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5 Witchy Winter Cocktails

Enchanting Winter Cocktails and Mocktails: Seasonal Sips with a Witchy Flair

As the cold settles in and winter magic fills the air, it’s the perfect time to gather around the hearth with warm, comforting beverages. If you’re one to celebrate Yule with close friends and family, consider batching these drinks on a larger scale for all to enjoy! These winter cocktails and mocktails are a delicious way to celebrate the season and harness the natural magic of winter ingredients. Each ingredient has its own purpose and magic. So, gather your friends and family, pour a glass, and sip on the warmth and enchantment of winter with these enchanting winter cocktails! Here are some recipes to warm you inside and out, bringing a bit of winter magic to every sip.

The following winter cocktail and mocktail recipes are thoughtfully curated by me with the expert help of the Master Alchemist behind the bar, CVL Boozy Mixologist. Be sure to check out his podcast, Last Call Lounge, for more drink recipes and fun industry stories!

Let’s dive in.

A Fireside Elixir

Smoky and spiced is what first comes to mind when I think about tasty winter cocktails. A non-alcoholic take uses the rich flavor of tea and aromatic spices to create a lovely drink. This can be served in a rocks glass or as a martini.

The Ingredients

  • 2 oz. bourbon or spiced rum for a cocktail, or 2 oz. smoked black tea (like Lapsang Souchong or a robust Earl Grey, chilled) for a mocktail
  • 1 oz. cinnamon-clove simple syrup (recipe below)
  • 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 oz. apple cider
  • 2 dashes of angostura bitters for a cocktail, or 2 dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters (e.g., All the Bitter Aromatic)
  • Orange peel and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Recipe, Step by Step

  1. Make the cinnamon-clove simple syrup
    • Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 4 whole cloves in a saucepan.
    • Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and strain into a jar.
  2. Brew and chill the black tea to create a rich, smoky base, if making a mocktail.
  3. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the black tea OR alcohol of choice, cinnamon-clove simple syrup, orange juice, cider, and bitters.
  4. Shake well!
  5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  6. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a cinnamon stick for a warm, festive presentation.

The Snowy Owl

This drink is creamy and smooth with almond and coconut. This winter cocktail is wonderful as a mocktail, simply keep the recipe the same, just don’t add the liquor!

The Ingredients

Choose any of the following liquor:

  • 1.5 oz Spiced Rum, compliments the vanilla and coconut for a tropical-meets-winter vibe.
  • 1.5 oz Amaretto, enhances the almond flavors while adding a sweet, nutty profile.
  • 1.5 oz Bourbon, creates a rich, bold depth, perfect for cozy evenings.

The rest of the ingredients:

  • 3 oz. almond milk
  • 2 oz. coconut purée
  • 0.5 oz. honey simple syrup or maple simple syrup
  • 2-4 dashes of vanilla bitters OR 0.25 oz of vanilla extract
  • Ground nutmeg, for garnish

Recipe, Step by Step

  1. Make your simple syrups.
    • Honey Simple Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and hot water, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved. Allow to cool before use.
    • Maple Simple Syrup: Mix equal parts pure maple syrup and hot water, whisking until well combined. Let it cool.
  2. Make your own bitters.
    • To make vanilla bitters, combine 1 cup of high-proof alcohol (like vodka or grain alcohol) with 2 split vanilla beans and optional complementary spices (like cinnamon or clove) in a sealed jar. You can use 80 proof, but ideally you want to look for something between 100-151 proof (50%-75.5%) for the best flavor extraction and a longer shelf life.
    • Let it steep for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily, then strain and bottle. Use sparingly to add depth and warmth to cocktails!
    • You may also utilize vanilla extract if you do not have vanilla bitters.
  3. Fill shaker tin with ice, combine almond milk, coconut purée, honey syrup or maple syrup (or both if you’re feeling adventurous!), and vanilla bitters or extract in a shaker with ice.
  4. Shake vigorously until frothy and well-chilled.
  5. Strain into a large chilled pint or beer mug, over fresh ice optional.
  6. Garnish with a light dusting of ground nutmeg.

Winter Solstice Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a winter cocktail tradition in many homes all over the world!

