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12 Best Winter Whiskey Cocktails

When temperatures drop, there’s nothing more satisfying than a soul-warming winter whiskey drink. Though whiskey works well with tart fruits and sour beverages for summer cocktails, it’s one of the most popular winter spirits thanks to its warm characteristics and signature oaky profile. Whiskey pairs wonderfully with spice, winter fruits, rich, creamy concoctions, and many popular cold weather drinks like apple cider and hot chocolate—especially when sipped by the fireplace. Read on to discover the 12 best winter whiskey cocktails for sipping solo, enjoying with friends, and staying warm this season.

OLD FASHIONED

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As classic as winter whiskey cocktails get, the Old Fashioned is one of the first cocktails on record and one of the first recipes many reach for on a cold day. Just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel for garnish, the staple cocktail keeps the focus on an excellent bourbon or rye. For a show-stopping riff on the classic, try BLACKENED®’s smoked old fashioned cocktail recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 sugar cube
  • Orange peel for garnish

The Old Pal

Developed by legendary bartender Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris as a drier riff on the Boulevardier, the Old Pal swaps out rye in place of the typical bourbon, and dry instead of sweet vermouth. For a warmer, spirit-forward recipe, opt for a high-proof whiskey, the BLACKENED® X Willett Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Madeira Casks or BLACKENED®’s cask strength whiskey.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz dry vermouth
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Manhattan

Likely an offshoot of the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan cocktail incorporates sweet vermouth for a deeper, earthier profile. With its history as a popular drink among socialite crowds, it’s exactly the kind of cocktail you’ll want to sip in a cozy, wood-clad or with friends around the fireplace.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • Brandied cherry for garnish

Boulevardier

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The Negroni’s wintery cousin, the Boulevardier combines bourbon or rye with Campari and sweet vermouth for a rich, warming cocktail you’ll want to savor all winter long. The Boulevardier hinges on a happy marriage of high-quality whiskey of sweet vermouth, so make sure not to skimp on either.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • Orange twist for garnish

BLACKENED® Mint Julep

A riff on the classic Mint Julep, the BLACKENED® Mint Julep fortifies the light, refreshing whiskey cocktail with Amaro Montenegro, making it perfect for casual winter sipping. As with any Mint Julep, make sure to use plenty of crushed ice, fresh mint, and a good quality bourbon.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • ½ oz Amaro Montenegro
  • Fresh mint sprig
  • Powdered sugar

Apple Cider Whiskey

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Looking for an easy whiskey cocktail for winter? Look no further than Apple Cider Whiskey. The classic winter drink is as versatile as it is delicious and can be riffed on with many simple alterations. Try it hot as spiked cider with whole cinnamon and cloves or cold as a lowball cocktail with clear ice and an orange wheel garnish. Experiment with different types of cider and mix it up even more!

Ingredients

  • 1 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 4 oz apple cider

Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy has one job: keeping you warm. As one of the few cocktails served hot, it accomplishes this with great effect, especially if you’re sipping it around the fire or in a snowy mountain cabin. The classic cocktail combines spirit, sugar, and hot water with a lemon peel and spices and is easily customizable. If you don’t like hot drinks, you can even let it cool off for a Cold Toddy.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • ¼ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 teaspoons demerara sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 lemon peel or wheel
  • 4 cloves
  • Boiling water, to fill a mug

Whiskey EggNog

EggNog is a classic drink during the holidays that only gets better with the addition of good whiskey—especially at adult holiday parties. Use your favorite store-bought EggNog or make it from scratch. Either way, you’ll want to make this recipe in bulk—and leave Santa a glass of the good stuff.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 1 quart eggnog, chilled

Whiskey Spiked Hot Chocolate

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Another twist on a cold weather classic, Whiskey Spiked Hot Chocolate hits all the marks. It’s easy to make, makes for a deliciously boozy dessert after a sumptuous winter meal, and lets adults reminisce about their childhood with all the fun of being an adult. Whether you use store-bought cocoa or make it from scratch, you won’t be disappointed with a mug of this spiked hot cocoa.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 3 tablespoons of crushed cinnamon sticks 
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped finely
  • 3 tablespoons of demerara sugar or granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch of kosher salt 
  • Toasted marshmallows (for serving)

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

The winter version of the classic whiskey sour cocktail, this Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is packed with everything you want on a cold day: sweet maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, festive cinnamon, and a good, heartwarming whiskey. If you’re a whiskey purist, skip the cinnamon to savor its true flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 to 4 teaspoons maple syrup, to taste
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon, optional

For Whom The Bell Tolls

An original BLACKENED® cocktail inspired by the classic Metallica song For Whom the Bell Tolls, this delicious drink is fortified for winter with the addition of maple syrup and maple-soaked bacon. If you’re looking for a fun new cocktail to add to your winter lineup (and you love maple-soaked bacon), the For Whom the Bell Tolls cocktail is the perfect drink for you.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz BLACKENED® American Whiskey
  • ½ oz maple syrup
  • 2 dashes of clove bitters
  • Orange essence for garnish
  • Maple soaked bacon for garnish

Beat the Cold With BLACKENED®

A marriage of the finest bourbons and ryes chosen by Master Distiller and Blender Dave Pickerell, BLACKENED® American Whiskey is the perfect choice for crafting cold weather whiskey drinks.

Visit our online shop to buy BLACKENED Whiskey or use the store locator to find BLACKENED whiskey near you and get started making delicious cocktails to enjoy by the fire with family and friends. And remember: No matter the winter whiskey cocktail, always enjoy responsibly.

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