17 Must-Try Winter Bourbon Cocktails

The winter-spiced simple syrup adds a jovial flair to this traditional drink. Combining fresh rosemary with authentic maple syrup, sugar, and cinnamon sticks stirs up nostalgia with holiday-heavy flavors. This is perfect to serve at an annual holiday party or to order out during a seasonal dinner. 

A Hot Toddy is famous for helping us warm up in frigid weather, and it's a simple and easy drink for even the most novice bartender. Hot water combined with bourbon, maple syrup or honey, and lemon provides a soothing and comforting experience. This cocktail isn't a party-goer. It's better suited for snuggling up under your coziest blanket and relaxing with your favorite book or binge-able television series.

The Blood Orange Bourbon Sour Cocktail is an easy but offbeat celebration of the bitter winter drinks that are having a serious moment. This cocktail presents smoky and sour flavors that carry some sweetness when you use fresh juices. A drink like this is a good choice for lovers of sour cocktails that want to add a festive element. It also works well for serving during large parties and using an electric juicer eases the crafting process for big batches.

Smash cocktails celebrate seasonal herbs and fruits over ice. A combination of acrid cranberries and lightly vanilla maple syrup pairs smoothly with bourbon's oak and caramel flavors. This cocktail is the ultimate entertainer's drink because you can prepare the cranberry simple syrup days in advance. It's easy to adjust the batch size to match your guest list, too.

As a twist on the classic party favorite, the Bourbon Smash Cocktail shares similarities with its Cranberry Maple counterpart. Instead of cranberries, it uses fresh lemons and blueberries to bring the flavor alive. Enhance the drink's winter vibe by garnishing it with cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser during holiday celebrations!

As a cider version of warmth-inducing winter cocktails like the Bourbon Hot Toddy, Hot Buttered Bourbon offers a creamy and spicy experience. Butter is the main character in this snug liquid blend. It is also one of the simplest cocktails on this list, making it perfect for anyone new to crafting drinks. Is there a cozier image than warm, buttery cider simmering on the stove during a cold evening, waiting to combine with a good bourbon? 

Here is an exquisite cocktail that works for large holiday gatherings and prepping once and then stashing in the fridge for impromptu winter guests. It stays freshly refrigerated for up to two weeks. The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned induces all the winter feels with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and of course, vanilla. It's also perfect for those who prefer something lighter on liquor because the bourbon content isn't too high.

As a rustic play on an Old Fashioned, the Bourbon and Maple Cocktail emphasizes oranges rounded out by sweet and nutty bourbon and maple. It's a good option for lovers of traditional drinks who want to give it a wintery spin. This cocktail can also ease non-bourbon drinkers into the liquor because the orange juice softens its bite.

The Boulevardier is a sweet festive cocktail that brightens up parties. It only takes five minutes to make, and you can serve it in a chilled cocktail glass or on the rocks.

A Winter Whiskey Sour will be the star of any holiday event because it features sparkly edible gold glitter! Impress everyone this Christmas by converting a classic cocktail into a true celebration in a glass. 

Ready to serve in an ice-filled highball glass, the Bourbon Apple Cider gives a similar wintery flavor melody as the Hot Buttered Bourbon, but this drink is more fresh and crisp served cold. With a little bit of nutmeg and cinnamon, the combination of bitters and citrus awakens the senses.

This cocktail isn't too strong for people with bourbon shyness. It makes a great holiday party addition because of its mass appeal and festive red appearance. 

Cinnamon honey syrup is the start of this seasonal drink. Infuse it with fresh rosemary and mix it with bourbon, then top it with sparkling water to create an entertainer's fizzy dream. Add this drink to your holiday party cocktail lineup for sure!

This bourbon cocktail uses a combination of winter spices, maple syrup, and fresh douglas fir to provide a smooth and soothing drink that you can prepare in large batches to give your Christmas party a sophisticated menu option.

The Mystical One is a winter bourbon cocktail you didn't see coming. This drink utilizes sage for an earthy and slightly minty element that raises the bar for a holiday-inspired play on the whiskey sour. Add colorful, seasonal-themed garnishes such as mint leaves and cranberries to make this drink look as good as it tastes. 

Cinnamon spice reintroduces itself in this celebratory orange juice, bourbon, and sparkling water drink. It has warm wintery flavors and you can make it in large batches for parties. Classy and elegant; this cocktail isn’t a drink you’ll soon forget. 

Fresh sage leaves and honey combine with oaky bourbon and water to craft a perfectly refined winter cocktail. The sweetness level is easily customizable to fit your taste. Make sure you use fresh ingredients to craft this drink or the flavors won’t be as strong.