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Essential Winter Whisky Cocktails for the
Season

Winter invites us to slow down, savour the moment, and indulge in drinks that offer warmth and comfort. There's no better spirit for this than whisky, with its rich, complex flavours perfectly suited to colder weather, cozy evenings, or après-ski moments.

Crafted in collaboration with our Master Blender, Bill Ashburn, these whisky cocktails bring out the bold, natural flavours of our blends. Instead of reaching for your usual wine or highball this winter, why not try something adventurous? These seasonal drinks are perfect for cozying up by the fire or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Winter invites us to slow down, savour the moment, and indulge in drinks that offer warmth and comfort. There's no better spirit for this than whisky, with its rich, complex flavours perfectly suited to colder weather, cozy evenings, or après-ski moments.

Crafted in collaboration with our Master Blender, Bill Ashburn, these whisky cocktails bring out the bold, natural flavours of our blends. Instead of reaching for your usual wine or highball this winter, why not try something adventurous? These seasonal drinks are perfect for cozying up by the fire or impressing friends at your next gathering.

The Science of Warmth: Why Whisky Is So Good in the Winter

Ever wondered why whisky is often associated with warmth? It’s not just the alcohol; whisky contains congeners and essential oils from the distillation process, which can stimulate warmth receptors on the tongue. This phenomenon is one reason whisky feels so comforting during the colder months. Add in the spices and flavour notes from aging in oak barrels, and you have a drink that’s inherently cozy and complex.

Wintertime drinking has been steeped in tradition, from Scottish hot toddies to American bourbon hot chocolates. While each culture has its variations, the goal is the same: to create a drink that feels like a warm embrace. Today’s whisky cocktails draw from these traditions, incorporating modern twists for an experience that feels both nostalgic and new.

Tips for Crafting the Best Whisky Winter Cocktails

Quality Over Quantity: Choose a whisky with rich, complex flavours. Forty Creek Whisky is known for its smooth taste and balance and ideal for mixing. Aged longer, these whiskies bring out natural flavours of vanilla, caramel, and spice, making them perfect for winter cocktails.

Add Seasonal Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves enhance the warmth of your drink and add a festive touch. Think of it as a way to blend classic winter spices with modern mixology.

Serve in the Right Glass: The right glass enhances the drinking experience. For richer drinks like the Butter Tart Espresso Martini, a coupe glass adds elegance, while the Forty Old Fashioned feels at home in a heavy tumbler.

Four Must-Try Whisky Cocktails for Winter

Here are four whisky-based cocktails that will keep you warm throughout the winter. Each recipe highlights the unique characteristics of Forty Creek Whisky, delivering a mix of bold flavours and comforting aromas.

1. Cream and Coffee: A Cozy Winter Morning Companion

Few things are more comforting on a cold morning than a hot cup of coffee, and when you add the creamy, smooth touch of Forty Creek Cream, you get a drink that’s pure comfort in a cup. This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire while watching snowflakes fall.

Why It Works: The combination of cream and whisky with coffee creates a velvety texture and a touch of sweetness, warming you from the first sip. It’s reminiscent of classic Irish coffee but with a Canadian twist, ideal for weekend brunches or as a dessert drink.

Make a Cream and Coffee

2. Butter Tart Espresso Martini: A Sweet and Bold Nightcap

Inspired by Canada’s beloved butter tart, this cocktail takes a dessert-like approach, blending the smooth caramel notes of Forty Creek Cream with the boldness of espresso. It’s a great option when you want something sweet and sophisticated to wind down your evening.

Why It Works: The rich, sweet flavours of caramel, butter, and coffee come together for a drink that’s both indulgent and invigorating. Espresso gives it an extra kick, perfect for enjoying after a long winter’s day.

Try the Butter Tart Espresso Martini

3. Spiced Canadian Mule: A Wintery Take on the Classic

Traditional mules are refreshing, but the Spiced Canadian Mule brings added warmth, making it more suited for winter. Featuring Forty Creek whisky, ginger beer, and spices, this cocktail offers a delightful balance of tangy and warm flavours. According to experts, the bite of ginger not only pairs beautifully with whisky but can also help soothe a sore throat, making this cocktail both enjoyable and practical during the winter months.

Why It Works: Spices like cinnamon and cloves are often associated with winter, and they add a layer of warmth to this drink. Combined with ginger beer, the result is a cocktail that is both spicy and exciting —a great choice for evenings spent with friends.

Mix Up a Spiced Canadian Mule

4. Forty Old Fashioned: A Timeless Classic for Cold Nights

The Old Fashioned is a staple of any whisky lover’s repertoire. This version emphasizes the smooth, rich character of Forty Creek whisky, with a hint of orange peel and bitters to bring out the best of its flavours. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s the drink to sip slowly on a quiet winter evening.

Why It Works: Whisky’s deep, smoky flavours are highlighted without overwhelming the drink, making the Old Fashioned a reliable choice for winter. Historically, the Old Fashioned has been seen as a “gentleman’s drink,” embodying a sense of tradition and class. It’s a classic that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion.

Learn How to Make a Forty Old Fashioned

Our Pick for The Best Whisky for Winter: Maplewood Select

When it comes to choosing the best whisky for winter, look no further than the Maplewood Select. This recent favourite from Forty Creek is a small-batch, collectible whisky that stands out for its unique finish. Its flavour profile is derived from kiln-dried Sugar Maplewood, resulting in smooth finish and lingering spice notes balanced by the rich taste of maple. Awarded Gold at both the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York International Spirits Competition, it’s a must-try this season.

Learn More About Maplewood Select

Additionally, if you’re looking for a gift for a whisky lover or want to explore different flavours, try the Premium Whisky Tasting Flight, perfect for sampling a range of unique blends.

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