Guide
A Short History of Winter Drinking Culture
Why we drink differently in winter: a short history of warmth, ritual and togetherness, from medieval wassail to the modern warm-cocktail revival.
Guides
Winter Cocktail Guides
Round-ups, comparisons and how-to reading for the colder months — from the best hot cocktails to modern alternatives to mulled wine.
Guide
Alpine Winter Drinks: From Ski Lodges to Mountain Huts
A guide to alpine winter drinking, from boozy Jägertee and creamy Bombardino to Austrian Glühwein and the unmistakable culture of après-ski.
Guide
British Winter Drinking: Wassail, Mulled Wine and the Hot Toddy
A guide to British winter drinking, from ancient wassail rituals and the festive pub to the hot toddy that became a national symbol of comfort.
Guide
Eggnog: How a Medieval Posset Became a Christmas Classic
The history of eggnog, from the warm English posset of the Middle Ages to the rum-rich American Christmas tradition it became.
Guide
Glögg: The Scandinavian Winter Drink With Ancient Roots
The history of glögg, the spiced Scandinavian winter wine, from its disputed early origins to the distinct traditions of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Guide
How to Batch-Serve Warm Cocktails for a Crowd
A practical guide to batch-serving warm cocktails for 10, 20 or 50 people, covering holding temperature, timing, garnishing and a party checklist.
Guide
The Best Christmas Cocktails for a Party
Crowd-pleasing, make-ahead Christmas cocktails that let you host without being stuck at the stove — batch serves, scaling tips and what to pour.
Guide
The Best Gin Winter Cocktails
Gin isn't just for summer. From warm gin-and-apple serves to spiced cold cocktails, here are the gin drinks that come into their own in winter.
Guide
The Best Glühwein Alternatives
Love the ritual of mulled wine but want something different? These glühwein alternatives are lighter, brighter or simply new — without losing the warmth.
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
The Best Winter Cocktails to Make This Season
Our editorial pick of the winter cocktails worth making — warm classics, festive favourites and modern serves, with links to every recipe.
Guide
The Drinks of the German Christmas Market
A guide to the German Weihnachtsmarkt and its drinks, from steaming Glühwein and flaming Feuerzangenbowle to gentle Kinderpunsch for all ages.
Guide
The History of Mulled Wine
From Roman hypocras to the modern Christmas market, the long and warming story of how mulled wine became a fixture of European winter.
Guide
The Hot Toddy: A Brief and Warming History
The story of the hot toddy, from its disputed Scottish origins and medicinal reputation to its place as an enduring cocktail classic.
Guide
The Right Glass for a Warm Cocktail
Why glassware for warm cocktails differs from cold drinks, and how to choose between a stemmed glass, a mug and an Irish coffee glass.
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.
Guide
Winter Cocktails of Scandinavia
A guide to Nordic winter drinking, from spiced glögg and aquavit serves to the quiet ritual of warmth that defines a Scandinavian December.
Guide
Winter Drinks in the Netherlands: From Advocaat to Modern Serves
A guide to Dutch winter drinking, from creamy advocaat and spiced bisschopswijn to jenever and the new generation of modern Dutch winter serves.