Winter Warmers: Bourbon Cocktails to Cozy Up Your Holidays

From spiced toddies to festive punches — holiday bourbon recipes that pour warmth into cold nights and make your seasonal bar cart shine.

The wind howls outside, frost etches the windows, and the world slows down as winter settles in. Inside, the glow of holiday lights flickers, laughter drifts from the kitchen, and a familiar warmth fills the room — the warmth of bourbon.

Winter has a certain magic: the crunch of snow underfoot, the hush of early nights, the promise of cozy fires. And nothing captures that spirit quite like a bourbon cocktail made for cold weather. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, wrapping gifts, or curling up by the fire, these seasonal sips bring comfort, cheer, and a touch of something special to any moment.

Because when the temperature drops, bourbon doesn’t just warm your bones — it kindles memories, sparks conversation, and elevates the season.

Why Bourbon is the Ultimate Winter Spirit

Bourbon’s richness, depth, and warmth make it perfect for winter sipping. From the caramel and oak notes of a well-aged bottle to the spice of a limited release, the right bourbon transforms simple ingredients into holiday magic. And for collectors, the bottles you treasure from auctions at Aged in Oak aren’t just for display — they’re meant to be enjoyed. A rare release can become the star of your seasonal bar cart, impressing friends and family while still being a solid bourbon investment.

Holiday Bourbon Cocktails

Here are some festive recipes to try this season. Each is designed to warm, delight, and celebrate the holiday spirit.

1. Spiced Bourbon Cider

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 6 oz apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat cider with cinnamon and cloves until warm.
2. Pour into a mug and stir in bourbon.
3. Garnish with an orange slice.

Why it works: Classic flavors of fall and winter meet bourbon’s richness, creating a warming, cozy sip.

2. Holiday Old-Fashioned (Maple & Pecan Twist)

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Candied pecan for garnish
• Orange peel

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine maple syrup and bitters.
2. Add bourbon and ice, stir gently.
3. Garnish with candied pecan and an expressed orange peel.

Why it works: Maple adds a seasonal sweetness while pecans bring nutty warmth — a sophisticated holiday take on a classic cocktail.

3. Gingerbread Hot Chocolate with Bourbon

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp molasses
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat milk with cocoa, molasses, and ginger until warm.
2. Stir in bourbon.
3. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Why it works: A dessert in a mug — warming, indulgent, and perfect for winter nights by the fire.

4. Winter-Spiced Bourbon on the Rocks

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz spiced liqueur (optional)
• Orange twist
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Pour bourbon over ice in a rocks glass.
2. Add spiced liqueur if desired.
3. Garnish with orange twist.

Why it works: A minimalist, elegant winter sipper that lets your bourbon shine while adding subtle holiday spices.

5. Festive Bourbon Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bourbon
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Sparkling water to top
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a punch bowl.
2. Chill or serve over ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with cranberries and rosemary.

Why it works: Perfect for holiday gatherings — easy to scale for a crowd, visually festive, and full of seasonal flavor.

Bonus: Make Rare Bottles the Star of Your Holiday Bar

Some of the most memorable holiday cocktails come from rare or collectible bourbon. Bottles found in Aged in Oak auctions aren’t just for collecting — they’re meant to be enjoyed. Look for bourbon with rich oak, caramel, or spice notes to make winter cocktails truly shine. And if you’re gifting, a limited release bottle paired with one of these recipes is a thoughtful, elevated present for any bourbon lover.

Raise a Glass to the Season

Whether it’s a quiet evening by the fire, a festive holiday party, or an intimate gift exchange, bourbon brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of magic to winter nights. Pour thoughtfully, sip slowly, and let the season’s cheer shine through.

Check out Aged in Oak auctions to find rare bottles that will elevate your holiday cocktails — or stop into our Tasting Parlor and let us make you something special.