providing a burst of sour fruit to balance out the sweet. Make a delicious pomegranate martini for a delicious drink whether you're entertaining at home or enjoying a nightcap.

Ketel One

Ketel One Vodka

700ml

Two empty, clear martini glasses with a slight pink tint are standing side by side on a white background.

Caskata

Quinn Rose Martini Glasses, Set of Two

Pimm's Royale with seasonal fruits

The Kir Royale is another tried and true drink, made from a base of blackberry liqueur and topped off with Champagne. For this cooler weather version of the cocktail, substitute the liqueur for the fruity and tart taste of Pimm's No. 1 for a Pimm's Royale, toped with champagne. Throw a few cranberries on top for a festive touch.

Two champagne flutes filled with red sparkling drink, garnished with cranberries and rosemary sprigs, on a white surface with evergreen branches.

Pimm's

Pimm's No.1 Cup

750ml

Two clear, ribbed glass coupe cocktail glasses are positioned side by side on a plain white background.

Ferm Living

Ripple Champagne Saucers, Set of Two

Two glasses of mulled wine garnished with orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, and surrounded by pine branches and pine cones.

Fall Rum Punch

Dark spirits like whiskey and rum often have warm and spicy tasting notes that make them perfect for sipping when the temperatures drop. This fall rum punch is tropical, sweet and fruity – but it has a nice undercurrent of vanilla and oak from the dark rum component. To add the fall feels, use apple juice or cider instead of pineapple, and swap the lime and orange juices for maple syrup and a splash of pear liqueur.

Engravable

Zacapa

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Rum

750ml

Other Colors Available

Two short, wide, transparent drinking glasses with a slightly tinted hue, placed side by side against a black background.

Estelle

Hand-blown Colored Rocks Glass, Set of Two

Gray Smoke

Autumn Tequila Ranch Water

Tequila is a versatile spirit and therefore a champion of all seasons – whether you're bringing out tequila's sweet and fruity notes for your summer cocktails or the earthy, peppery notes for the colder months, there's a lot you can do with this spirit. Ranch water is such a popular tequila drink these days, and this minimal highball drink can be easily transformed into an Autumn Ranch Water with just a few simple ingredients. This autumnal variation adds a little apple to the mix, and a dried fruit and cinnamon stick garnish will bring some spice and sweet to the flavor profile.

Iced apple cider in a tall glass garnished with apple slices, star anise, thyme, and cinnamon sticks on a wooden board.

Engravable

Casamigos

Casamigos Blanco Tequila

70cl

A tall, clear glass tumbler with vertical ribbed lines stands against a plain black background.

Nude

Big Top High Ball Glass, Set of 4

The Bar Team

The Bar Team is a group of behind-the-scenes writers, bartenders and drinks lovers who share tips, trends and easy how-tos. We mix real bar experience with a love of great drinks to help you try new ideas, learn and get inspired.