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23 Toasty Hot Cocktails to Warm Your Winter Nights

In my years of mixing drinks, I’ve found that when the cold bites, nothing welcomes warmth like a hot cocktail. Hold a mug that warms you up from the inside, offering a cozy, comforting feeling. We’re talking about a blend of rich flavors—spicy, sweet, sometimes a bit tangy, but always heartwarming. My go-to list includes everything from the classic hot toddy to innovative twists on cider and luxurious hot chocolate cocktails. Each recipe is a testament to simplicity and warmth, perfect for braving the chill, enjoying with friends, or unwinding alone. Trust me, these picks are what your winter evenings need.

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Hot Buttered Rum

Homemade Hot Buttered Rum for the Holidays

Hot Buttered Rum is a spectacular cocktail based on a tried-and-true recipe of warm cider or hot water, a lot of melted butter, and plenty of rum to go along with it. The butter lends a velvety taste and feel to the cocktail, and the whole thing feels super festive. Make this hot cocktail on the stove with your dark rum of choice, butter, water, and plenty of warm fall spices. Don’t forget the cinnamon stick for a festive fall look!


Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte

spiked pumpkin spice latte
Source: thefarmgirlgabs.com

Who doesn’t love Spiked Pumpkin Spice Lattes? You get all the warm fall flavors of the pumpkin spice with a nice jolt of vanilla vodka and Fireball. It’s an excellent, super easy cocktail to make that will certainly bring all the holiday cheer into your life. Plus, you can batch it and make it in a crockpot.


Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is one of the most popular and best hot cocktails you can drink. Even better, it’s super simple to make. First, you’ll need premium, high-quality hot coffee. Add Irish whiskey, brown sugar to sweeten, and top with whipped cream. You can add Bailey’s Irish Cream if you want, or add your preferred creamer if you want it creamier. I love the look of the classic Irish Coffee glass if you can find them, but your favorite mug will also do!


Apple Cider Mulled Wine

apple cider mulled wine
Source: inspiredbycharm.com

This recipe is excellent for a big group of people. First, warm up your cider and wine in a crockpot, then add some aromatics. Honey, cinnamon sticks, anise, cloves, and a touch of orange zest make this cider sing. You can keep it hot all night and serve it to a big group of people with individual cinnamon sticks.


Chai Tea with Bourbon

chai with bourbon
Source: www.thecookierookie.com

Chai with bourbon is a little more difficult to make than the others on our list, although it’s certainly worth it. If you want a shortcut, use chai tea bags instead of making the chai yourself with water, spice, vanilla, and ginger. Add bourbon to your hot tea to taste, and you’re all set to go.


Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Maple Syrup

apple cider hot toddy
Source: oursaltykitchen.com

This take on a hot toddy will warm your soul. Add the maple syrup first, then some bourbon and the apple cider mix to create this hot drink. The combination is full of fall flavors, with a sweetness from the maple syrup and a bite from the bourbon. Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish and for extra flavor!


Maple Bourbon Apple Cider

maple bourbon apple cider
Source: selfproclaimedfoodie.com

This cocktail is relatively simple to make and exceptionally delicious. All you need is a high-quality apple cider, some premium maple syrup, and whiskey. Then, add your whiskey to taste and brighten the whole thing with fresh lemon juice.


Parisian Coffee

parisian coffee
Source: mystudiokitchen.com

Parisian Coffee is a highly caffeinated and alcoholic drink that gets its kick from Cointreau and Kahlua. Add some whipped cream and a bit of chocolate on top if you want to be fancy. This coffee is best made individually and served immediately.


Warm White Russian Cocktail

warm white russian
Source: albiongould.com

We all know and love cold White Russians, but warm White Russian Cocktails are delicious too. The secret ingredient is hot, fresh coffee. Then, add the other components of a White Russian; vodka, milk, and a splash of Kahlua. Whipped cream on top makes this cocktail extra special.


Warm Spiced Vanilla Cocktail

hot spiced vanilla cocktail
Source: www.kitchentreaty.com

This cocktail is both heavy on the booze and exceptionally lovely and sweet, thanks to a potent combination of Baileys Irish Cream, bourbon, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add some nutmeg on top for a spicy kick to give it a beautiful fall flavor.


Hot Green Tea with Vodka

green tea with vodka
Source: www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

Super simple to make and warming on a cold day, Hot Green Tea with Vodka only requires a few ingredients. Take your freshly brewed green sea, add some vodka, and put honey and citrus to taste. You can even make a pot of tea and customize each glass to your guests’ preferences.


Hot Toddy

hot toddy cocktail made from whiskey and tea

This old-school drink is a fanciful and excellent combination of hot water, sugar, and strong liquor. Although you can use any liquor you want, most people use Irish whiskey, scotch, or bourbon in a classic Hot Toddy. Rum also tastes good in a hot toddy. Add some citrus for a little extra flavor, and you’re good to go. I like to add a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel for a garnish!


Warm Caramel Apple Cocktail

warm caramel apple cocktail
Source: www.today.com

This cocktail combines two beloved fall flavors; caramel and apples. You also only need a few ingredients to tie it all together. Start with warm apple cider, then add in some dark rum and a bit of cinnamon. Top the whole thing with whip cream and a generous caramel drizzle, and you have a cocktail to celebrate.


