NOW EXPERIENCING:12 cracking cocktails for the winter solstice (and beyond)
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12 cracking cocktails for the winter solstice (and beyond)

Read time 5 Mins

Posted 05 Jun 2025

By
Emily Reed

Holding a Bacon Washed Old Fashioned cocktail that's ideal for winter

It may be the season’s halfway mark, but we’ll still need a range of recipes to get through the rest of winter.

On the 21st of June this year, we’ll get the shortest day – and longest night – of the year. Yep, it’s the winter solstice, which is what happens when the earth’s axis is tilted furthest from the sun and our hemisphere gets the least amount of daylight over 24 hours. Now, a few good things accompany this astronomical event. Firstly, if you happen to be in Tassie, you can get your kit off and join the Nude Solstice Swim as part of Dark Mofo (or do it closer to home, if that icy invigoration appeals). Secondly, as this is the longest night of the year, it’s the perfect excuse to host a winter solstice party and celebrate that any Seasonal Affective Disorder will soon lift. Just kidding, winter isn’t that depressing – have you seen how many dogs wear coats this time of year?

Even though the winter solstice suggests we can almost start to think about spring, there are still some chilly conditions ahead. And for that, we think you’ll need a cold-weather appropriate cocktail or two to see you through. So, whether you’re hosting a solstice soirée or just wanting to sip on some quality drinks, we have 12 cocktails to choose from below. Some are warm, others are indulgent, a few deliver the kinds of spiced flavours we love most in winter, and all are officially delicious.

