The crisp air and snow-laden landscapes of Wisconsin winters invite us to gather close, share stories, and enjoy heartwarming drinks. These long, cozy nights call for cocktails that embrace the bold flavors of the season—spices, winter fruits, and creative twists on classics. The recipes featured below are directly from *Seasonal Cocktails: A Guide to Creative Drink Making* by Jason Hedges. This masterful collection showcases Hedges’ unparalleled depth of knowledge, creativity, and seasonal intuition, making it a treasure trove for cocktail enthusiasts. These drinks are designed to delight and impress your guests, bringing the same magic to your winter celebrations as Hedges envisioned in his book.

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1. Under the Mistletoe

As you lift the glass, a bouquet of sage and cranberry captures the season’s spirit. Combined with aromatic gin and sparkling prosecco, this cocktail is as romantic as its name suggests—a perfect prelude to a festive night. 

Ingredients:

– 1.5 oz The Botanist Gin 

– 0.75 oz Cranberry & Sage Syrup (recipe below) 

– 0.75 oz Lemon Juice 

– La Marca Prosecco 

Instructions:

1. Shake gin, syrup, and lemon juice with ice. 

2. Strain into a beautiful glass. 

3. Top with prosecco and garnish with a candied cranberry or sage leaf. 

Cranberry & Sage Syrup:

Simmer 3 cups of chopped cranberries and a handful of sage leaves with 1 quart of simple syrup for 20 minutes. Cool, strain, and refrigerate. 

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2. Spiked Hot Chocolate

Revisit childhood snow-day nostalgia with this indulgent yet grown-up take on hot chocolate. Crafted with rich Michter’s bourbon, this cocktail offers warm decadence in every sip. 

Ingredients:

– 1.5 oz Michter’s Bourbon 

– 0.5 oz Cardamaro 

– 0.25 oz Cointreau 

– Hot chocolate 

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mug. 

2. Stir well and top with fresh whipped cream or a homemade marshmallow. 

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3. Second Wind

Perfect for those midnight revelers or sleep-deprived parents, this sophisticated espresso martini ditches artificial ingredients in favor of rich cognac and natural espresso for a creamy, indulgent lift. 

Ingredients:

– 2 oz Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac 

– 2 oz Chilled Espresso 

– 2 oz Milk 

– 0.5 oz Cardamaro 

– 0.25 oz Cointreau 

– Pinch of Salt 

Instructions: 

1. Shake all ingredients with ice until frothy. 

2. Strain into a chilled rocks glass and garnish with crushed cacao nibs. 

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4. Honey Badger

Fierce yet balanced, this cocktail combines the boldness of jalapeño-infused tequila with the sweetness of honey syrup and the tartness of lime juice. It’s as adventurous as the Badger State itself! 

Ingredients: 

– 2 oz Pomegranate & Jalapeño-Infused Milagro Reposado Tequila 

– 0.75 oz Lime Juice 

– 0.5 oz Cointreau 

– 0.5 oz Honey Syrup (recipe below) 

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice. 

2. Strain into a rocks glass with a large pomegranate juice cube. 

3. Garnish with a lime wheel. 

Honey Syrup:

Simmer 1 cup water, 1.5 cups honey, and 0.25 cup minced fresh ginger for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and refrigerate. 

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5. Winter Old Fashioned 

Wisconsin loves an Old Fashioned, and this seasonal take is perfect for winter. Vanilla bean and chestnut flavors enhance the bourbon, making this an elegant nod to tradition. 

Ingredients: 

– 2.5 oz Vanilla Bean & Chestnut-Infused Brother’s Bond Bourbon 

– 0.25 oz Rich Coffee Syrup (recipe below) 

– 4 dashes Angostura Bitters 

**Instructions:** 

1. Stir all ingredients with ice for about 50 revolutions. 

2. Strain into a rocks glass with a single large ice cube. 

3. Garnish with an orange peel. 

Rich Coffee Syrup:

Combine 1 cup of demerara sugar and 1 cup of strong brewed coffee. Simmer until dissolved, cool, and bottle. 

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6. Hot Mulled Cider 

Few drinks embody winter more than hot mulled cider. Packed with warming spices and rich rum, this is a communal drink best shared with family and friends around a roaring fire. 

Ingredients: 

– 1 gallon Apple Cider 

– 1 liter Aged Rum 

– 4 Cinnamon Sticks 

– 4 Star Anise Pods 

– 1 tbsp Cloves 

– 1 tbsp Allspice 

– 1 Ginger Root, peeled and sliced 

– 1 Orange, sliced 

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. 

2. Simmer over low heat. 

3. Serve in mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise. 

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A Toast to Jason Hedges

If you’ve enjoyed these recipes, we encourage you to explore *Seasonal Cocktails: A Guide to Creative Drink Making* by Jason Hedges. Hedges is a beverage polymath, a maestro in wine and spirits, and a genius in crafting innovative yet timeless cocktails. His seasonal approach to mixology honors the art’s ancient roots while keeping it fresh, fun, and relevant. 

Pick up Seasonal Cocktails at your local bookstore or online [here]—the ultimate guide for any aspiring drink maker. It’s the perfect companion for crafting memories one drink at a time.  Cheers to a season filled with warmth, bold flavors, and shared moments!