Huddle up, team! It’s cold outside! Instead of turning into popsicles, we’re gonna heat up our tailgating team with some warm cocktails. These hot cocktails will defeat the coldest temps because they warm you up from the inside. The best part is you don’t need to bring a whole bar setup to the stadium. Instead, you can use your normal tailgating equipment like your tailgating grill. Here are our favorite 16 warm cocktail recipes for tailgating and some tips on how to make them.
How To Make Warm Cocktails On A Tailgating Grill
Making warm cocktails on a tailgating grill is as easy as making a cup of coffee. You’ll need a heat-resistant pitcher to make them. We recommend something like this classic granite-ware camp boiler. You’ll add your ingredients as the recipe recommends, then place the pitcher on your tailgating grill and heat up the cocktail. You’ll also want to have a good quality grill mitt or glove to protect your hands. You can also make them over a fire pit if available. Keep your fire extinguisher and lid on hand, as alcohol is flammable and accidents happen.
Make Warm Cocktails With A Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for an alternative to making your warm cocktails on a grill, you can also use a slow cooker. Your traveling slow cooker is perfect. Here is how to make a slow cooker cocktail and some slow cooker cocktail recipes to check out. You can also just make them at home and bring them to the stadium in a thermos. This bourbon cider was made for a thermos.
No matter which method you use to heat your cocktails, we definitely recommend having mugs or insulated cups on hand for serving.
Kickstart Your Day With Warm Coffee Cocktails
If you’re heading out to an early tailgate, coffee is your best friend. Not only does it keep you warm in the cold weather, but it also gives you a boost of energy to get through game day. Put the pep in your step with these caffeinated coffee cocktails.
Kentucky Coffee
Kentucky Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 Oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/2 Oz Honey Liqueur
- 6 Oz Hot Coffee
- Whipped Cream, for garnish
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a pre-heated coffee mug or Irish coffee glass, pour the bourbon and honey liqueur.
- Fill with freshly-brewed hot coffee.
- Garnish with whipped cream if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Spiked with bourbon and honey liquor, this Southern favorite will wake you right up. Top with a little whipped cream or serve black. You’ll wonder why you don’t start every morning this way.
Hot Nutty Irishman
Hot Nutty Irishman
Ingredients
- 1 Oz Irish Cream
- 1 Oz Frangelico
- 1 Oz Coffee Liqueur
- Hot Coffee
- Garnish: Whipped Cream, Chocolate Shavings
Instructions
- Add all the booze to a irish coffee mug. Top with hot coffee.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
Notes
This take on a classic Irish coffee will have you feeling a little nutty. Made with Frangelico, an Italian hazelnut liqueur, it’s creamy and nutty and will keep you very warm on a cold morning.
Kahlua Midnight Coffee Cocktail
KAHLÚA MIDNIGHT COFFEE COCKTAIL
Ingredients
- 1 Oz Kahlua Midnight
- 1 Oz Irish Cream
- 1/2 Oz Whiskey
- 6 Oz Coffee
Instructions
- In a coffee cup, add the Kahlua Midnight, Irish cream, and whiskey.
- Fill the cup the cup with the coffee.
- Stir to combine
- Garnish with marshmallows if you're feeling wild.
Notes
Who doesn’t love a shot of Kahlua in their coffee in the morning? This cocktail features Kahlua Midnight, Kahlua’s less sweet, coffee-flavored cousin. It doesn’t stop there though, it also has Irish Cream and Whiskey. You may want more than one!
Hot Coffee Grog Recipe
Hot Coffee Grog
Ingredients
- 2 Oz Demerara Rum
- 4 Whole Cloves
- 4-6 Oz Fresh-Brewed Coffee, to taste
- 1/4 Oz Allspice Liqueur
- 2 Tsp Honey or Brown Sugar
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1/2 Oz Jamaican Rum
Instructions
- In a tall, heatproof glass or mug, dissolve the sugar or honey in a little hot coffee, then add the remaining ingredients. Stir with the cinnamon stick; garnish.
Notes
Grog may not be the most tempting word, but this spiced rum is perfect in coffee. Using both Jamaican and Demerara rum, this warm cocktail also has quite a serious kick. You’ll wonder why you never drank grog before.
