Winter is the ideal season to indulge in rich, warming bourbon cocktails. This collection celebrates the versatility of bourbon through classic and inventive drinks, including Maple Old Fashioneds and Tuscan Toddies, perfect for both entertaining and quiet evenings by the fire.
The Tuscan Toddy
A spiced, cozy drink that combines bourbon with Italian vermouth, honey, and a blend of winter spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Bourbon
- ½ oz Amante 1530
- ½ oz Italian sweet vermouth
- ½ oz Honey Syrup
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Whole clove, freshly grated nutmeg, orange peel
Instructions: Warm your mug and liquids. Combine all ingredients in the mug and top with 4 oz of boiling water. Garnish with clove, nutmeg, and orange peel.
Maple Old Fashioned
A delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring maple syrup and walnut bitters.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
- ½ oz Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
- Garnish: Orange peel
Instructions: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with orange peel.
Bourbon Campfire Cider
A warm drink that blends bourbon with apple cider, maple syrup, and is topped off with a toasted marshmallow.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- 0.25 oz Maple Syrup
- 0.25 oz Lemon Juice
- 1.5 oz Apple Cider
- Garnish: Toasted marshmallow, smoked rosemary, cinnamon sugar rim
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a toasted marshmallow, smoked rosemary, and a cinnamon sugar rim.
Brownstoner
A cocktail with rich flavors, mixing bourbon, elderflower, and cherry liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Bourbon
- 0.75 oz St. Germain
- 0.5 oz Cherry Heering
Instructions: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until well chilled. Strain into a Martini glass to serve.
Tia Maria Espresso Martini
A dessert-inspired cocktail, fusing bourbon with coffee, maple syrup, and a caramel rim.
Ingredients:
- 25 ml Tia Maria
- 25 ml Espresso
- 25 ml Bourbon
- 10 ml Maple Syrup
- Garnish: Crushed caramel, melted white chocolate, three coffee beans
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Double strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with crushed caramel, white chocolate, and coffee beans.
Count Your Blessings
A bright and festive cocktail combining bourbon with cranberry juice, apple brandy, and warming spices.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz Jeptha Creed Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Clove)
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Apple Brandy
- Garnish: Apple slices, freshly grated cinnamon
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a highball glass with ice. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon.
Winning Hand
A refined take on the Boulevardier that introduces nutty notes with walnut liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon
- 0.5 part Campari
- 0.5 part Dry Vermouth
- 1 bar spoon Walnut Liqueur
- Garnish: Expressed orange peel
Instructions: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with orange peel.
These bourbon cocktails provide a harmonious blend of flavors and styles, delivering both warmth and comfort throughout the winter season.
For more cocktail recipes, check out this bourbon cocktail collection.