Comforting, cozy, and velvety rich — winter cocktails are a vibe. And while the winter solstice doesn’t officially arrive until December 21, once the season’s chill settles in, warm spices, dark spirits, and plush flavors begin to shine. It’s the moment to slow down, savor what’s in your glass, and lean into all things hygge.
This year, Food & Wine readers gravitated toward luscious riffs on classics, from the Fig Old Fashioned and Holiday French 75 to the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz. Nostalgic favorites like the Cosmopolitan and the Rusty Nail also made a spirited return, captivating cocktail lovers all season long.
Whether you’re stirring a spirit-forward whiskey drink, shaking up a bright sour, or topping off a spritz with something sparkling, these most visited cocktails of the season are guaranteed to get you in a magical mood.
Festive, seasonal, and just a touch whimsical, here are Food & Wine’s 10 most popular winter cocktail recipes of 2025.
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Fig Old Fashioned
MORGAN HUNT WARD / FOOD STYLING by EMILY NABORS HALL / PROP STYLING by JULIA BAYLESS
This variation on a classic Old Fashioned builds richness by incorporating fig syrup, which deepens the whiskey’s natural caramel notes while adding gentle fruit complexity. The drink remains spirit-forward, using bitters and dilution to maintain balance. Its technique mirrors the traditional method, making it approachable for home bartenders.
Holiday French 75
Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley
A festive take on the French 75, this cocktail, from bartender and cocktail content creator Kaitlyn Stewar, is like a cross between a Mimosa, a French 75, and an Aperol Spritz. Sparkling wine lightens the gin and citrus base, resulting in an elegant, celebratory profile.
Earl Grey MarTEAni
Food & Wine / Photo by Jason Donnelly / Food Styling by Annie Probst and Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling by Breanna Ghazali
A tea-infused riff on the Martini, this cocktail, from bar legend Audrey Saunders, layers the aromatic intensity of Earl Grey tea with a bright citrus structure. The infusion introduces tannin and bergamot, creating a refined aromatic profile. Shaking with an egg white adds texture and a silky finish.
Bywater
Food & Wine / Photo by Jason Donnelly / Food Styling by Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling by Breanna Ghazali
This New Orleans–inspired drink blends aged rum with herbal, bitter, and spicy components for a complex, spirit-forward cocktail. Velvet Falernum enriches the mix with subtle clove and lime notes, reinforcing the drink’s regional ties. Stirring keeps the structure clean and allows the aromatics to open gradually.
Whiskey Sour
Food & Wine / Photo by Carson Downing / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell
A benchmark shaken cocktail, the Whiskey Sour balances whiskey’s warmth with fresh lemon and a touch of sweetness. The inclusion of an egg white is optional but offers a classic creamy texture and silky mouthfeel. The Whiskey Sour’s familiar flavor profile and simple construction make it a foundational recipe for pros and home bartenders alike.
Cosmopolitan
Food & Wine / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Josh Hoggle
This modern classic marries citrus vodka, cranberry, and lime into a crisp, ruby-colored cocktail with bright acidity — an ideal winter cocktail. Balancing tartness and sweetness is key, achieved through brief shaking and rapid chilling. This crowd-pleasing cocktail with nostalgic appeal makes it a top choice for entertaining this time of year.
Espresso Martini
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Oset Babür-Winter
Combining vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur, this contemporary favorite delivers robust coffee flavor with a smooth, frothy finish. The technique relies on vigorous shaking to achieve a stable foam and well-chilled texture. Its balance of bitterness and sweetness makes it a fantastic after-dinner holiday drink or festive late-night pick-me-up.
Rusty Nail
Tim Nusog / Food & Wine
The minimalist, spirit-forward Rusty Nail — our most popular cocktail of 2025 — pairs blended Scotch whisky with Drambuie for warmth, honeyed sweetness, and subtle herbal depth. Stirring gently preserves clarity and texture. Its simplicity underscores its status as a mid-century classic that remains effortless to mix.
The Business
Food & Wine / Photo by Jason Donnelly / Food Styling by Annie Probst and Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling by Lexi Juhl
This riff on the Bee’s Knees cocktail from Sasha Petraske of Milk & Honey uses honey syrup for round, floral sweetness, complementing the gin’s botanicals. Shaken with citrus, it offers a bright, refreshing balance with a smooth finish. The drink’s straightforward build and honeyd flavor profile make this an excellent drink for a solo sip or holiday crowd.
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Liberty Fennell
Built around sparkling wine and spiced apple cider, this spin on an Aperol Spritz captures warm winter flavors in a refreshing, low-lift format. The cider’s gentle sweetness plays against bubbles and citrus, resulting in a balanced, seasonal drink. This drink can also be scaled up for a party-ready punch.
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