12 of the best cocktails for winter
1. Hot Winter Spritz
We love an Aperol Spritz as much as the next bunch of girls on a day out, but when the temperature dips and daylight savings does us dirty, it’s time to rethink the icy classic. We can’t get enough of this unexpected fireside version. It blends Aperol’s familiar bittersweet notes with cloudy apple juice, cinnamon and cloves, gently warmed for sipping on cooler nights. If you don’t want to veer too far from the original, you could opt for just a splash of cranberry to lift the prosecco instead. Otherwise, go full log cabin with cider and spiced garnishes and you’ll see why a Spritz isn’t just for sunny afternoons.
2. Baileys White Hot Chocolate
Why is it that Baileys only comes out at Christmas time? It’s about time this liqueur is enjoyed all year-round, starting in winter with this decadent, creamy White Hot Chocolate. A bougie take on a hot chocolate, it blends white chocolate, warming spices (like nutmeg and cloves), citrus peel and a generous splash of Baileys for a silky, grown-up treat. It’s the perfect way to revive that neglected bottle in your pantry (yes, the one you bought for that tiramisu). Sip it fireside, tweak the recipe to taste, and whatever you do, don’t skip the pre-warmed mug.
3. Mulled Wine
When you can’t get to a European Christmas market, a cup of homemade mulled wine will always do the trick. Ever wondered what’s involved with ‘mulling’? The process involves adding fruits, spices and sugar to a hot drink. Mulled wine has been on the scene since the Roman Empire and embraced everywhere from Sweden (glögg) to Italy (vin brulé). Its core ingredients include red wine, brandy, citrus and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and star anise. This version adds rooibos tea for a unique twist, and it’s best made low and slow to keep the alcohol intact. No need for fancy wine here – a humble shiraz or grenache will do just fine
4. Hot Buttered Rum
Does drinking melted butter sound wrong? How else do you expect to survive a long, dark winter? The butter takes this drink to gloriously rich new heights. The ultimate winter pick-me-up, the Hot Buttered Rum blends butter, light rum, cloves, orange, a dash of apricot brandy and a pinch of salt, all finished with grated nutmeg. It’s rich, foamy and just the right level of indulgent. With minimal fuss – just heat, infuse and garnish – it’s definitely one to add to your winter cocktail rotation, whether you’re curled up with a book or hosting friends.
5. Dan’s Hot Chocolate
This grown-up version of a classic hot choc is smooth, spicy and deliciously decadent. The key is to melt your chocolate to give it a lovely richness – then it’s a matter of customising it to your liking. Like swapping out the addition of cloves and bay leaf for cardamom, or perhaps even a seeded chilli for a subtle spicy twist. Feel free to skip the vodka to dial up the flavour on the traditional favourite. The trick is low heat and gentle stirring to melt everything down into silky perfection. Serve in your favourite mug, top with marshmallows and settle in – pyjamas mandatory, obviously.
6. Hot Toddy
It doesn’t get much better than sipping on a Hot Toddy under a blanket on a chilly night. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or riding out a sniffle, it’s a soul-hugging sip that delivers every time. Want to riff on the recipe? Try rye for spice, Scotch for smoke, or brandy for fruitiness. Add spices like cinnamon or ginger, or sub in maple syrup if you’ve run out of honey. Lemon peel at the bottom of the glass for a citrusy twist? It would be rude not to. However you make it, the Hot Toddy never misses.
7. The Sticky Date
It’s a good day when you can transform a delicious dessert into an equally tasty drinkable version. The Sticky Date is a rich and creamy cocktail made for sweet-tooths, couch dwellers and winter indulgence. Inspired by the classic pudding, this Dan’s Daily original blends spiced rum, butterscotch schnapps, date syrup, Licor 43 and egg for body, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. It’s smooth, nostalgic and ready in minutes. What’s not to love? Try swapping the rum for vodka, the egg for cream, or serve it in your favourite mug if you want comfort over a coupe. However you make it, just don’t forget a spoon – you’ll want every last bit.
8. Bacon-Washed Old Fashioned
Bacon-washed bourbon? In an Old Fashioned? Now that is groundbreaking. Winter just levelled up its cocktail game. Fat washing can be done with any kind of fat – avocado oil, butter, coconut oil and more – to flavour any spirit. For bacon and bourbon, it just works, and when you add it to an Old Fashioned in place of regular bourbon, you’re in for a good time. The bacon-washed bourbon makes the Old Fashioned more fragrant, salty and smoky. There’s also sweeter notes of cherry and vanilla, and a distinct zesty pop from the orange twist.
9. Tiramisu Martini
A dessert and nightcap all in one sounds pretty good to us, preferably enjoyed around a fireplace while it’s bucketing down outside. This creamy coffee cocktail, inspired by the much-loved Italian treat, blends vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, dark chocolate, cream and a hint of mascarpone for that signature richness. It’s indulgent, velvety and surprisingly easy to make – no layering required. Customise it with nutty liqueurs (think Frangelico or amaretto) or salted caramel syrups, and don’t hold back on the garnish. A dusting of cocoa, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a Lady Finger on top will take it to show-off status.
10. Black Forest Caketail
If there were a best-ever milkshake for adults, this would take the cake. Sweet, creamy and packed with nostalgic cherry-chocolate flavour, the Black Forest Caketail hits all the right indulgent notes. This blend of brandy, cherry wine and Baileys Chocolat Luxe is topped with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and even a cherry on top. It’s rich, playful and will satisfy your sweet tooth when the temperature drops. Serve it just before dessert as a fun palate cleanser, or sip it alongside a dense chocolate pudding or coconut cake for peak indulgence. Bonus points for garnishing it tableside – everyone loves dessert and a show.
11. Snowball
We’re really leaning into the winter theme with the Snowball cocktail, named for the white frothy cloud that sits on top of the drink. It’s creamy, fun and fizzed to perfection. Built on advocaat – the velvety Dutch liqueur made from eggs and brandy – this upgraded version dials up the sophistication with fino sherry and Champagne. Lime juice and sugar syrup balance it out, while a dusting of nutmeg delivers welcome warmth when the wind outside is feeling icy. Think of it as a custard-y cocktail with a jazzy fizz – rich, indulgent and surprisingly refreshing. Shake hard, pour with flair and garnish like you mean it.
12. Dominicana
Rich, smooth and satisfyingly decadent, the Dominicana is a modern classic created by the late, great Sasha Petraske of NYC’s Milk & Honey. Made with aged rum, coffee liqueur and a generous float of cream, it’s bold, punchy and just the right amount of sweet. The aged rum adds warm notes of vanilla and caramel, perfectly balanced by the coffee kick and velvety texture. Served straight up in a coupe, it’s the ideal post-dinner drink – equal parts cocktail and dessert. For best results, choose a well-rounded aged rum and don’t skip the cream float.
Want more cocktails? Take a look through our growing collection of recipes, which you can filter by season, flavour profile and more. 
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Authour image
Emily ReedEmily is a Melbourne-based writer partial to a good pét nat. Her hobbies include lining up songs on Spotify at house parties and hovering near cheese platters.
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CocktailsVodka'Best of' listsEasyCreamyAperitifs & VermouthWhisk(e)yEntertainingSweetWine basedLiqueursCognac & BrandyRumWinterNight cap
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