Looking for some tasty winter cocktails to give your wedding reception more flavor? Keep your guests warm and happy with these cozy drink recipes. Even if the winds are howling outside, your wedding reception will stay festive long into the night when you serve these cold-weather cocktails.
Hot Peppermint Chocolate
This hot drink is perfect on a chilly evening. Even if the snow is falling thickly outside, serve your guests a mug of this drink and they’ll be ready to dance in no time! Make perfect hot chocolate by adding your favorite cocoa powder to heated whole milk rather than water. In another container, combine equal parts crème de cacao and peppermint schnapps with a splash of crème de menthe. Combine the two containers in whatever proportions you desire–if you think your guests will come back for seconds and thirds, it’s best to make the drinks on the less potent side.
Top each drink with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkling of grated whole nutmeg, cinnamon, and shaved white chocolate. For an added touch, serve alongside a chocolate peppermint candy.
Earl Grey Hot Toddy
Nothing says “winter cocktail” like a classic hot toddy. In this twist, Earl Grey tea lends a touch of distinction. Start by adding a thin layer of honey to the bottom of each cocktail glass (London dock glasses work especially well) before pouring in the rest of the ingredients. Add a shot of brandy to each glass and fill the rest with hot Earl Grey tea. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve steaming hot. Your guests will be praising your wisdom in avoiding a springtime wedding date.
Mulled Fruit Wine
Ask any bartender–wine is one of the most popular drinks at weddings. Give your wedding guests wine that’s the perfect antidote for cold weather blues. Start with a full-bodied red wine (expensive wine isn’t always better; experiment with the recipe a few times on your own to choose your favorite variation).
Pour the wine into a large pot on a stovetop over low heat. For every bottle of red wine you use, stir in 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup brandy, 1/3 cup unfiltered apple juice, and 1/8 cup triple sec. Drop whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, red apple slices, and peeled orange segments into the pot for flavor. Simmer it over low heat for about 20 minutes; strain, serve, and enjoy! Garnish mugs of mulled wine with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
Pumpkin Spice Martini
Not all winter drinks are warm to the touch. This martini will warm your guests from the inside. Combine equal parts Amarula liqueur and pumpkin liqueur (or, in a pinch, pumpkin puree). Add pumpkin pie-flavored vodka (if you can’t find any, cinnamon or vanilla vodka will do nicely) to double the amount of liquid from there. Shake with ice and strain before serving in a martini glass. Garnish with a wedge of firm, cooked pumpkin or a cinnamon stick.
Citrus-Cranberry Martini
In the mood for a clear martini? This seasonal cocktail makes a great pumpkin spice martini alternative for your lactose intolerant guests (as well as those looking for a crisper taste). Combine equal parts dry vermouth and citrus liqueur (grapefruit, orange, and lemon are popular variations). Add sweetened cranberry juice to double the amount of liquid from there. Shake with ice and strain before serving in a martini glass. Garnish with several fresh cranberries on a toothpick.
Serve Virgin Drinks, Too!
Don’t forget to serve some virgin beverages for those guests who choose not to drink alcohol, as well as your underage attendees. Many winter cocktails can be made alcohol-free by substituting hot tea, coffee, apple cider, or hot chocolate in the recipe. You don’t have to worry about “translating” the cocktails for your teetotaler friends, however; dressed-up versions of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate make perfect signature drinks for your wedding, too!
Meet Lisa, the talented and dedicated editor of our wedding, health, relationship, and lifestyle blog. With her keen eye for detail and her passion for all things related to love and wellness, Lisa is an essential part of our team.
As an expert in all things wedding, Lisa knows how to help couples navigate the often-overwhelming process of planning their big day. From choosing the perfect dress to selecting the ideal venue, she understands that every detail matters when it comes to creating a memorable and magical wedding experience.
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