The holiday season is a good time to trade summer cocktails for drinks with warming spices, rich flavors, or a wintry feel. Whiskey offers plenty of options, from comforting hot drinks to spirit-forward classics with seasonal twists.

Hot toddy

A hot toddy combines whiskey with hot water, fresh lemon juice, and honey or another sweetener. Cinnamon, cloves, star anise, or a splash of allspice liqueur can add a festive touch. It’s an easy, warming choice after a cold walk or as an alternative to tea after dinner. Try a classic hot toddy recipe.

Bourbon eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday staple, and bourbon makes it a natural whiskey cocktail. For an easy version, stir 2 ounces of bourbon into each 5-ounce serving of store-bought eggnog and finish with grated nutmeg. A little maple syrup adds extra seasonal flavor. For a homemade batch, prepare eggnog from eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and spices, then add bourbon before serving—or keep the alcohol separate so everyone can enjoy it.

Hot buttered whiskey

This cozy drink gets its richness from a spiced butter mixture made with unsalted butter, brown sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. Stir a spoonful into whiskey and hot water until melted. Bourbon makes it sweeter, rye adds spice, and Scotch can bring smoky notes.

Cranberry whiskey sour

Cranberry juice or cranberry syrup gives the classic whiskey sour a seasonal edge. Combine it with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar or simple syrup; egg white or aquafaba can be added for a foamy finish. Bourbon, rye, and Irish whiskey are all good choices. If using Scotch, choose one that isn’t heavily peated so its earthiness doesn’t overpower the fruit.

Maple old fashioned

A maple old fashioned puts a festive spin on the classic by replacing sugar with maple syrup and using orange bitters. Bourbon works well, while a bourbon-and-rye blend can create a more balanced drink. It remains a strong, whiskey-forward cocktail, making it a good fit for a sophisticated holiday gathering. See this classic old fashioned recipe for the traditional version.

Gingerbread Manhattan

A gingerbread Manhattan combines the spirit-forward character of a Manhattan with ginger and baking spices. Bourbon is often used for its vanilla and sweet spice notes, though recipes vary: some keep vermouth, while others use amaro. Gingerbread bitters or ginger syrup can supply the ginger flavor, with cinnamon and allspice adding extra warmth.

Alpine old fashioned

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

Whiskey Mac

The Whiskey Mac is a simple combination of whiskey and ginger wine. Equal parts are common, but the proportions can be adjusted to taste. Blended Scotch is a practical option, though bourbon or single malt can work too. Add hot water for a warming variation.

Apple cider whiskey smash

Shake apple cider, whiskey, and lemon juice with ice, then serve over fresh ice. The lemon keeps the cider’s sweetness in check. Rye adds a spicy edge, while bourbon brings more sweetness. A pinch of pumpkin pie spice or a cinnamon stick makes a fitting seasonal garnish.

Weathered axe

This lesser-known cocktail combines whiskey with ginger syrup, lemon juice, and triple sec. Some versions also include quinquina or vermouth. The ginger and orange flavors suit the season without making the drink feel overly themed. Bourbon is a classic choice, though rye, Irish whiskey, and Scotch can also work.

Winter old fashioned

This understated variation replaces the sugar in a traditional old fashioned with allspice dram, a sweet liqueur flavored with allspice berries. Bourbon adds to the drink’s sweetness, while bitters keep it balanced. It’s a good choice for whiskey fans who want a festive cocktail without overt holiday garnishes.