When winter settles in across the Midwest, cocktails tend to follow suit. Citrus gets warmer, spices get bolder, and whiskey-forward builds start to shine. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a quiet night in, or just looking for new winter cocktail recipes to try at home, having the right spirits on hand makes all the difference.
Below are several winter cocktail recipes built around 45th Parallel Spirits. Each recipe highlights a different bottle from our lineup, from wheat whiskey and bourbon to vodka and barrel-aged gin. These drinks are designed to be approachable, seasonal, and easy to recreate at home - no specialty equipment required.
Many of the spirits featured here are available through our online bottle shop, so you can stock up without leaving the house and keep winter entertaining simple!
Why Winter Cocktails Lean on Whiskey, Gin, and Citrus
Cold-weather cocktails tend to emphasize structure and balance. Whiskey-based drinks bring warmth and depth, while gin and vodka cocktails benefit from citrus, honey, or herbal elements that feel brighter without being summery. Barrel aging, wheat-forward mash bills, and higher-proof spirits all help cocktails hold up against winter flavors like maple, spice, and bitters.
The recipes below reflect that balance: cocktails that feel seasonal without being overly heavy, and spirits that work just as well neat or on the rocks once the snow starts falling.
Wisconsin Wheat Whiskey Winter Cocktail: Winter Honey Old Fashioned
Wisconsin Wheat Whiskey is a natural fit for winter cocktails thanks to its soft texture and gentle sweetness. Wheat-forward whiskey brings warmth without sharp edges, making it ideal for stirred drinks and simple builds.
This cocktail brings in a sweet-and-earthy flavor while letting the whiskey stay front and center.
Winter Honey Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Wisconsin Wheat Whiskey
- 0.5 oz. Honey-Sage Syrup
- 2 Dashes Bitters
- Orange peel and fresh sage leaf for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add a large ice cube to a chilled lowball glass.
2. Add Wisconsin Wheat Whiskey, honey-sage syrup, and bitters, stirring gently to combine.
3. Hold the orange peel over the glass and twist it to release the aromatic oils.
4. Garnish with the orange peel, a fresh sage leaf, and enjoy!
Note: To make honey-sage syrup, simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup honey, and 4–5 fresh sage leaves over low heat until combined. Strain and cool before using. Add more honey-sage syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink!
If you’re building out your home bar for winter, Wisconsin Wheat Whiskey is available to order through our online shop and ships directly to your door.
Border Bourbon Winter Cocktail: New Year’s Resolution
Border Bourbon is built for colder months. With an aging time of 6+ years in virgin white oak barrels, it brings depth, warmth, and a richer molasses profile that works beautifully in winter cocktail recipes.
This Border Bourbon cocktail is all about balance. While honey syrup rounds out the acidity of the grapefruit without weighing the drink down, a small amount of Orangecello adds brightness, and a couple dashes of Angostura bitters bring everything back to center.
Served up in a coupe or martini glass, New Year’s Resolution feels clean and composed - bright enough to keep things interesting, but grounded enough to make sense as a winter cocktail. It’s a good option when you want something spirit-forward that still leans fresh rather than heavy.
New Year’s Resolution
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Border Bourbon
- 1.5 oz. Grapefruit Juice
- ⅔ oz. Honey Syrup
- ⅓ oz. 45th Parallel Orangecello (or other orange liqueur)
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Grapefruit peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake until combineed and chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain into a martini or coup glass.
4. Hold the grapefruit peel over the glass and twist it to release the aromatic oils.
5. Garnish and enjoy!
You can shop Border Bourbon online if you’d like to recreate this cocktail at home or keep a bottle on hand for winter hosting.
Red Fife Wheat Whiskey Seasonal Cocktail: Golden Wheat
Red Fife Wheat Whiskey offers a slightly different take on winter whiskey cocktails. With its heritage wheat base and nuanced grain character, it pairs well with subtle sweetness, citrus oils, and bitters.
This recipe highlights the grain-forward profile without masking it, making it a great option for whiskey drinkers who want something seasonal but not overly spiced.
Golden Wheat
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Red Fife Wheat Whiskey
- 0.5 oz. Honey Syrup (or alternatively, real maple syrup)
- 4 Dashes Orange Bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add one large ice cube to a lowball or rocks glass.
