11 Best Spicy Cocktail Recipes for Winter Nights You Need to Try
Winter evenings are perfect for cozying up by the fire with a warm blanket, but sometimes, you need a little extra heat to fend off the cold. That's where spicy cocktails come in. If you're like me, you relish the thought of sipping on something with a bit of a kick to it.
It's a great way to spice up your nights and share some unique flavors with friends. So, if you're ready to turn up the heat this season, here are the 11 Best Spicy Cocktail Recipes for Winter Nights You Need to Try. Trust me, they'll warm you right up and add a festive zing to your winter gatherings.
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1. Spicy Margarita
A classic with a fiery twist, the Spicy Margarita is perfect for those who love a good blend of heat and citrus.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- Salt for rimming (optional)
Instructions:
- Rim your glass with salt, if desired.
- In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice.
- Add tequila, triple sec, and agave syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an extra slice of jalapeño and a lime wheel.
2. Spicy Hot Toddy
This classic hot toddy gets a spicy upgrade to help you warm up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz whiskey
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 slices of fresh ginger
- 1 small piece of cinnamon stick
- 1 cup hot water
- Dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine whiskey, honey, lemon juice, ginger, and cinnamon stick in a mug.
- Pour in hot water and stir until honey is dissolved.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Let it steep for a few minutes before sipping.
3. Fireball Hot Chocolate
Sweet and spicy, this adult hot chocolate will warm your soul on a cold winter night.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 oz Fireball whiskey
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add dark chocolate chips, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Fireball whiskey.
- Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Spicy Mulled Wine
A winter classic with a little heat, this mulled wine will make any evening feel festive.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Heat over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Do not let it boil to avoid burning off the alcohol.
- Strain and serve warm in mugs.
5. Spicy Moscow Mule
A mule with a kick, this version adds some heat to a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- In a copper mug, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice.
- Fill the mug with ice.
- Add vodka and top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Chipotle Bloody Mary
A brunch favorite with a smoky, spicy twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1/2 tsp chipotle hot sauce
- Pinch of celery salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Celery stalk and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and lime wedge.
7. Picante Pineapple Martini
This tropical cocktail brings a taste of summer with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle jalapeño slices and lime juice in a shaker.
- Add vodka, pineapple juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
8. Spicy Apple Cider Margarita
Apple cider and tequila come together in this unexpected, warming cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with a mix of cinnamon and sugar, if desired.
- In a shaker, muddle jalapeño slices with lime juice.
- Add tequila, apple cider, triple sec, and cinnamon.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
9. Spicy Ginger Beer and Bourbon
A deliciously spicy and sweet cocktail perfect for lovers of bourbon.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Dash of angostura bitters
- 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle jalapeño slices and lime juice in a glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add bourbon and ginger beer.
- Add a dash of bitters and stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
10. Habanero Tequila Sunrise
Turn up the heat on this fruity classic with habanero-infused tequila.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz habanero-infused tequila
- 4 oz orange juice
- Splash of grenadine
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice and add tequila.
- Pour in orange juice.
- Slowly add grenadine, allowing it to settle at the bottom.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
11. Spicy Irish Coffee
An Irish coffee with a twist, this hot cocktail will warm your core.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 oz chili-flavored chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine hot coffee, whiskey, brown sugar, and chili-flavored chocolate syrup in a mug.
- Stir well until everything is dissolved.
- Top with whipped cream and enjoy immediately.
Conclusion
These recipes are sure to add a little spice to your winter nights. Cheers to staying warm and toasty with these delightful, fiery cocktails!