Upon first glance, the idea of serving and sipping gin cocktails in winter might seem like an odd choice. After all, gin is famously a summertime spirit.
However, enjoying winter gin cocktails warm or cold can be a welcome change of pace from the usual brown liquors that are synonymous with the season—spiced rum, Scotch, bourbon, and brandy.
Paired with the right ingredients, gin’s distinctive piney, herbal, woody, citrusy, and sometimes spicy flavor profile can beautifully capture the cozy winter mood. Sip by the fire for best results!
Here are seven soul-warming gin cocktail recipes to keep Jack Frost away!
1. Gin Hot Toddy
The classic hot toddy (traditionally made with whiskey or brandy) is often used as a cold remedy, with “cold” referring to both temperature and health! If you’re interested in gin cocktails for winter, try this twist on a beloved panacea.
Recipe
- Gin
- Honey
- Orange juice (or try cranberry juice!)
- Hot water
- Cinnamon stick
- Orange slice
Mull gin, juice, and cinnamon stick until hot, but not boiling (160°F to 180°F). Pour mixture into a mug. Sweeten with honey to taste. Add hot water for a milder flavor (optional). Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange slice.
2. Martinez
The wintery sister cocktail to the iconic martini and Manhattan, the Martinez brings bold flavors of cherry, cinnamon, and spice—perfect when you’re craving a potent cocktail for sipping slowly. If you’re looking for classy gin cocktails for winter festivities, look no further.
Recipe
- 1 ½ oz gin
- 1 ½ oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz maraschino liqueur (Luxardo is a fine choice)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist
Add all ingredients except orange twist to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until properly mixed and chilled. Pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with orange twist.
3. Boozy Hot Cocoa
If you’re a chocolate aficionado who prefers sipping winter gin cocktails warm, you’re going to love this variation of classic hot cocoa. It’s one of the best gin cocktails for winter weather, whether you’re warming your bones outside or cozying up by the fireplace.
We recommend choosing a gin that has winter spices, like coriander, cinnamon, liquorice root, allspice, clove, peppercorn, and star anise. Of course, you can always spice it up how you like it!
Recipe
- 1 ½ oz gin
- 2 oz finely chopped semisweet chocolate
- 6 oz milk
- Mini marshmallows
Add the chocolate to a mug (an Irish coffee mug works great). Heat the milk until it’s steaming, not boiling. Pour the milk into the mug. Swirl the chocolate until it melts smoothly into the milk. Stir in the gin. Top with mini marshmallows.
4. Coffee & Cigarettes
Here’s another one of those gin cocktails for winter that takes a classic—gin and tonic—and infuses it with wintery goodness. It’s sweet and sippable, with just the right amount of smokiness to give it that cozy winter feel.
Recipe
- 1 ½ oz gin (preferably a variety with winter spices)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 5 oz tonic water
- 4-6 coffee beans
- ¼ tsp cacao nibs
Add gin and coffee liquor to a wine glass with ice. Gently stir in tonic water. Garnish with coffee beans and cacao nibs.
5. Hot Negroni
Here’s another beautiful drink for those who enjoy sipping winter gin cocktails warm. Drawing inspiration from the iconic negroni, the hot negroni captures that signature bitter-sweet flavor while updating these beloved gin cocktails for winter.
Recipe
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- Splash of orange juice
- 4-5 oz hot water
- Orange slice
Add all ingredients except the hot water and orange slice to a mug. Stir. If desired, add hot water to tame the bold flavors. Garnish with an orange slice.
6. Glüh (Mulled) Gin
Hot, spiced apple cider is a wintertime staple. Mulled gin offers a similar experience but with bigger, more complex flavors.
While this recipe uses apple juice, substituting apple cider can make for a richer cocktail. These are just guidelines for making gin cocktails in winter—feel free to make them your own!
Recipe
- 1 oz gin (more or less to taste)
- 3 oz apple juice (or cider)
- 3 oz orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- Orange slice
Simmer all ingredients over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. The mixture should be steaming, not boiling. Strain out spices. Pour into a mug. Garnish with cinnamon stick, star anise, and orange slice.
7. Winter Sangria
You’re going to want to make multiple pitchers of this sangria—it goes fast! It’s refreshing, sweet, tart, and complex, taking a classic brunch drink and giving it a wintertime makeover.
This is one of the best gin cocktails for winter parties! We recommend serving it alongside at least one hot option to appease guests who prefer their winter gin cocktails warm.
Recipe
- 2 cups gin
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup elderflower liqueur
- 1 cup sweet wine (Moscato d’Asti is an excellent choice)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 5-10 lemon slices
Gently stir all ingredients together in a pitcher. Serve over ice.
Shop Handcrafted Barware & Serveware
Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or simply looking to add something new to your repertoire, these delicious drinks are sure to please. Presentation is everything, so be sure to serve your gin cocktails for winter properly!
We proudly offer modern serveware and barware that will elevate your libations, not only during wintertime, but all year round. Explore bowls, trays and platters, utensils, and so much more. Each piece is traditionally crafted by hand to ensure unparalleled beauty and longevity.
We hope you enjoy these winter concoctions as much as we do! For more amazing recipes and entertaining tips, explore our blog. Celebrate the magic of the winter season with luxury serveware by Mary Jurek Design.
