Our Favourite Winter Cocktails

Gear up for winter with these cozy cocktails!

‘Tis the season for wintery cocktails, and we couldn’t be more excited! We’re calling in warm spices, savoury herbs, seasonal syrups and a pop of bubbles to make for the most unforgettable *cheers* this time of year. We can’t think of anything better than sipping drinks by the fire or raising a toast in celebration— read on to discover your new holiday favourites!

Pictured, from left: Duchess Punch, Winterberry Soda, Empress Royale, Pink Peppermint Sour, Mister Snowman

Before we dive in— make sure you have everything you need with our home bartending resources below!

• Festive glassware
• Tasty holiday simple syrups
• The right barware

1. Mister snowman

Hey Mister Snowman! Oh-so-smooth and creamy with a hint of warm holiday spice— as one of our most popular holiday sips, this classic is more than worthy of a spot on your winter cocktail menu. Sprinkle with coconut shavings and whole cloves for a final, snowy touch!

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 oz Coconut Milk, or Unsweetened Almond Milk
• ¾ oz Clove Syrup
• ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Coconut Shavings, Whole Clove

Method

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously to combine. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice. Garnish with coconut shavings and whole cloves. Note: if using coconut milk, whip milk before shaking for a beautiful, smooth texture.

2. winterberry soda

The simple & delicious Winterberry Soda is our favourite low-maintenance creation. Make this cocktail your own with your favourite flavoured soda, the garnish of your choice, and perhaps a splash of citrus to top it all off!

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 2-4 oz Soda Water (of choice)
• Berries to muddle (optional) and garnish

Method

Build in a chilled Copa glass on ice. Garnish with berries of your choice. Enjoy!

Click here to watch a video tutorial on the Winterberry Soda!

3. empress royale

Inspired by the elegant Kir Royale, this cocktail is simply spectacular. The sweet note of berry liqueur gives it that wintery feel we all know and love. Garnish with the berry of your choice and you have yourself a toast!

Ingredients

• 1 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 oz Berry Liqueur or Juice
• Sparkling Wine
• Blackberries

Method

Build in a chilled champagne flute. Garnish with blackberries & thyme.

Click here to watch a video tutorial on the Empress Royale!

3. pink peppermint sour

Are you ready for a proper holiday treat? The Pink Peppermint Sour combines a touch of holiday sweetness with the fresh flavour of winter mint. Adorned with crushed candy canes, this sip is a must-have at any festive celebration!

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 oz Candy Cane Syrup
• ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Crushed Candy Canes

Method

Use thick simple syrup or honey to rim a cocktail glass with crushed candy canes. Shake ingredients on ice. Strain into the cocktail glass, and enjoy!

Click here to watch a video tutorial on the Pink Peppermint Sour!

4. duchess punch

A simple and tasty punch that is sure to bring merriment and cheer to any celebratory feast! Marrying cranberry, rosemary, and a splash of sparkling, our Duchess Punch will become your new holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• 12 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 32 oz Cranberry Juice
• 8 oz Sparkling Wine
• Rosemary & Cranberries

Method

Add all ingredients to a pitcher or punch bowl on ice, including the cranberries and rosemary. Serve in punch cups or stemless wine glasses. Yields eight 6 ½ oz cocktails.

For more delicious recipes, visit our Signature Cocktails page!

Sip responsibly!