4 Winter Cocktails to Spice up your Menu

Written by

Brianna LeCompte

I still remember attending my first Trivia night back in 2013. A group of my coworkers were discussing some options for happy hour venues and when we saw that a spot down the street was hosting a Trivia Night, we decided to go for it. I was instantly hooked. When the opportunity arose to join the Last Call team, I was ecstatic. Working with a talented and creative team to spread my love of trivia across the country-what could be better! I currently manage sales and outreach in our west coast areas. Outside of work, I love to travel and am also an avid equestrian and Disney movie lover.All Posts

With the winter comes colder temperatures, shorter days, and New Years Resolutions. Which means you might have to work a little harder to fill seats in your bar during January and February!

So, what’s the best way to tempt your customers to brave the cold weather and visit your bar? It’s simple: Give them an offer(ing) they can’t refuse! Here are four delicious winter cocktails perfect for making spirits bright this season.

Cranberry Mimosas

Take this brunch favorite up a notch by adding this seasonal twist!

Ingredients

1 lime, halved

2 tbsp. sugar

1 c. sweetened cranberry juice

1 bottle champagne

12 fresh cranberries

4 small sprigs fresh rosemary

Directions

Rim champagne flutes with lime and dip in sugar.

Pour 1/4 cup cranberry juice into each glass and top with champagne.

Use a toothpick to poke a hole through cranberries. Thread rosemary skewer through cranberries and garnish mimosas.

Apple Cider By The Numbers

Apple Cider Mules

Apple cider is the perfect addition for winter cocktails!

Ingredients

2 oz. vodka

Ginger beer

Sparkling cider

Sliced apple, for garnish

Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Directions

Fill a copper mug with ice.

Pour 2 oz vodka.

Fill 2/3 full with sparkling cider, then top with ginger beer.

Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Mulled Wine Sangria

With a few tweaks, this summery drink transitions to a winter treat!

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine

2 c. cranberry juice

1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 c. orange-flavored liqueur

1/2 c. packed light-brown sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

1 strip orange peel

2 green apples

Directions

Put the wine, cranberry juice, cranberries, orange liqueur, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel in a large saucepan.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring, 5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves

Remove from the heat; set aside 15 minutes.

Stir the apples into the mulled wine. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Sweetening The Treat

Bourbon Hot Chocolate

What better way to round out our list than this spiked winter classic!

Ingredients

2 c. milk 

2 tbsp. sugar 

1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract 

3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Pinch of salt 

2 oz. bourbon

Whipped cream, for topping

Directions

In a medium saucepan, set over medium low heat, add the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, melted chocolate and salt.

Whisk until warmed and the chocolate dissolves completely.

Mix in the bourbon, adding more to taste if desired. Divide amongst mugs and top with whipped cream.

Winter is the perfect time to spice up your menu with creative offerings your customers will love. Try the above winter cocktails, or experiment and create your own to tempt your customers with a seasonal treat!