2. Add all ingredients to the glass, stirring gently to combine.
4. Hold the orange peel over the glass and twist it to release the aromatic oils.
5. Garnish and enjoy!
Red Fife Wheat Whiskey is available in our online bottle shop and makes a versatile addition to any winter bar setup.
Barrel-Aged Gin Winter Gin Cocktail: Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz
Gin isn’t just for summer, and our Barrel-Aged Gin brings warmth and structure that translate well to winter cocktail recipes, especially when paired with bright but grounded flavors.
The Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz balances tart pomegranate juice and fresh lemon with an herbal rosemary simple syrup that complements the gin’s softer botanical profile. Finished with chilled club soda, the drink stays light and refreshing while still feeling appropriate for colder weather.
This is a good option for anyone looking to mix a winter gin cocktail that’s balanced and approachable, but not too sweet.
Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. 45th Parallel Barrel-Aged Gin
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
- 0.5 oz. Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz. Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Club Soda to top (chilled)
- Pomegranate arils and one fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Layer ice and pomegranate arils in a chilled collins or highball glass.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 45th Parallel Barrel-Aged Gin with pomegranate and lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, and more ice.
3. Shake until chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
4. Strain contents into your glass, topping with club soda and stirring gently to combine.
5. Add a fresh rosemary sprig for garnish and enjoy!
Note: To make rosemary simple syrup, simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4–5 fresh rosemary sprigs over low heat until combined. Strain and cool before using.
Our 45th Parallel Barrel-Aged Gin is available to shop online and works well in both cocktails and simple pours.
Vodka-Based Winter Cocktail: The White Cosmo
Vodka cocktails often get overlooked in winter, but a well-structured vodka drink can be just as satisfying as a whiskey build. 45th Parallel Vodka provides a clean base that allows other flavors like citrus and botanicals to come through clearly.
This recipe is straightforward and adaptable, making it easy to batch for small gatherings or adjust based on what you already have at home - the white cranberry juice juxtaposed with red cranberries is the key in the stunning presentation!
The White Cosmo
- 1.5 oz. 45th Parallel Vodka
- 0.5 oz. 45th Parallel Orangecello (or other orange liqueur)
- 0.5 oz. Lillet Blanc
- 1.5 oz. White Cranberry Juice
- 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 45th Parallel Vodka and Orangecello, Lillet Blanc, white cranberry juice, and lime juice.
2. Shake hard, until the shaker is chilled and your mixture is frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and enjoy!
You can order 45th Parallel Vodka online and keep it on hand for both cocktails and everyday use throughout the season.
A Note on Limoncello in Winter Cocktails
Limoncello isn’t always the first spirit people reach for in winter, but it works surprisingly well when paired with seasonal fruit and bubbles. Its bright citrus profile helps lift richer flavors and adds contrast to heavier winter cocktails.
The Pom-Limoncello Spritz takes advantage of pomegranate’s short seasonal window, combining tart pom juice with sparkling wine and a splash of club soda for a drink that feels celebratory, light, and maybe a little decadent. It’s an easy choice for New Year’s Eve, winter brunch, or any gathering where you want something lighter alongside more spirit-forward cocktails.
While 45th Parallel Limoncello is not currently available through our online shop, this recipe is a great way to use a bottle if you already have one on hand, or to keep in mind for future seasonal menus.
Pom-Limoncello Spritz
- 1.5 oz 45th Parallel Limoncello
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
- 3 oz. Prosecco or other Sparkling Wine (chilled)
- 1 oz. Club Soda (chilled)
- Pomegranate arils and lemon slice(s) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add ice to a chilled wine glass.
2. Slide one or two thin lemon slices down between the ice and the inside of the glass.
3. Add all other ingredients, stirring gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle in pomegranate arils and enjoy!
Stocking Your Bar Cart for the Winter
Winter cocktail recipes don’t require an overcomplicated setup. A few well-chosen bottles can cover a wide range of drinks, from whiskey-forward classics to lighter gin and vodka builds.
If you’re planning ahead for the season, you can browse our full online bottle shop to find the spirits featured above and have them shipped directly to your home.
Whether you’re mixing for guests or just experimenting with new winter cocktail recipes, these bottles are designed to work hard behind the bar and impress your guests.
*All cocktails featured are made with 45th Parallel Spirits. Availability may vary by state. Must be 21+ to purchase and comsume alcohol. Please enjoy responsibly.*