Warm Apple Pie Cocktail

apple pie cocktail
Source: www.missinthekitchen.com

While this cocktail has a few extra ingredients, it’s worth putting together for a fancy party. Ultimately, it comes together quickly if you have spices on hand and can keep it warm in a crockpot. Hot apple cider, rum, and fall spices all combine for this yummy drink.


Spiked Apple Cider Fall Drink

spiked apple cider fall drink
Source: satoridesignforliving.com

Spiked Apple Cider Fall Drink is one of the best warm cocktails around, although you can also drink it cold during those warmer fall days. Spiced rum is the secret to this drink because it lends a whole new flavor to the cocktail. Lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon all work spectacularly.


Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine
source: gimmesomeoven.com

Mulled wine is a classic, warm cocktail that’s perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. Dry red wine, brandy, citrus, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sugar combine to make a warming winter drink that will quickly become a household favorite as the weather becomes colder. With its rich, comforting flavors and cozy warmth, it’s sure to become a new winter favorite.


Warm Old-Fashioned

Warm Old-Fashioned
source: thespruceeats.com

A variation on the traditional cocktail that is ideal for chilly winter nights is the Warm Old Fashioned. The bourbon whiskey provides a smooth and smoky flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the orange slice and maraschino cherry. The aromatic bitters add a touch of bitterness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the drink. This delightful drink will undoubtedly become a new winter favorite, whether you enjoy traditional cocktails or are searching for something novel and decadent.


Gingerbread Winter Warm Up

Gingerbread Winter Warm Up
source: stirandstrain.com

The Gingerbread Winter Warm Up has a comforting, rich, and harmonious flavor. This sweet and somewhat bitter beverage is made with hot water, gingerbread syrup, Angostura bitters, Irish whiskey, and Kerrygold Irish Cream. The contrasting sweet and bitter notes of this drink will please anyone looking for a pleasant and cozy winter beverage.


Adult Hot Chocolate

Adult Hot Chocolate
source: thespruceeats.com

Anyone who has a sweet craving will love the delicious and decadent Adult Hot Chocolate. Made with peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate, this drink has a perfectly balanced taste that’s both sweet and slightly bitter. Adding whipped cream and chocolate syrup to the drink makes it even more decadent and delicious. The mix of sweet and slightly bitter tastes makes for a unique and appealing flavor that will please anyone looking for a tasty and comfortable drink. 


Tokyo Toddy Cocktail

Tokyo Toddy Cocktail
source: sipsfromscripts.com

The Tokyo Toddy Cocktail has a well-balanced taste that’s neither too sweet nor too bitter. Natural brown sugar’s richness pairs well with the artificial sweetness of mandarin liqueur, and the ginger adds a touch of spice to set off the sweetness. The sake in this drink adds a subtle yet complex flavor that’s reminiscent of traditional Japanese sake. Anyone searching for a distinctive and refreshing beverage will like the Tokyo Toddy beverage’s flawless combination of sweet and salty ingredients.


Sweet and Rich Hot Buttered Bourbon

Sweet and Rich Hot Buttered Bourbon
source: sprinklesandsprouts.com

If you’re in the mood for a warm, soothing drink, look no farther than the sweet and rich Hot Buttered Bourbon. Butter, cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and brown sugar come together to produce a sweet and rich flavor in this cocktail, making it ideal for sipping on chilly winter evenings. The Sweet and Rich Hot Buttered Bourbon is one of the best warm cocktails you can make at home.


Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy

cranberry hot toddy

As far as hot winter cocktails go, hot toddies are one of the most well-known. This recipe adds something extra to the classic, switching up standard ingredients for the bright, tart flavor of cranberries. Maple syrup adds a sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sweeter tones of bourbon used in this toddy. We love a brown sugar rim as well!


Spiked Hot Chocolate Whiskey with Marshmallows

hot chocoalte with whiskey
Source: diycandy.com

Enhance your favorite wintertime treat with this spiked hot chocolate recipe. Create rich and creamy chocolate milk using dark chocolate sauce and heavy cream, which acts as the cocktail’s base. Skip the hot chocolate and make this one from scratch! Shake with your favorite Irish whiskey, and serve for a cool drink or for a hot one, slowly warm the mixture on the stove. 


A hot cocktail in a cozy winter cabin setting. The cocktail is a warm, soothing drink like a hot toddy or mulled wine, served in a heat-resistant glass or mug. It's steaming, with spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise visible, and maybe a slice of orange or apple. The drink has a rich, inviting color. The background shows a snug winter cabin with a roaring fireplace, comfortable furnishings, and a window revealing a snowy landscape outside, creating a perfect setting for enjoying a hot cocktail on a cold day.

23 Hot Cocktail Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.8 from 5 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot cocktails, warm cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Warm up with the best hot cocktails. Perfect for chilly nights, easy recipes. Click to discover!

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep a hot cocktail in less than 5 minutes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
23 Toasty Hot Cocktails to Warm Your Winter Nights
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
4.80 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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monte carlo cocktail mixed with house-made bitters and an orange peel.

Monte Carlo

A Voodoo Rum Punch cocktail in a mystical New Orleans voodoo shop setting. The cocktail is an exotic mix of dark rum, tropical fruits, and spices, served in a large bowl or a carved tiki mug. It has a deep red or purple color, garnished with exotic flowers and a smoldering cinnamon stick to add a mysterious aura. The background features a dimly lit voodoo shop with shelves of potions, candles, and mystical artifacts, creating an ambiance of intrigue and New Orleans' unique blend of culture and mysticism.

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