If you prefer tea to coffee, we have you covered too. Check out these tasty spiked tea recipes:
Blueberry Tea
Blueberry Tea
Ingredients
- 3/4 Oz Brandy-Based Orange Liqueur
- 3/4 Oz Amaretto Liqueur
- 3/4 Cup Freshly Brewed, Warm Orange Pekoe Tea
- Orange Wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Preheat a brandy snifter by filling the glass with warm water while brewing your tea. Dump it out right before making the drink.
- Pour the Grand Marnier and amaretto into the warm brandy snifter.
- Fill the snifter two-thirds of the way to the top with warm orange pekoe tea.
- Stir the drink.
Notes
Made without blueberries, this warm tea-based cocktail tastes just like fresh berries. It’s refreshing and light but will give you the boost of energy you need for the game.
Green Tea Hot Toddy With Vodka
Green Tea Hot Toddy With Vodka
Ingredients
- 8-12 Oz Green Tea
- 1 Oz Vodka
- Fresh Lemon Juice, to taste
- Honey, if needed
Instructions
- Brew your green tea, per the package directions.
- Add the vodka.
- Add honey and fresh lemon juice to taste.
Notes
Who doesn’t love a hot toddy on a cold and blustery winter day? Using a classic hot toddy recipe, all you have to do to make this cocktail is switch out the water for green tea.
Warm Cocktail Recipes To Try At Your Next Tailgate
Now that you are all perked up, it’s time for another drink. What will you make? We’re making one of these tasty warm cocktail recipes:
Tequila Spiked Hot Chocolate
Tequila Spiked Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Milk
- 3 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1/8 Tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch Cayenne Pepper
- 3 Oz Tequila
Instructions
- To make hot chocolate, add all ingredients except for tequila to a small saucepan. Whisk to combine. Heat on low until mixture comes to a gentle boil, stirring.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add tequila and whisk again.
- Divide hot chocolate among 3 mugs. Top each mug with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and/or garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Notes
Starting off, we have this indulgent Mexican-inspired hot chocolate. Tequila, cocoa, and cinnamon come together in this rich, warm cocktail. Chocolate lovers rejoice!
The Lookout
The Lookout
Ingredients
- 2 Oz Rum
- 1 Tbsp PX Sherry-Infused Butter
- 4 Oz Hot Mulled Cider
- 1 Pinch Chinese Five Spice Powder
Instructions
Notes
Love hot buttered rum but looking for something a little different? Try the Lookout. It has all the flavors of hot buttered rum–but elevated.
Salted Caramel Hot Buttered Rum
Salted Caramel Hot Buttered Rum
Ingredients
- 1 Tsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 3 Oz Hot Water
- 1 Tbsp Caramel Sauce
- 2 Oz Dark Rum
- 1 Tbsp Butter
Instructions
- In a mug, combine the brown sugar, salt, and hot water, stirring until the brown sugar begins to dissolve. Stir in the hot caramel sauce.
- Stir in the rum and add the butter to float on top.
Notes
Another great take on the classic hot buttered rum, this cocktail ups the flavor with salted caramel. It’s rich, decadent, and will have you wanting seconds!
Apple Pie Moonshine Hot Toddy
Apple Pie Moonshine Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup Apple Cider
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1/2 Lemon
- 1 Cinnamin Stick
- 8 Whole Cloves
- 2 Star Anise
- 3 Oz Apple Pie Moonshine
- Apple Slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the apple cider, honey, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves.
- Bring to a simmer and cook gently for about 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the moonshine.
- Pour into glass mugs and garnish with apple slices.
Notes
We love moonshine. Paired with all the flavors of a classic apple pie, this Americana cocktail will have you falling in love.
Apple And Oranges Spiked Cider
Apple And Oranges Spiked Cider
Ingredients
- 3 Oz Grand Marnier
- 1 Oz Amaro Averna
- 1/2 Tsp Salted Butter
- 1 Cup Hot Apple Cider
- 1.5-3 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Add 3 oz. Grand Marnier, 1 oz. Amaro Averna, and a small pat of salted butter to a 16-ounce travel mug or large heatproof measuring cup. Add 1 cup hot apple cider and stir until butter melts.
- Add 1½ tsp. fresh lemon juice and taste for sweetness, adding additional if needed. If serving in travel mug, garnish with ground pink peppercorns and seal. If serving in mugs, divide drink between two warmed mugs and garnish each with a pink peppercorn-dusted lemon wheel.
