8 cocktails to get you through winter
Some boozy — and non-boozy — fortification to move you through the months ahead


Humans should not subsist on water alone, despite what your body might be telling you during and after the holiday season. This winter, choose your cocktails wisely. Maybe that means an invigorating mule with bourbon and cider, a warming coffee with brandy and creme de cacao or a booze-free take on an espresso Martini.
Ginger Spritz
A demure start to the New Year, this very low-ABV cocktail commingles Lillet blanc and cava (Spanish sparkling wine) with both fresh ginger and ginger beer. Happy 2024, indeed. Get the recipe.
Winter Daiquiri
A classic Daiquiri is always the right answer to whatever question. It is spunky and amicable. But the traditional formula of light rum, lime juice and simple syrup connotes warm weather and lighthearted afternoons. This wintry approach employs part aged rum for a Daiquiri with moody introspection. Get the recipe.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Nonalcoholic Espresso Martini
First things first: This cocktail is a mite fussy to assemble. You will need to make a cold-brew concentrate and make a vanilla syrup and purchase two nonalcoholic spirits from Lyre's. Did you think creating a delicious, surprising, booze-free espresso Martini would be effortless? Get the recipe.
Hot Ward 8
A hot drink for a gathering: rye whiskey, pomegranate juice and oleo saccharum (a fancy way of saying you macerated citrus peels in sugar) play warmly in a cocktail that is designed to be stored in a Thermos for maximum accessibility and pouring ease. Get the recipe.
Keoke Coffee
There are many variations of boozy coffee cocktails akin to Spanish coffee and Irish coffee. This iteration from Jeffrey Morganthaler melds creme de cacao, brandy and brown-sugar syrup for a rich, smooth offering that will bring you up even as it winds you down. Get the recipe.
Tahini White Russian
The tahini element is on the drink, rather than in it. The base is your classic coffee liqueur + vodka pairing. Where this cocktail gets its personality is with the sesame-spiked coconutty whipped cream that is billowed on the surface to finish. Get the recipe.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Palomonic
The Paloma, with its intersection of grapefruit juice and tequila, is a marvel of a cocktail. Add sharp tonic water and a rosemary sprig and the refreshingness abides even while the drink begins throwing its weight around. Get the recipe.
Bourbon-Cider Mule
Apple cider, lime juice and a wallop of bourbon: This mule begins life with an attitude. Then, when the fillip of ginger beer is added before serving, the cocktail's edge softens. Fans of the Moscow mule should brace themselves for a fresh contender for their new favorite drink. Get the recipe.
Scott Hocker is an award-winning freelance writer and editor at The Week Digital. He has written food, travel, culture and lifestyle stories for local, national and international publications for more than 20 years. Scott also has more than 15 years of experience creating, implementing and managing content initiatives while working across departments to grow companies. His most recent editorial post was as editor-in-chief of Liquor.com. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Tasting Table and a senior editor at San Francisco magazine.
-
Go beyond the islands you already know in these 8 countries. Surprises await.
The Week Recommends These destinations fly under the radar
-
The most fun road trips are the ones with the least curveballs. Use these tips to get there.
The Week Recommends The music blaring, the windows wide open and a carefree drive
-
Destination unknown: the exciting ins and outs of mystery travel
The Week Recommends Surprise yourself the next time you vacation
-
5 cultural and scenic trails to wander on four wheels
The Week Recommends Leave the hiking shoes at home
-
Time to land completely refreshed. Because it's one-and done with these pre-assembled toiletry kits.
The Week Recommends All the essentials in one place
-
Not every hike has to wipe you out. These 7 treks are easy-breezy.
The Week Recommends These trails won't leave you breathless
-
Real-life couples creating real-deal sparks in the best movies to star IRL partners
The Week Recommends The chemistry between off-screen items can work wonders
-
5 (free!) apps to keep that travel budgeting as smooth as your vacations
The Week Recommends Track expenses while on the go