With cold weather settling in, there’s nothing better than a warm drink to keep you cozy while you’re stuck inside. A good whiskey or bourbon can make even the chilliest nights feel a little warmer. Whether you’re sipping neat or crafting a cocktail, these ten options are perfect for the season. Let’s explore the best whiskeys and bourbons to enjoy while waiting for spring to return, plus five delicious warm drink recipes you can make at home.
1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15-Year
Known as the ultimate collector’s bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle’s 15-Year is the gold standard. Its flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel are balanced with a smooth, luxurious finish. Perfect for sipping by the fire.
Best For: Rare indulgence or gifting a whiskey aficionado.
2. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Moving up to its deserved spot, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a masterpiece of flavor and craftsmanship. Aged in two charred barrels, it offers rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak with a creamy finish. It’s the ultimate cold-weather bourbon—warming and comforting with every sip.
Best For: Sweet, dessert-like bourbon lovers who want depth and complexity.
3. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s remains a go-to for its sophisticated flavor profile and collector appeal. With hints of citrus, nutmeg, and caramel, this single-barrel bourbon makes every sip an event.
Best For: A celebratory drink to cap off a winter’s evening.

4. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
This unfiltered, high-proof bourbon is bold and robust. Its notes of caramel, toasted marshmallow, and oak pack a flavorful punch. A little goes a long way, making it perfect for warming up on cold nights.
Best For: Fans of intense, high-proof bourbons.
5. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Affordable yet premium in flavor, Buffalo Trace offers well-balanced notes of toffee, vanilla, and spice. It’s versatile, making it great for cocktails or sipping neat.
Best For: Everyday enjoyment without breaking the bank.
6. Macallan 18-Year Sherry Oak
This Scotch whiskey is aged in sherry casks, giving it flavors of dried fruit, spice, and dark chocolate. Its smooth, rich profile pairs beautifully with cold weather.
Best For: Scotch enthusiasts who enjoy a sweeter profile.
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7. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Maker’s Mark cranks up the flavor with its cask strength version. This wheated bourbon delivers amplified notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel, perfect for mixing or sipping.
Best For: Fans of smooth, wheated bourbons.
8. Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Rye
This rye whiskey strikes a balance between spice and sweetness, with notes of toffee, pepper, and dark chocolate. It’s excellent for cocktails or neat sipping.
Best For: Those who enjoy the spicier profile of rye.
9. Glenfiddich 21-Year Reserva Rum Cask
Finished in Caribbean rum casks, this Scotch offers tropical fruit flavors with a hint of spice. It’s smooth, complex, and ideal for adventurous palates.
Best For: Scotch lovers seeking something unique.
10. Ardbeg 10-Year Old
For smoky Scotch fans, Ardbeg 10 delivers with bold flavors of peat, citrus, and sea salt. It’s an unforgettable choice for cold nights.
Best For: Those who love smoky, peaty whiskies.
Warm Whiskey and Bourbon Drink Recipes
When the weather outside is frightful, these warm cocktails are delightful:
Bourbon Hot Toddy
Ingredients: 2 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, 1 tbsp honey, 1 lemon slice, hot water. Combine bourbon, honey, and lemon in a mug. Top with hot water and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Spiced Whiskey Apple Cider
Ingredients: 2 oz Buffalo Trace, 1 cup warm apple cider, a dash of nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick. Warm cider on the stove. Pour into a mug, add whiskey, and garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon.
Maple Bourbon Coffee
Ingredients: 2 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, 1 tbsp maple syrup, fresh-brewed coffee, and whipped cream. Stir bourbon and maple syrup into coffee. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Bourbon Hot Chocolate
Ingredients: 2 oz Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, 1 cup hot chocolate, and marshmallows. Add bourbon to hot chocolate and top with marshmallows for a boozy treat.
Rye Whiskey Chai Latte
Ingredients: 2 oz Michter’s Rye, 1 cup warm chai tea, steamed milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix whiskey with chai and top with steamed milk. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather is the perfect excuse to explore the world of whiskey and bourbon. From the rich flavors of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked to the bold intensity of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, there’s a bottle for everyone. Pair them with a warm drink recipe, and you’ll turn even the frostiest day into a cozy celebration. Cheers to staying warm and enjoying the finer things in life! 🥃