This weekend we’re due snow and temperatures dropping to -1 degree Celsius (in the UK this is cold though we appreciate that we have readers from chillier areas of the world) and many of you will be heading out for drinks with friends, parties, meals and family occasions. However, the cold weather might mean that frosty beer or gin & tonic might not hit the spot, so we’ve put together 5 winter cocktails that are both stylish and perfectly suited to the colder temperatures of the winter nights ahead.
The Maple Leaf
If we’re honest, there’s very little that can’t be made better without the simple addition of maple syrup. Bacon, pancakes, waffles and, in this case, whiskey. The maple leaf is a simple yet classic drink that is a whiskey sour with the plain sugar syrup swapped out for maple syrup. This adds a sweet and smokey taste to the cocktail and nicely complements the bourbon. Definitely one for those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Dirty Martini
One of the most elegant and renowned gentleman’s cocktails around, the Dirty Martini is a great drink for winter evenings that exudes charisma and style. The heat from the olive brine combined with the sharpness of the cold gin/vodka provides a great contrast and gives this cocktail its iconic flavour. A drink for the distinguished gentleman for sure.
Ingredients
- 70ml/2fl oz vodka or gin
- 1 tbsp dry vermouth
- 2 tbsp olive brine
- 1 wedge of lemon
- 1 green olive
Rye & Ginger
Ok, we realise this is barely a cocktail but it’s simplicity and how easy it is to make means that it’s great for house parties. The warmth of the rye and the heat from the ginger will warm you all the way through and keep out the cold as the frost sets in. You can add some fresh lime juice to bring sweeter flavours to the drink.
- 50ml rye whiskey
- Ginger Ale
Manhattan
A familiar drink to those who love the silver screen era and popular with men and women alike (Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot”). This drink represents the beauty of New York city with it’s bitter, dry notes that are beautifully mellowed by the sweetness of the vermouth and the smokiness of the whiskey. Make this drink and start spreading the news…
- Ice
- 50ml whiskey
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 1 to 2 dashes bitters, such as Angostura
- Orange peel
- Maraschino Cherries
Espresso Martini
A firm favourite here at The Male Stylist and one that is sure to get the night started with energy and style. Not as boring as a simple espresso nor as full on as a martini. This is a beautiful compromise between nutty coffee tastes and cool vodka that is easy to drink and sophisticated. Order one to perk yourself up a little at the beginning of night out and set an elegant tone.
- 50ml Grey Goose vodka
- 35ml coffee liqueur
- 1 shot (25ml) of CRU Light Roast (or other) espresso
- Ice
Those are our favourite winter cocktails for gentleman , as usual if you’ve enjoyed the article feel free to comment, like and/or share it with your friends/followers. If you feel we’ve missed a stylish drink then feel free to leave it in the comment box below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates and posts in the future as well as competitions and giveaways.
By Adam Walker
