Cozy Cocktails for the Holidays

When the days start to get shorter, the temp drops, and twinkle lights start appearing everywhere, there’s nothing better than a cozy cocktail to sip on. Whether you prefer something citrusy, spiced, or sweet, these three holiday favorites are guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

So grab a blanket, put on your favorite playlist, and mix up one of these seasonal classics.

Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is the ultimate winter comfort drink. Soothing, citrusy, and a little boozy. Perfect for cold nights or when you’re fighting off a chill.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz whiskey (bourbon or Irish whiskey work beautifully)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ cup hot water

• Garnish: cinnamon stick, lemon slice, star anise

Instructions:

1. Pour whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into a mug.

2. Add hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.

3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

Tip: Add a splash of brandy for extra warmth or use ginger tea instead of plain hot water for an herbal twist.

Mulled Wine

This drink is pure holiday nostalgia in a glass. Spiced, aromatic, and perfect for serving a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz work well)

• 1 orange, sliced

• ¼ cup honey or sugar (to taste)

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 5 whole cloves

• 2 star anise

• Optional: ¼ cup brandy

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.

2. Heat gently over medium-low (don’t boil!) for 20–30 minutes.

3. Strain and serve warm, garnished with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Tip: Want to make it non-alcoholic? Swap the wine for cranberry juice or pomegranate juice.

Spiked Apple Cider

Sweet, spicy, and perfectly cozy — like a warm hug.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1½ oz dark rum (spiced rum also works great)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• Garnish: apple slice, star anise

Instructions:

1. Heat cider, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a small saucepan until warm.

2. Remove from heat and stir in rum.

3. Strain into a mug and garnish with apple slices or star anise.

Tip: Add a drizzle of caramel or a splash of bourbon for a dessert-style version.

Make it Festive

If you love these drinks as much as I do, I’ve turned them into art you can share (or gift!). You’ll find matching cards and a print in my shop: Poster, Greeting Card

Here’s to cozy nights, warm drinks, and creative sips all season long.