Winter is a time for coziness and enjoying good company. Whisky cocktails are the perfect way to do just that!
Whisky is one of the most popular spirits in the world, and for good reason. It has a warm, smoky flavour that is perfect for winter. Whisky cocktails are a great way to enjoy this spirit while staying warm.
Some of our favourite whisky cocktails to sip on during the winter include the Godfather, an Irish Coffee, and a Pickleback. These drinks are all classics and delicious, and not only will they help you toasty up on those cold winter days but they're also sure to cheer up any winter blues one may be be feeling.
Here are 7 whisky cocktails that will warm you up on a cold winter night.
Check out our entire whisky, whiskey & bourbon range here!
1. The Godfather
The Godfather is a perfect nail-style winter warmer when you want something quick to clear up those blues. With a 1-to-1 ratio, the Godfather works best with a big bold Scotch that can pair up to the power of the amaretto.
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur that adds sweetness and depth of flavour to any drink, making it the perfect partner for the whisky. This simple drink is smooth and easy to enjoy, perfect for when you just want some warmth in your soul on a cold winter night.
Ingredients
- 45mL Scotch whisky
- 45mL amaretto
Method
Add the whisky and amaretto into a rocks glass. Add fresh ice and stir gently to mix. Serve and enjoy!
2. The Presbyterian
Another simplistic cocktail, the Presbyterian is both simplistic and refreshing. Named after the Presbyterian Church, which originated in Scotland, the original recipe calls for Scotch whisky and we agree! This cocktail is perfect for winter, as the warmth of the ginger ale pairs perfectly with the cold Scotch whisky.
Ingredients
- 45mL Scotch whisky
- 60mL soda water
- 60mL ginger ale
- lemon wedge (& optional mint sprog) to garnish
Method
Fill your glass, we recommend a highball, with fresh ice and pour in your whisky. Top with soda then ginger ale, stir and garnish with your lemon wedge.
Check out our post Top 5 Whiskies to try this winter for more inspiration for the colder months
3. The Stone Fence
The perfect Autumn cocktail does exist and it's called the Stone Fence. Invented during the U.S. Civil war this cocktail is the perfect beginners cocktail as the measurements are just a guideline! Go on your way, which ever way that be, because no matter the proportions this cocktail tastes great. The Stone Fence is simple to make and sip on all autumn long.
Ingredients
- 60mL rye whiskey
- 120mL cloudy apple cider
- 6 - 8 dashes of bitters
- cinnamon stick & apple slice to garnish
Method
Pour your whiskey into an old fashioned glass. Add fresh ice and your bitters, then top up with your cloudy apple cider. Stir with your cinnamon stick and leave in for fragrance. Serve and enjoy.
4. The Pickleback
The Pickleback loosely fits into the category of cocktail but we had to include it in our list. A favourite among bar workers for their end of the shift nightcap.
This 'cocktail' is a keeper in our opinion for two reasons and two reasons alone. Firstly, the combination is a classic and secondly, cocktails don't get much easier to make than this one. Perfect to drink at nightfall during winter months, the Pickleback will warm you up and make you feel cozy.
Ingredients
- 60mL whisky
- 60mL pickle brine
Method
Pour your Whisky into a shot glass and your pickle brine into a second shot glass. First you drink your whisky then you chase it with your brine. Genius.
Check out our entire whisky, whiskey & bourbon range here!
5. The Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee was first invent in an airport with the intention of perking you up and mellowing you out at the same time. With its mixture of coffee, whiskey, and cream, the Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail that can be enjoyed any time of year but best suits those winter days. Whether you're sipping it by the fire or enjoying it in a warm home on a winter night, this drink will help you to relax and enjoy your time.
Ingredients
- 60mL Irish whiskey (we recommend Jamesons)
- 120mL strong hot coffee
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar / sugar syrup
- 30mL cream or cream alternative
Method
First heat your glassware by putting hot water in it and empty once warm. Add your sugar to the base of your warm glassware. Next add your coffee and Irish Whiskey. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour in your lightly whipped cream slowly over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top. Do not stir, simply enjoy the Irish Coffee through the whipped cream.
6. The American Apertif
The American Apertif is a bourbon-powered apertif which uses ginger syrup for a dry, refreshingly drink, a perfect winter alternative to those Negronis you were drinking all summer long.
Additionally, amaro liqueur gives the American Apertif an added kick of bitterness that really makes it stand out in the winter time. Whether you're looking for something to warm you up on a cold day or just want to change things up from your typical cocktail repertoire, the American Apertif is a great option.
Ingredients
- 60mL bourbon
- 60mL amaro-style liqueur
- 30mL ginger syrup
- lemon slice to garnish
Method
Add all your liquids into a mixing glass over fresh ice and stir. Strain liquids into a tumblr glass over more fresh ice. Add your lemon slice to garnish and enjoy.
Check out our post Top 5 Whiskies to try this winter for more inspiration for the colder months
7. The Thirsty Cowboy
The Thirsty Cowboy is a no fuss bourbon and beer cocktail that is a balance of dark, musty bourbon and a light craft larger. Crisp and refreshing this cocktail is perfect for a winter house party or Friday night football cocktail to get your saddle rocking.
Ingredients
- 60mL bourbon
- 20mL lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 30mL simple syrup
- 330mL chilled lager
- Lime twist to garnish
Method
Shake your bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup over fresh ice for 20 seconds. Strain into a pint glass frilled with fresh ice. Slowly pour in your lager and stir slowly. Ad your lime twist garnish and enjoy the night.
Bonus. Hot Rum Toddy
Okay we know this is a whisky post but we couldn't help but throw a little rum in the mix. The Hot Rum toddy is warm you up and mellow you out in minutes. Whilst the cure-all properties of hot alcohol are perhaps disputed the taste of this cocktail sure isn't. It's warming and mellow, perfect for when you're feeling chill.
Ingredients
- 90mL spiced rum
- 15mL lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 large orange twist
- 4 tbsp of honey
- Dash cardamon bitters (regular bitters is also fine)
- Cinnamon stick to garnish
Method
Add your rum, honey, lemon juice, orange twist and bitters into a much or heatproof glass. Top up with boiling water and stir until your honey dissolves. Add your cinnamon stick garnish and set yourself up by the fire.
Whisky cocktails are a classic way to enjoy a fine whisky, and they make for perfect refreshment on a cold winter day. Whether you're looking for something light and fruity or something more robust and warming, these seven cocktails are sure to fit the bill.
We hope you find one thats perfect for you and helps defrosting those winter blues.
Check out our entire whisky, whiskey & bourbon range here!
PLUS The Bloody Ardbeg
We couldn't help ourselves, heres one more! This cocktails perfect for the winter mornings when you're wanting a Bloody Mary but need a bit more smoke than the traditional vodka version. Still zesty the Bloody Ardbeg is best served with a savoury bacon garnish to partner with the smoky dram, we like to think of it as the hair of the Pig.
Ingredients
- 45mL Ardbeg 10 y.o.
- 120mL Mr Consistent Bloody Mary Mix
- Optional dash of Tabasco for spice
- Garnish with celery and crispy bacon
Method
Simply build over fresh ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into highball over new ice and top with your garnishes. Enjoy any time of the day.
