Brendan Schaub’s Winter Cocktail Recipes for Cozy Sips and Merry Celebrations

According to legend, the first whiskey was created by an Irish monk named John Cor. He distilled a barley wine and discovered that it had a unique and intoxicating flavor. Soon, the popularity of whiskey began to spread, and it became one of the most popular drinks in the world.

In the 18th century, Scottish immigrants brought whiskey-making techniques to America, and the drink quickly became a staple of American culture. Today, countless varieties of whiskey are available, from smooth and mellow bourbons to smoky and peaty scotches. No matter your taste, a whiskey out there is sure to please.

Brendan Schaub’s whiskey of choice is a high-proof, cask-strength bourbon from Indiana. But when creating his perfect whiskey blend, he also reaches for a bottle of Japanese whisky. The result is Tiger Thiccc — a unique blend of Japanese Whisky and Indiana Bourbon meant to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and in the cocktails.

“I was always a big fan of the smoothness and richness of Japanese whisky,” Schaub says. “But I wanted to create something with a little more flavor and body. The Japanese whisky brings out the sweetness in the bourbon, while the bourbon adds some structure and depth.”

Schaub says he loves indulging in neat, high-quality whiskey. Still, he is no stranger to mixing delicious cocktails during cold winter. With that in mind, Schaub shares his favorite winter cocktails for those looking for a truly unique whiskey experience.

Hot Honey-Bourbon Toddy

There’s nothing quite like a warm bourbon toddy on a cold winter’s night. The bourbon provides a much-needed dose of warmth, and the sweetness of the honey and tang of the lemon help to take the edge off the harsh winter weather. Best of all, a toddy is easy to make.

“Simply combine 4oz of bourbon, two tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. After that, fill the rest of the mug with hot water,” says Schaub. “Of course, for those who like their toddies extra strong, feel free to add an extra bourbon.”

Cranberry Margarita

A cranberry margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Made with tequila, triple sec, and cranberry juice, it is tart, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. To make a cranberry margarita, combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass rimmed with salt. Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Classic Hot Toddy

No recipe list would be complete without classics, and the hot toddy is a classic winter drink, perfect for warming up on a cold night. While there are many recipe variations, the essential ingredients are always the same: good whiskey, honey, lemon, and water.

The preparation process is the same as Hot Honey-Bourbon Toddy — combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon in a mug and top with hot water. Stir well and enjoy. “The combination of these simple ingredients makes for a delicious and soothing drink,” says Schaub. “So next time you’re feeling under the weather, give the hot toddy a try.”

With the weather cooling down and the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm drink. And what better way to celebrate the season than with some of Schaub’s favorite festive cocktails? So set aside some time this weekend to whip up one (or all) of these delicious drinks and enjoy them by the fire. Cheers!