Winter in New Zealand runs cold and long, from the snow-dusted South Island to the damp southerly gales up north — the perfect excuse to stay in and make something warming for yourself and your friends. Forget the icy summer spritz: winter cocktails are all about heat and spice, from honeyed whisky to buttered rum to a good old-fashioned bourbon stirred over ice.
This guide covers 9 classic cocktails to make at home this winter, each paired with a spirit you can order from WhiskeyOnline and have delivered anywhere in New Zealand. Pick a Friday night, pour yourself one, and settle in.
1. Hot Toddy
The Classic Cold-Weather Cure
The Hot Toddy is the world's most reliable cold-weather cocktail: hot water, whisky, honey and lemon. We use Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt for a smooth, honeyed base that stands up beautifully to the warm citrus and spice.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 45ml Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt
- 120ml hot water (just off the boil, not scalding)
- 1 tsp honey (adjust to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Garnish: lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick
Method
- Add honey and lemon juice to a heatproof mug, then pour in a little hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
- Add the whisky, then top up with the remaining hot water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick, and serve warm.
Tip: Water that's too hot will burn off the whisky's aroma — let it sit off the boil for about a minute before pouring.
2. Irish Coffee
Coffee, Whiskey and Cream in One Glass
Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a touch of brown sugar and a float of lightly whipped cream — Irish Coffee is equal parts nightcap and dessert. Jameson's soft, approachable character makes it the natural choice.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 45ml Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 120ml hot black coffee (fresh brewed or good instant)
- 1 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- Lightly whipped cream, to float
- Garnish: a few coffee beans
Method
- Warm a glass, then add the whiskey and sugar, followed by the hot coffee. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Lightly whip the cream so it's thick enough to float but still pourable.
- Pour the cream over the back of a spoon so it sits on top of the coffee — don't stir it in.
- Finish with a few coffee beans on top and serve immediately.
Tip: Cream whipped to soft peaks (just holding its shape but still able to pour slowly) floats best.
3. Mulled Wine
The Easiest Way to Host a Winter Gathering
For a winter get-together, mulled wine is the easiest thing to make — simmer a pot and let everyone help themselves. A fruit-forward, soft-tannin red like Yellow Tail Shiraz holds up well to the spices without turning thin or bitter.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 1 bottle Yellow Tail Shiraz 750ml
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise, 5 whole cloves
- 2–3 tbsp honey or brown sugar, to taste
Method
- Combine the wine, orange slices and spices in a pot and warm gently over low heat.
- Stir in the honey until dissolved.
- Keep at a gentle simmer (never a rolling boil) for 10–15 minutes to let the spices infuse.
- Strain out the solids and serve warm in heatproof glasses, garnished with an orange slice.
Tip: Never let the wine boil — too much alcohol will evaporate and flatten the flavour. Keep it to a gentle simmer with the odd bubble at the edge.
4. Hot Buttered Rum
An Old-Fashioned Fireside Treat
This 18th-century classic gets its rich, silky texture from butter and brown sugar — think of it as a liquid gingerbread. Havana Club Especial's warm vanilla and light spice notes make it an easy, versatile base.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 45ml Havana Club Especial Rum
- 150ml hot water or hot apple juice
- 1 small pat of butter (about 5g, softened)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Method
- In a heatproof glass, combine the butter and brown sugar with a splash of hot water, stirring until melted.
- Add the rum, then top up with hot water or hot apple juice.
- Stir until the butter is fully emulsified and the drink looks lightly creamy.
- Dust with nutmeg and serve immediately, while hot.
Tip: Make sure the butter is properly softened first — cold butter won't emulsify and will leave an oily film on top.
5. Old Fashioned
The Bourbon Classic That Never Goes Out of Style
Bourbon, sugar, bitters and a twist — the Old Fashioned is as simple and timeless as cocktails get. Buffalo Trace's rich caramel and vanilla notes make it a superb everyday choice for this one.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 60ml Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp sugar syrup)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- Garnish: orange twist and a cherry
Method
- Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and a splash of water in a rocks glass until dissolved.
- Add the large ice cube, then pour in the bourbon.
- Stir well for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the glass, then drop it in along with a cherry.
Tip: One large ice cube melts more slowly than several small ones, so the drink stays properly cold without becoming watery.
6. Boulevardier
A Negroni's Warmer, Whiskey-Forward Cousin
Swap the gin in a Negroni for bourbon and you get the Boulevardier — richer, rounder and tailor-made for winter evenings. Buffalo Trace's sweetness balances Campari's bitterness perfectly.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 45ml Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- 30ml Campari Aperitif
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Garnish: orange twist
Method
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Stir for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it in to garnish.
Tip: Stir, don't shake — stirring keeps the drink silky and clear rather than diluted and cloudy.
7. Espresso Martini
The Cocktail That Keeps the Party Going
Bright, boozy and buzzing with coffee, the Espresso Martini is a modern classic for anyone who isn't ready to call it a night. Grey Goose Vodka's clean profile lets the espresso and Kahlúa really shine.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 45ml Grey Goose Vodka
- 30ml Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso, cooled slightly
- 10ml sugar syrup (optional, to taste)
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans
Method
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds — this is what builds the signature foam.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Float three coffee beans on the foam to finish.
Tip: A hard, vigorous shake is essential — it's the only way to get that thick, long-lasting crema on top.
8. Black Russian
Two Ingredients, No Fuss
When you want something strong and simple with almost no prep, the Black Russian delivers — just vodka and coffee liqueur over ice. Absolut Vodka's crisp, neutral character lets Kahlúa's coffee sweetness lead.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 50ml Absolut Vodka
- 20ml Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur
- Ice
Method
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and Kahlúa.
- Stir briefly to combine and serve.
Tip: For a Kahlúa-forward Black Russian, nudge the ratio to slightly more Kahlúa and less vodka.
9. Brandy Alexander
A Dessert Cocktail for Cold Nights
Brandy, cacao liqueur and cream shaken into something velvety and rich — the Brandy Alexander is basically dessert in a glass. St-Rémy VSOP brings warm dried-fruit and vanilla notes that pair beautifully with the cream and chocolate.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 30ml St-Rémy VSOP Brandy
- 30ml dark crème de cacao
- 30ml fresh cream
- Ice
- Garnish: a dusting of nutmeg
Method
- Add the brandy, crème de cacao and cream to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Finish with a light dusting of nutmeg on top.
Tip: For a special-occasion upgrade, swap in Hennessy VSOP Cognac for a deeper, more complex finish.
Everything You Need, Delivered NZ-Wide
Every spirit in this guide is in stock at WhiskeyOnline, with delivery across New Zealand. Making cocktails at home this winter is easier — and cheaper — than a night out. Pick a recipe, order your bottle, and get mixing.
WhiskeyOnline NZ — these recipes are provided for guidance only. Please drink responsibly. Must be 18+ to purchase or consume alcohol in New Zealand.