The Ingredients

  • 25 oz. red wine
    For mocktail: use 25 oz. cranberry juice or apple cider
  • 6 oz. honey simple syrup or maple simple syrup, look at the recipe above for steps to make your simple syrups
  • 9 oz. oranges, sliced (approximately 2 medium oranges)
  • 6 oz. apple, sliced (approximately 1 medium apple)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise

Recipe, Step by Step

  1. Combine the red wine (or cranberry juice/apple cider), honey or maple syrup, sliced oranges, sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large pot.
  2. Warm the mixture over low to medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
  3. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can simmer longer for a stronger infusion.
  4. Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
  5. Add a fresh slice of orange or a cinnamon stick to each glass for an extra festive touch.
  6. Ladle into mugs, garnish with a star anise, and enjoy the magic of the mulled wine.

Winter Pear & Sage Sparkler

This elegant and refreshing winter cocktail highlights the subtle sweetness of ripe pears and the earthy aroma of sage, with a hint of spice and bubbles for a festive finish.

The Ingredients

Try one of the following if adding alcohol:

  • 1.5 oz Absolut Pear Vodka, enhances the natural pear flavor with subtle sweetness.
  • 1.5 oz Tanqueray No. TEN Gin, a citrus-forward gin that complements the herbal sage and bright lemon notes.
  • 1 oz Pear Brandy, a high-quality pear brandy will deepen the pear essence, providing rich, warm fruit tones.

The rest of the ingredients:

  • 2 oz fresh pear juice
  • 0.75 oz sage and ginger simple syrup
  • 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional for added complexity, omit for a true mocktail)
  • Thin pear slice and fresh sage sprig, for garnish

Recipe, Step by Step

  1. Make your sage & ginger simple syrup
    • Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 6 fresh sage leaves, and 1 inch of fresh ginger (sliced) in a saucepan.
    • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
    • Cool, strain, and store in a jar.
  2. Take a shaker tin filled with ice, combine alcohol (optional), pear juice, sage and ginger syrup, lemon juice, and bitters (if using, it’s not a true mocktail if you use bitters).
  3. Shake well. Strain into a mule mug or wine glass.
  4. Top with ginger beer. You may use sparkling water or club soda if you do not care for ginger beer.
  5. Garnish by floating a thin slice of pear on top. Add a sprig of fresh sage for an aromatic finish.

Dark Moon Cocoa

This winter cocktail or mocktail is the ultimate comfort with its rich chocolatey flavor!

The Ingredients

  • 2 oz. of a whiskey of your preference, or DIY coffee infused bourbon
  • 6 oz. milk of choice (dairy, almond, or oat)
  • 0.5 oz. cocoa powder
  • 1 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
  • 0.5 oz. cinnamon-clove simple syrup (recipe listed above under Fireside Elixer)
  • A pinch of cayenne

Recipe, Step by Step

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and cayenne. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Add the cinnamon-clove simple syrup to the saucepan and stir to combine.
  4. If adding alcohol, stir it in after removing the saucepan from heat.
  5. Pour into a mug and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a dollop of whipped cream.

BONUS COCKTAIL: A Magically Mocha Martini

Building off of the idea from the dark moon cocoa, here is a decadent winter cocktail to try, perfect for a sweet finish. This dessert-style martini blends chocolate, coffee, and a touch of wintery spice for a cozy yet sophisticated drink. There is no mocktail version of this, which is why it’s listed as a bonus cocktail instead of being counted with the other recipes listed above.

mocha winter cocktails

The Ingredients

  • 1 oz. espresso or strong brewed coffee, chilled or fresh, it’s up to you! I find that fresh brewed espresso when shaken hard gives you that decadently thick foam on top of the martini that is aesthetically pleasing!
  • 1.5 oz. vodka, try Absolut Vanilla or Grey Goose
  • 1 oz. coffee liqueur, try Tia Maria! It’s one of my favorites.
  • 0.75 oz. chocolate liqueur. I prefer a white chocolate liqueur.
  • 0.5 oz. cinnamon simple syrup (recipe above from Dark Moon Cocoa).
  • Optional garnish: cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a cinnamon stick.

Recipe, Step by Step

  1. Chill a martini glass.
  2. In a shaker, combine espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and cinnamon simple syrup with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain the drink into the chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, 3 espresso beans, or a dash of cinnamon!

These thoughtfully crafted winter cocktails and mocktails are more than just beverages; they’re like rituals in a glass, blending seasonal flavors, magical elements, and creative techniques to elevate any gathering or quiet moment by the fire.

Whether you’re toasting to the longest night of the year, sharing drinks with loved ones, or indulging in some well-deserved self-care, these winter cocktails invite you to explore the magic of winter one sip at a time.

Cheers!

Mother

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