Warm Gin Cocktails
Hot Apple Gin
How to serve Hot Apple Gin - the warm gin-based apple & spice drink. Stemmed glass, gentle warmth, apple, cinnamon. Plus the moments and occasions where it lands best.
Collection
Warm Cocktails
78 recipes
A warm cocktail is the whole point of winter drinking. The heat carries aroma to the nose before the first sip, the glass warms your hands, and a drink that would be unremarkable cold becomes something you sit with.
The technique matters more than the recipe. Every drink here is warmed gently and never boiled, because boiling drives off both the alcohol and the volatile compounds that make a spirit worth using. Somewhere around 60 to 70°C is the window: hot enough to smell across a room, cool enough to drink straight away.
Below is the full set, from a three-minute whisky mac to punches that hold their temperature for an evening.
Modern Winter Serves
Warm Aperol Spritz
A warm winter take on the Aperol Spritz - there is no single recipe. Aperol with warm orange (and sometimes apple) juice and a top of prosecco, with honest notes on variants and why it divides opinion.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Alcohol-Free Eggnog
A proper homemade eggnog without the booze - egg yolks, sugar, milk and double cream gently cooked into a thick, vanilla-and-nutmeg custard.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Alcohol-Free Glögg
A Scandinavian-style alcohol-free glögg of grape and blackcurrant juice, warmed with cardamom, cinnamon and clove, served with raisins and almonds.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy
The soothing classic, without the whisky - strong tea with honey, lemon and warm spice. Comfort in a mug for cold nights and scratchy throats.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Alcohol-Free Mulled Cider
Cloudy apple juice slow-warmed with orange, ginger and a full pot of winter spices - a fragrant, family-friendly mug for cold evenings.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Alcohol-Free Mulled Wine
All the spice and warmth of a proper mulled wine, built on red grape juice and strong hibiscus tea - fragrant, deep red and perfect for sharing.
Spiced Cocktails
Allspice Rum Warmer
A rich dark rum mug spiked with allspice dram and warm apple juice, finished with lemon and a cinnamon stick for a cosy winter sip.
Après-Ski Drinks
Alpine Hot Cocoa Cocktail
A nutty alpine cocoa cocktail with real dark chocolate, cocoa powder and Frangelico or amaretto, finished with a soft cloud of whipped cream.
Warm Cocktails
Apple Brandy Hot Toddy
A mellow hot toddy built on apple brandy, with honey, fresh lemon and hot water, infused with a cinnamon stick and a slice of crisp apple.
Après-Ski Drinks
Après-Ski Hot Chocolate
A thick, glossy hot chocolate made with whole milk, dark chocolate and double cream, lifted with a measure of dark rum or brandy for an après-ski finish.
Warm Cocktails
Austrian Punsch
A warming Alpine punch of dark rum and strong black tea, brightened with citrus and gentle spice - a classic of Austria's Christmas markets.
Warm Cocktails
Bombardino
The Italian après-ski favourite: warm advocaat enriched with brandy, crowned with softly whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa for a decadent slope-side treat.
Winter Punches
Bourbon Cranberry Punch
A warming bourbon punch with cranberry juice, fresh orange and lemon, brown sugar and cinnamon. Easy to serve warm or chilled for a winter crowd.
Winter Punches
Christmas Punch
A warming Christmas punch of dark rum and brandy with fresh citrus juice, brown sugar, warming spices and apple slices, ladled from a heatproof bowl.
Warm Cocktails
Heisse Liebe
A playful Alpine dessert drink of cold vanilla ice cream under hot raspberry sauce, spiked with vodka and crowned with whipped cream.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Apple Brandy
Calvados folded into warm cloudy apple juice with honey, cinnamon and clove - a rich, orchard-scented warmer with the brandy added off the heat.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Bourbon Milk Punch
A warm, velvety bourbon milk punch with brown sugar, vanilla and a dusting of fresh nutmeg.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Buttered Bourbon
A rich hot buttered bourbon with a spiced brown sugar butter batter that melts into every sip.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Buttered Rum
A rich, old-fashioned warmer - dark rum and hot water enriched with a spiced butter batter that melts into something silky and comforting.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Cherry Brandy Toddy
A fruity hot toddy with cherry brandy, brandy, fresh lemon, honey and a cinnamon stick.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Chocolate with Mint
A rich, velvety hot chocolate scented with fresh peppermint and finished with cream - a comforting cool-and-cosy treat for winter evenings.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Coconut Rum Cocktail
A creamy, tropical-meets-winter drink with dark rum, warm coconut milk and gentle baking spices.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Cognac Toddy
A refined hot cognac toddy with fresh lemon, honey and a cinnamon stick to stir.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Hot Ginger and Apple
Cloudy apple juice steeped with fresh ginger, lemon and cinnamon, sweetened with honey for a warming, alcohol-free winter drink.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Irish Cocoa
A rich hot Irish cocoa made with Irish whiskey, real dark chocolate and warm milk, finished with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Maple Toddy
A warming hot maple toddy with rye or bourbon, fresh lemon, maple syrup and a cinnamon stick.
