The Best Winter Gin Cocktails for Chilly Nights

When you think of gin, you probably picture sunny days and bubbly summer cocktails, right? But gin has a whole other side that’s just waiting to shine during the colder months. Its botanicals pair beautifully with winter spices, herbs, and citrus, making it the perfect base for cocktails that warm you up from the inside out.

Whether you’re hosting festive holiday gatherings or enjoying a snug night by the fire, these winter gin cocktails bring a touch of seasonal magic to any occasion. Ready to explore the cozier side of gin? Here are some drinks tailor-made for sipping all season long.

1. Aviation Cocktail

The best gin cocktails come to the party with a dapper dash of swagger, and the Aviation cocktail is certainly no exception. Featuring gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, and lemon juice as ingredients, this purple-hued drink is very much on-trend at the moment. It has a very interesting flavor profile that combines floral and earthy notes with green notes from the gin and a lingering sweetness that echoes its lovely color on the palate. 

2. Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club cocktail is one of those classic drinks that have stood the test of time. The first recipe for the Clover Club was published in 1901, featuring an ingredient list of gin, lemon juice, sugar, raspberry syrup, and an egg white.  

The result is a frothy pink drink that goes down smoothly and leaves a lingering taste of raspberries—a gorgeous reminder of summery flavors that can take the bite out of even the nippiest winter evening. 

3. Last Word Cocktail

The Last Word cocktail combines gin, green chartreuse, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur to arrive at a sweet, sharp drink with a lovely green color and a deceptively strong kick. It is sweet and rich with a bright citrus tone that is sure to impress wintertime guests. Try this winter cocktail with gin at home. Here’s our easy recipe for beginners.  

4. Hanky Panky Cocktail

Winter gin cocktails call for something with a little bit more substance, and this is why we love the Hanky Panky. With zesty orange flavors and herbal undertones, the Hanky Panky is an amazing drink for a wintery evening. Given its strong taste, it’s best served before or after a meal on festive nights at home.

5. Bronx Cocktail

The Bronx cocktail also plays in the citrus space but is nicely dry and quite complex. This makes it a great addition to a cocktail line-up that caters to more sophisticated palates that have ventured beyond sweet and fruity, and crave something a little different.  

Layered upon gin, sweet vermouth, and extra dry vermouth, the Bronx cocktail recipe gets its trademark zing from freshly squeezed orange juice, orange bitters, and orange zest. You can also swap the orange juice with blood orange juice to make a bold Bloody Bronx. 

6. French 75 Cocktail

If you’re on the lookout for pretty Christmas gin cocktails that will add some sparkle and festivity to your yuletide celebrations, the French 75 comes highly recommended. This picture-perfect drink is served in a classy Champagne flute and combines gin, Champagne or Prosecco, lemon juice, and simple syrup to zesty perfection.

7. Gin Bramble Cocktail

The Gin Bramble cocktail ingredients list reads like the who’s who of classic drinks elements. Featuring dry gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mûre, and crushed ice, it’s tart and dry, which has a clear gin character.  

Although crème de mûre is not something everyone will have in their home bar, investing in a bottle of this sweet blackberry liqueur is definitely a good idea if you want to whip up these lovely pink cocktails to liven up a winter-time shindig.  

8. Tom Collins Cocktail

The Tom Collins cocktail recipe is a spin-off of a true-blue classic, based on a drink that dates back all the way to the mid-1800s. It contains gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Served as a highball drink, it’s the gin-based version of the John Collins, which was made with bourbon. We love the addition of gin as the spirit base in this version because it makes for a more delicate flavor profile that offers a refined counterpart to robust winter dishes.  

9. Gin Old Fashioned

The Gin Old Fashioned is a wonderful gin cocktail for winter. It’s your basic Old Fashioned made with gin, orange bitters, simple syrup, and a lemon peel. This stripped-down drink recipe makes for a very elegant cocktail that is perfectly tailored for sipping at the end of an evening, watching the rain streak down the windows while it’s nice and toasty inside. 

10. Hugo Cocktail

The Hugo Spritz cocktail contains Prosecco, gin, elderflower cordial, mint leaves and club soda, garnished with a lime wedge. While some may say that this is quite a summery flavor profile, we like to argue that a refreshing drink of this kind is a nice change of pace in the middle of winter, when food and drink tend to be on quite the heavy side. Go on, pair it with a hearty fish chowder, and see what an amazing winter gin cocktail it makes. 

11. Coffee Negroni

The Coffee Negroni brings a rich and robust twist to the classic cocktail with its infusion of freshly ground coffee. This process adds layers of roasted flavors, including dark chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted nuts, which blend seamlessly with the bitter taste of Campari, herbal gin, and spiced vermouth. Ideal for colder months, this cocktail can serve as a bold aperitivo or a cozy end to an evening. Pair it with a slice of coffee cake or a plate of chocolate-dipped biscotti for a warming and sophisticated winter treat.

