Holiday whiskey cocktails can range from rich and warming to tart and spirit-forward. These 11 ideas pair familiar whiskey drinks with seasonal flavors, offering options for everything from a casual evening at home to a festive gathering.

Hot toddy

A hot toddy combines whiskey with hot water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey or another sweetener. Cinnamon, cloves, star anise, or a splash of allspice liqueur can add extra warmth. It’s a straightforward choice for guests coming in from the cold or for a cozy after-dinner drink.

Bourbon eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday staple that’s easy to spike with bourbon. For a quick version, stir a 2-ounce pour of bourbon into each 5-ounce serving of store-bought eggnog and finish with grated nutmeg. A little maple syrup adds another seasonal note.

For a homemade batch, whisk egg yolks and sugar with milk, cream, and spices, then heat until thickened. Bourbon can be mixed into the full batch or added to individual servings, making it easy to offer an alcohol-free option too.

Hot buttered whiskey

This rich winter drink starts with a mixture of unsalted butter, brown sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. Stir a spoonful of the mixture into whiskey and hot water until the butter melts. A cinnamon stick makes a fitting garnish.

Bourbon adds sweetness, rye brings more spice, and Scotch can contribute smoky notes. The butter mixture can also be made ahead and refrigerated.

Cranberry whiskey sour

A cranberry whiskey sour puts a seasonal spin on the classic combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar or simple syrup. Add cranberry juice or use cranberry syrup in place of plain syrup. The fruit’s tartness suits the drink’s sour profile and keeps it from becoming too sweet.

Bourbon, rye, and Irish whiskey all work well. Scotch can also be used, though a heavily peated style may overpower the other flavors. Egg white or aquafaba is optional for a foamy finish.

Maple old fashioned

In this variation on the classic old fashioned, maple syrup replaces the sugar, while orange bitters bring a bright, seasonal touch. Bourbon works particularly well, though a bourbon-and-rye blend can make the drink more balanced.

It remains a whiskey-forward cocktail, making it a good fit for guests who enjoy strong, spirit-led drinks.

Gingerbread Manhattan

A gingerbread Manhattan combines the character of a classic Manhattan with the warmth of ginger and baking spices. Bourbon is often used for its vanilla and sweet-spice notes, though recipes vary: some keep vermouth, while others use an amaro.

Gingerbread bitters or ginger syrup can supply the ginger flavor, with cinnamon and allspice adding extra depth. The result is festive without losing the cocktail’s elegant, boozy feel.

Alpine old fashioned

For a less conventional seasonal drink, an Alpine old fashioned pairs rye whiskey with pine liqueur and Génépy, an herbal liqueur associated with the Alps. The pine and green, vegetal flavors evoke a wintry mountain setting rather than the familiar sweetness of cinnamon or ginger.

Whiskey Mac

The Whiskey Mac is made with just two ingredients: whiskey and ginger wine. The usual approach is to combine equal parts, though the proportions can be adjusted to make the drink stronger or sweeter. Blended Scotch is a practical choice, but bourbon and single malt can work too.

For a warmer version, add hot water. It’s a simple option when you want to serve guests without spending the evening mixing complicated drinks.

Apple cider whiskey smash

Shake apple cider, whiskey, and lemon juice with ice, then serve over fresh ice. Lemon helps balance the cider’s sweetness. A pinch of pumpkin pie spice or a cinnamon stick can add more fall-and-winter character.

Rye brings a spicy edge, while bourbon complements the apple with added sweetness. Store-bought cider works well, though homemade cider can make the drink feel more special.

Weathered axe

The weathered axe is a less familiar cocktail that mixes whiskey with ginger syrup, lemon juice, and triple sec. Some versions also use quinquina or vermouth. The combination of ginger, orange, and lemon gives it a seasonal feel without making it overtly holiday-themed.

Bourbon is a classic choice, but Scotch, Irish whiskey, and rye can also work. Shake the ingredients and serve over ice.

Winter old fashioned

This whiskey-forward variation replaces the usual sugar with allspice dram, a sweet liqueur made with allspice berries. Bourbon is often used to reinforce the drink’s softer, sweeter notes.

It’s a restrained way to bring seasonal spice to an old fashioned—well suited to those who prefer a boozy cocktail without a showy garnish.