Winter Punches
Hot Mulled Pineapple Punch
A warming tropical twist on a winter punch with pineapple juice, dark rum and warm spices.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Hot Rosehip Punch
Tangy rosehip tea warmed with orange, cinnamon and honey for a bright, fruity alcohol-free punch that suits a crisp winter evening.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Rum and Butter
A rich, velvety winter warmer made with dark rum, hot water and a spoonful of spiced butter batter that melts into a silky finish.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Spiced Coffee
A boozy hot spiced coffee with dark rum or whisky, brown sugar, cardamom and a cloud of whipped cream.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Spiced Sake
Warmed sake infused with fresh ginger, star anise and yuzu, sweetened with a little honey - a clean, aromatic winter warmer with an East Asian accent.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Spiced Tea Cocktail
A fragrant hot tea cocktail with dark rum, fresh orange, honey and warm winter spices.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Toddy
The classic warm whisky cocktail with honey, lemon and spice - soothing, simple and built for cold nights.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Vanilla Bourbon
A gentle hot bourbon cocktail with vanilla syrup, honey, lemon and a cinnamon stick to stir.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Whisky Mac
A warm twist on the British Whisky Mac, with Scotch, Stone's ginger wine and hot water.
Warm Cocktails
Hot Whisky Sour
A warming twist on the classic, with whisky, fresh lemon, honey syrup and hot water finished with cinnamon, no egg required.
Warm Cocktails
Irish Coffee
Hot coffee, Irish whiskey and brown sugar under a float of softly whipped cream - the definitive after-dinner warmer.
Warm Cocktails
Jägertee
The Austrian Alpine warmer of strong black tea and overproof rum, spiced with cinnamon and clove and brightened with lemon, a robust drink for the slopes.
Low-Alcohol Winter Drinks
Light Mulled Cider
A light, low-alcohol mulled cider with fresh apple juice, cinnamon, cloves and orange peel.
Low-Alcohol Winter Drinks
Low-ABV Bittersweet Toddy
A lighter hot toddy built on a small measure of amaro, strong black tea, lemon and honey.
Low-Alcohol Winter Drinks
Low-ABV Mulled Cider
A lighter take on mulled cider built around low-alcohol cider, fresh orange and warming spices.
Low-Alcohol Winter Drinks
Low-ABV Winter Spritz
A warming low-alcohol spritz built on vermouth, warm orange juice, soda and a touch of cinnamon.
Warm Cocktails
Lumumba
A rich hot chocolate laced with brandy and crowned with softly whipped cream, a classic continental warmer for cold nights.
Modern Winter Serves
Mezcal Warmer
Smoky mezcal meets warm orange, agave and a whisper of chilli in this short, spirit-forward winter cocktail with a long, lingering finish.
Après-Ski Drinks
Mountain Grog
A bracing alpine grog made with dark rum, hot water, fresh lemon and brown sugar, spiced with cinnamon and clove for an honest cold-weather drink.
Winter Punches
Mulled Cider Punch
A warmed cider punch with dark rum or brandy, fresh orange, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and brown sugar, ladled steaming from a heatproof bowl.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Punch
All the spice and warmth of mulled wine, with no alcohol - red grape juice and tea, mulled with orange, cinnamon and clove. Made for sharing.
Low-Alcohol Winter Drinks
Session Mulled Wine
A lighter mulled wine built on low-alcohol or alcohol-removed red, warmed with orange, spices and a touch of sugar.
Winter Punches
Smoking Bishop
A Dickens-era warmed punch of ruby port, red wine and roasted clove-studded oranges, sweetened with sugar and seasoned with allspice.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Spiced Apple & Orange Warmer
An alcohol-free winter warmer - cloudy apple juice gently mulled with orange, cinnamon and clove. Fragrant, comforting and good for all ages.
Winter Punches
Spiced Bourbon Punch
A warming winter punch with bourbon, apple cider and a generous mix of whole spices.
Warm Cocktails
Spiced Coconut Hot Chocolate
Rich dark chocolate melted into creamy coconut milk, warmed with cinnamon and a gentle hint of chilli for a velvety winter cup.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Spiced Hibiscus Punch
A tart, ruby-red hibiscus punch warmed with cinnamon and fresh ginger, brightened with orange and rounded out with honey.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Spiced Oat Milk Latte
Creamy frothed oat milk warmed with chai spices, cinnamon and vanilla, lightly sweetened with maple syrup for a cosy alcohol-free cup.
