Winter celebrations deserve drinks that feel warm, elevated, and a little indulgent. Whether you are hosting a holiday party, a winter wedding, or an intimate rooftop gathering at The Oviatt, a thoughtful cocktail menu instantly sets the mood.
Here are five of our favorite winter-friendly sips from our bar program, each with a tiny story or bit of cocktail trivia you can impress your guests with.
1. The Bee’s Knees
Gin, lemon, honey syrup, chipotle powder, lemon twist
A Prohibition icon with a honeyed twist. Some say it was invented at the Ritz in Paris. Others credit the unsinkable Molly Brown. Most likely, it simply became popular during the Prohibition era to help disguise the taste of bootleg gin. Either way, it earned its name as “the bee’s knees,” meaning the very best.
Ours adds a touch of Chipotle for a warm winter kick. Bright, balanced, and always a crowd favorite.
2. Bourbon Cider Mule
Bourbon, apple cider, lime juice, ginger beer, apple slice
The Moscow Mule has been reinvented many times, and the Bourbon Mule is one of its most-loved riffs. The modern Bourbon Cider Mule became popular simply because bartenders and home mixologists couldn’t resist turning the Kentucky Mule into something more seasonal.
Think of this as the winter coat version of the original. Cozy, crisp, and perfect for rooftop celebrations when the air starts to cool.
3. Blackberry Bramble
Gin or whiskey, simple syrup, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice
Created in London in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell, the Bramble was inspired by his childhood memories of picking blackberries. It is now considered a modern classic.
With deep berry tones and a bright citrus finish, it looks like winter velvet in a glass.
4. Red or White Sangria
Wine, brandy, orange juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, oranges, apples, seasonal fruit
The earliest versions of sangria go all the way back to the Iberian Peninsula around 200 BCE, but the version we know today took off after Spain served it at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Since then, the world has never looked back.
Fun fact: under European law, “sangria” must be made in Spain or Portugal. We will not tell them if you don’t. Winter sangria leans into seasonal fruit and warming spices. Red feels cozy and aromatic. White keeps things crisp and refreshing.
5. Ginger Mojito Mocktail
Ginger ale, soda water, muddled mint, lime juice, lime wedge
A festive, alcohol-free option with all the sparkle of a cocktail. The ginger adds warmth, the mint keeps it refreshing, and the lime makes it bright.
Make Your Event Feel Even Cozier
A seasonal bar menu can elevate your celebration and help guests feel cared for from the very first sip. At The Oviatt, our bar team is here to help you craft drink offerings that match the style of your event and feel personal to you.
If you want to explore our bar options or start planning your next winter event, reach out to our team. We are here to help you create a celebration your guests will be talking about long after the last toast.
