Tea-Based Winter Cocktails for Cozy Holiday Entertaining

The secret to cozy holiday entertaining are tea based cocktails, which blend the comfort of a hot brew with the festive lift of a good spirit, all in one cozy glass.

From smoky lapsang souchong with whiskey to floral jasmine with prosecco, tea’s versatility makes it a natural cocktail partner for every taste and spirit.

Here are eleven tea-based cocktails to warm up your holiday get togethers, each one includes a link to a full recipe so you can get started right away.

1. Earl Grey Gin Fizz

The floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea make it a natural match for gin’s botanical profile. This cocktail combines brewed and cooled Earl Grey with gin, lemon juice, and a touch of honey syrup, then tops it off with a splash of soda water for effervescence. The result is a bright, slightly fizzy drink that works well as a lighter option on a holiday cocktail menu, especially for guests who want something refreshing amid heavier, spice-forward drinks.

Find the full recipe for the Earl Grey Gin Fizz at here.

2. Chai-Spiced Rum Toddy

The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger in Chai tea makes it an obvious choice for a winter toddy. You would have to simply steep a strong chai tea bag, stir in dark rum, a spoonful of honey, and a squeeze of lemon, then finish with a cinnamon stick for garnish. The warming spices in chai amplify the natural warmth of the rum, creating a drink that feels like dessert and nightcap rolled into one.

Check out The Spruce Eats’ version of the Chai-Spiced Rum Toddy for exact measurements and steeping times.

3. Lapsang Souchong Whiskey Sour

If your guests love a smoky, bold cocktail, lapsang souchong tea is a great choice. As it has a distinctive smoked flavor, this tea pairs beautifully with whiskey in a twist on the classic sour. For this cocktail,brewed lapsang souchong is shaken with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, then strained for a smooth, smoky sip that pairs perfectly with a cold winter evening.

Bon Appétit has a detailed walkthrough of this smoky sour at liquor.com that’s worth bookmarking for your next dinner party.

4. Hibiscus Hot Toddy

You can make the classic festive hot toddy with a twist of hibiscus tea, which brings a tart, cranberry-like flavor and a gorgeous ruby-red color. Combine brewed hibiscus tea with bourbon or spiced rum, a touch of maple syrup, and a squeeze of lime, then serve hot with a cinnamon stick for stirring. This drink stands out as it’s less sugary and the tea’s natural tartness balances the sweetness of the syrup.

Find a simple take on the Hibiscus Hot Toddy here, that comes together in under ten minutes.

5. Vanilla Chamomile White Russian

You can make a dessert like cocktail that’s perfect for sipping by the fire, by adding chamomile tea to the classic white russian.

Mix brewed chamomile tea with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a splash of cream, then finish with a drizzle of vanilla syrup.

Find the recipe here.

6. Spiced Black Tea Mulled Wine

You can give the traditional mulled wine a flavorful upgrade by brewing it with a spiced black tea like chai or a cinnamon-orange blend. The tea will add depth and a subtle tannic structure that balances the sweetness of the wine and mulling spices.

For this festive cocktail you’d have to simmer red wine with brewed tea, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for a slow-cooked, aromatic drink that will fill your home with the scent of the holidays.

Here is a recipe that’s ideal for serving in a slow cooker during parties.

7. Jasmine Green Tea Prosecco Cocktail

For a lighter, more celebratory option, jasmine green tea adds a delicate floral note to a sparkling prosecco cocktail. Brewed and chilled jasmine tea is combined with elderflower liqueur and topped with prosecco for a bubbly, fragrant drink that feels elegant without being overly sweet. This cocktail works especially well for holiday toasts or New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Try the version from The Three Drinkers for a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe.

8. Peppermint Tea White Hot Chocolate Martini

Did you know you could replace the cream found in hot chocolate martinis with peppermint tea for a decadent, dessert-inspired cocktail. By combining peppermint tea with white chocolate liqueur and vodka, you will lighten the drink while still delivering that cozy, minty-sweet flavor reminiscent of candy canes and holiday mornings. A crushed candy cane rim adds a festive finishing touch.

A Couple Cooks has a step-by-step guide at acouplecooks.com for making this drink at home.

9. Ginger Tea Dark and Stormy

If you enjoy a cocktail with a little spice, the Ginger Tea Dark and Stormy is worth trying. This twist on the classic combines brewed ginger tea, dark rum, and a splash of lime juice, topped with ginger beer for extra fizz. The ginger tea brings out the drink’s signature spicy flavor without overpowering the rum. It’s a great option for holiday gatherings, especially after a heavy meal when something with ginger might be welcome.

You can use the classic Dark and Stormy recipe from Serious Eats as a starting point and add brewed ginger tea for your own variation.

10. Rooibos Old Fashioned

Rooibos tea adds an interesting twist to the classic Old Fashioned. Its naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor pairs well with bourbon, bitters, and a fresh orange twist. Simply brew a strong batch of rooibos tea, reduce it for a more concentrated flavor, and mix it with the other ingredients. You can also use less simple syrup since the tea brings a mild sweetness of its own.

Here is an excellent recipe for the Rooibos Old Fashioned that’s well worth trying this season.

11. Earl Grey Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is already a winter favorite, and adding Earl Grey tea makes it even more flavorful. This version combines freshly brewed Earl Grey with dark rum, spiced butter, and brown sugar for a rich, comforting drink. The tea’s citrusy bergamot notes help balance the richness of the butter, so the cocktail doesn’t feel too heavy.

Punch Drink has a fantastic recipe for this cozy classic at punchdrink.com that’s become a holiday staple for many home bartenders.

Raise a Mug This Holiday Season

Tea-based cocktails are an easy way to add something different to your holiday drinks menu. Whether you prefer the smoky flavor of lapsang souchong, the floral notes of jasmine, or the familiar spice of chai, there’s plenty of room to experiment with different teas and spirits.

Instead of serving the usual hot toddy or mulled wine this year, try a few of these tea-infused cocktails. They’re simple to customize, bring interesting flavors to the table, and give your guests something new to try.

Pick a couple of recipes, gather your favorite teas and spirits, and enjoy a warm, flavorful drink with friends and family this holiday season.