Warm Cocktails
Spiced Old Fashioned
A festive old fashioned built on bourbon or rye, cinnamon-spiced sugar syrup and Angostura bitters, stirred over ice with a flamed orange peel.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Spiced Pomegranate Punch
Ruby pomegranate juice warmed with orange, cinnamon and star anise, lightly sweetened with honey for a festive alcohol-free punch.
Warm Cocktails
Spiced Rum Punch
A warming punch of spiced rum, apple and orange juice and citrus, mulled with cinnamon, clove and allspice - generous, fruity and made for sharing.
Warm Cocktails
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Deep, glossy hot chocolate made with real dark chocolate and a measure of your favourite spirit - the ultimate grown-up winter treat.
Après-Ski Drinks
Swiss Café Fertig
A simple Swiss après-ski classic of strong hot coffee, brown sugar and a generous measure of Träsch or Williamine fruit brandy.
Après-Ski Drinks
Swiss Mulled Wine
A fragrant Swiss take on mulled wine with red wine, warm spices and citrus peel, finished with an optional splash of kirsch for an alpine edge.
Après-Ski Drinks
Tirolean Jägertee
A bold Austrian après-ski classic combining overproof rum, strong black tea and plum brandy with citrus and warm spices for a powerful winter pour.
Warm Cocktails
Tom and Jerry
The festive American classic: a warm, frothy egg batter spiked with dark rum and brandy, topped with hot milk and finished with freshly grated nutmeg.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Virgin Hot Buttered Rum
All the comfort of a classic hot buttered rum, minus the alcohol - spiced butter batter melted into hot water for a creamy, warming mug.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Virgin Vin Chaud
An alcohol-free take on French mulled wine, built on red grape juice and tea, warmed with orange, cinnamon, clove and star anise.
Warm Cocktails
Warm Amaretto Sour
A cosy warm amaretto sour, with almond-rich amaretto, fresh lemon and honey lengthened with hot water and finished with lemon and a cherry.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Warm Cranberry Punch
A festive warm punch of cranberry and apple juice, gently spiced with cinnamon, clove and star anise and lifted with orange.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Warm Elderberry Cordial
Deep, fruity elderberry cordial loosened with hot water and warmed with lemon, clove and cinnamon for a simple alcohol-free winter cup.
Warm Cocktails
Warm Fig and Bourbon
A mellow winter warmer of bourbon, fig syrup and lemon, softened with hot water and a whisper of warming cinnamon.
Warm Cocktails
Warm Mead
Honey wine warmed gently with orange, cinnamon and clove - a mellow, golden winter warmer with ancient roots and an easy, comforting character.
Warm Cocktails
Warm Port and Lemon
A soothing winter warmer of ruby port and hot water with lemon, clove and cinnamon - a gentle, old-fashioned alternative to the hot toddy.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Warm Spiced Apple Juice
A gently warmed apple juice steeped with cinnamon, clove and star anise, finished with bright orange slices and a touch of honey.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Warm Turmeric and Apple
Cloudy apple juice gently warmed with turmeric, fresh ginger and honey, finished with cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper.
Alcohol-Free Winter Drinks
Warm Vanilla Apple Cider
Cloudy non-alcoholic apple cider gently warmed with a split vanilla pod, cinnamon and orange for a smooth, comforting alcohol-free winter cup.
Warm Cocktails
Winter Espresso Martini
A wintry take on the espresso martini, with vodka, coffee liqueur and a whisper of cinnamon-vanilla syrup shaken to a silky foam.
Modern Winter Serves
Winter Paloma
A cold-weather twist on the Mexican classic: warm grapefruit, cinnamon syrup and tequila served in a stemmed glass with a salted rim.
Winter Punches
Winter Rum Punch
A warmed spiced rum punch with fresh pineapple and orange juice, lime, grenadine and cinnamon. A Caribbean-leaning bowl for cold winter nights.
Winter Punches
Winter Sangria
A spiced winter version of sangria with red wine, brandy and warming fruit and spice.
Read more
Guide
The Best Warm Winter Cocktails
Steaming, spiced and comforting - the best warm cocktails for winter, plus the simple technique that keeps every warm drink tasting its best.
Guide
Warm Cocktail Techniques: Heating, Stirring and Finishing
Master the core techniques behind warm cocktails: when to heat, when to stir, when to add the spirit, and how to finish a drink with care.
Guide
Why Serving Temperature Matters in Warm Cocktails
The science behind serving temperature in warm cocktails, why 60-65°C is the sweet spot, and how to hit it every time at home.