Notes
We all know what happens when you compare apples and oranges. Luckily, you don’t have to decide between the two with this recipe. Instead, you get to enjoy both flavors.
Warm Spiced Vanilla Cocktail
Warm Spiced Vanilla Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Milk
- 1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Nutmeg
- 2 Star Anise
- 1 Vanilla Bean
- 2/3 Cup Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1/3 Cup Bourbon
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
For The Rims
- 1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Granulated Syrup
- 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- To a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the milk, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and star anise. If using a vanilla bean, split it open and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and remainder of vanilla bean to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and steaming. Reduce to low and heat for 5 minutes, being careful not to ever let it come to a full boil. Remove from heat. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large heat-proof bowl and carefully pour the liquid over the sieve. Discard the solids. Add the liquid back to the saucepan. Stir in the Irish cream, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
- To garnish the mug rims, pour the 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup into a small saucer. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then pour it onto another small saucer. Dip the rims of the glasses into the maple syrup, then dip into the cinnamon and sugar mix, pressing to coat evenly. Flip over and fill glasses with the hot cocktail. Serve.
Notes
It’s hard to describe how tasty this simple cocktail is. It’s warm, and creamy, and will keep you feeling cozy even at the coldest tailgates. You can also add a shot of espresso to make it a vanilla latte.
Heated Affair
Heated Affair
Ingredients
- 2 Oz Partida Añejo Tequila
- 6 Oz Hot Spiced Apple Cider*
- Heavy Cream, to top
- Garnish: Nutmeg, freshly grated
- Garnish: Cinnamon Stick
Instructions
- Pour boiling water into an Irish Coffee glass until it warms, then discard the water.
- Add the tequila and hot spiced apple cider into the glass.
- Top with a splash of heavy cream.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
You don’t think about tequila and apples together, but they are a natural fit. This cocktail blends the two with some spices and cream for a delicious heated drink.
Boozy White Hot Chocolate
Boozy White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Whole Milk
- 2 Cups White Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 Cup Coffee Liqueur
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Place the milk and chocolate chips in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips are melted and it comes to a simmer, immediately take off the heat.
- Add the coffee liqueur and vanilla, stir to combine.
- Pour into glasses and top with your favorite hot chocolate toppings.
Notes
Creamy and rich, this white hot chocolate is a twist on the classic spiked chocolate. What makes this recipe extra special is you make the white chocolate from scratch.
Warm Old-Fashioned
Warm Old-Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 3 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
- 2 Orange Slices, divided
- 2 Maraschino Cherries, divided
- 1 Splash Club Soda
- 2 Oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 Oz Hot Water
Instructions
- Place a sugar cube in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass and saturate it with 3 dashes of bitters.
- Add one orange slice, a cherry, and a splash of soda. Muddle thoroughly. Remove the fruit remnants.
- Add the bourbon and finish it off with warm water.
- Garnish with the remaining orange slice and cherry. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Old-fashioned cocktails may be one of the most popular drinks, but they’re usually served over a single ice cube. However, did you know they also taste great when warmed up? Try it and you may never want one on the rocks again!
Bacon Bourbon And Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Bacon Bourbon And Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 Thick Cut Slices Of Bacon
- 1/2 Tsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
- Pinch Kosher Salt
- 3 Cups Whole Milk
- 4 Oz Milk Chocolate Chips
- 4 Oz Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
- 4 Oz Frangelico
- 4 Oz Bourbon
- Whipped Cream and Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour fat into a small bowl and stir in corn starch with a fork.
- In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in reserved bacon fat/corn starch mixture, milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat until, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture.
- Add Frangelico and bourbon. Pour into individual serving cups. Top with whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and a strip of bacon. Serve immediately.
Notes
Yes, you read that right. This warm cocktail is made with bacon! Sweet, savory, and salty, you’ll never want to drink plain hot cocoa again.
Warm cocktails are a great idea for winter tailgating. They can be made easily right on your tailgating grill or with your slow cooker to keep your whole tailgating team warm.
For more tailgating grill ideas, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We offer tons of great recipes, tips, and ideas for tailgating parties. You’ll find everything you need to stay warm and have a great time!
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