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12. Sloe Gin Fizz

The Sloe Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail with a seasonal twist, thanks to the inclusion of sloe gin—a liqueur made from tart berries harvested in fall. Its fruity depth is balanced with a sparkling citrusy lift, making it an excellent choice for winter celebrations or quiet nights by the fire. Pair this vibrant drink with buttery shortbread cookies or a baked Brie topped with fig jam for a deliciously festive snack that complements the cocktail’s sweet-tart profile.

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13. Christmas Negroni

The Christmas Negroni transforms the classic cocktail into a festive delight, infused with the warm, comforting spices of the season. Cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh bay leaves add a holiday flair. At the same time, the bold flavors of Campari, Christmas-infused gin, and Cinzano Vermouth Rosso bring a perfect balance of bittersweet complexity.

This cocktail is a soothing choice for winter evenings, pairing beautifully with hearty dishes like braised short ribs or roasted turkey with cranberry sauce. For dessert, enjoy it alongside spiced ginger cookies or a rich chocolate tart to complement its seasonal character.

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14. Gin Sour

The Gin Sour is a timeless cocktail that’s perfect for chilly winter nights, balancing the bright, zesty kick of fresh lemon with the smooth warmth of gin and a hint of sweetness. Its simplicity makes it a fuss-free yet elegant option, ideal for impressing guests without too much effort.

For a winter pairing, serve this cocktail alongside a plate of lemon shortbread cookies or a warm, citrus-glazed roast chicken. Its tangy-sweet profile also works beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a rich winter vegetable gratin for a comforting seasonal spread.

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15. Cynar Negroni

The Cynar Negroni offers a bold, bittersweet twist on the classic Negroni, perfect for winter sipping. Made with Cynar, a rich and herbaceous artichoke-based liqueur, Bulldog Gin and 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso, this cocktail layers earthy and citrusy notes with a touch of spice.

This robust drink pairs beautifully with hearty winter dishes like roasted lamb or wild mushroom risotto. For a lighter snack, try pairing it with Parmesan crisps or marinated olives to complement its complex, bittersweet profile. Ideal for snug evenings in, the Cynar Negroni is a perfect fireside companion.

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Why gin works for winter cocktails

Gin’s unique blend of botanicals makes it a natural fit for winter cocktails. Take Bulldog London Dry Gin, for example. Its harmonious mix of twelve exotic botanicals, including white poppy from Turkey, dragon eye from China, and cassia from Indo-China, brings a smooth flavor profile that pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, star anise, rosemary, and citrus.

What’s more, gin can be both bright and uplifting or smooth and warming, depending on how you mix it. This versatility means you can craft everything from vibrant, citrusy drinks to rich, spiced creations that feel perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re after a bold aperitif or a cozy fireside sipper, gin offers endless possibilities to embrace the flavors of winter.

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Tips for crafting the perfect winter gin cocktails

Creating the ultimate winter gin cocktail is all about leaning into seasonal flavors and thoughtful touches. Here are some tips to help you mix like a pro:

• Seasonal ingredients: Spice it up with warming flavors like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or star anise. These spices bring a cozy, festive feel to your drinks.
• Fresh garnishes: Add a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or sage for an elegant winter touch. These herbs not only look beautiful but also enhance the cocktail’s aroma.
• Balance flavors: Let gin’s herbal and botanical notes shine by balancing them with sweet, bitter, and sour elements. Think fresh citrus, a dash of bitters, or a hint of honey for depth.

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Perfect occasions for winter gin cocktails

Winter gin cocktails shine during the season’s most memorable moments, adding a touch of magic to any gathering:

• Holiday parties: Impress your guests with vibrant, botanical drinks that pair wonderfully with platters of baked brie, cranberry-stuffed phyllo pastries, or spiced roasted nuts.
• Cozy nights by the fire: For a quiet evening, sip a warming gin cocktail alongside hearty comfort foods like a creamy mushroom risotto or a bowl of butternut squash soup.
• New Year’s celebrations: Ring in the New Year with elegant gin-based creations served alongside indulgent snacks like smoked salmon blinis or truffle popcorn.
• Festive dinners: Complement rich, wintery mains like roast pork with apple glaze or herby root vegetable gratins with cocktails that enhance the meal’s flavors.

There you have it—a whole lineup of amazing winter gin cocktails, and tasty ideas on how and when to enjoy it. Tag us when you share your creations online, and sign up for our newsletter to get more inspiration served up right in your inbox. In the meantime, visit the Bulldog Gin website to stock up on your gin stash.