What better way to warm up during Saskatoon’s cold winter than with a little alcohol in your system. The Sheaf has put together a list of some winter cocktails to mix up this January!

Boozy pumpkin white hot chocolate

This recipe is from the blog Minimalist Baker and is perfect for lovers of all things sweet! Pumpkin pie, whipped cream and chocolate add up for a deliciously sweet treat that is perfect to cozy up with on a cold night. This recipe serves two.

Ingredients:

½ cup white chocolate chips

2 ½ cups milk (use dairy-free milk for a vegan-friendly version)

¼ cup pumpkin puree

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 ounce kahlua or 1 ounce bourbon

Whipped cream and caramel for topping (optional)

Steps:

1. Over medium-low heat and whisking often, melt the chocolate chips and half of the milk in a saucepan.

2. Once melted, add the rest of the milk, the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice and mix well.

3. Pour mixture into two cups, add 1 ounce kahlua or ½ ounce bourbon to each cup. Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Winter cranberry martini

This drink is perfect for a party and it’s got a little bit of everything — classy, elegant and fun! This recipe serves two and is from the blog Swooned.

Ingredients:

4 ounces gin

2 ounces cranberry infused simple-syrup (steps to make provided below)

2 ounces vermouth

2 ½ cups fresh cranberries

1 ½ cups water

2/3 cup sugar

Fresh rosemary (to garnish, optional)

Steps:

1. Add the water, sugar and 1 cup of the cranberries to a pot. Stir and cover with a lid and leave to cook for seven to 10 minutes over medium heat. Mash with a spoon and reduce the heat to low and allow to cook for another five minutes.

2. Strain the mix, and only use the juice for the martini.

3. Add ice, gin, vermouth and cranberry simple-syrup to a martini shaker and shake!

4. Garnish with the remaining ½ cup cranberries and rosemary.

Spiced mulled wine with brandy

Mulled wine is always a hit at any winter gathering — try out this recipe for a slight variation on the classic! This recipe serves four and is from the blog Gimme Some Oven.

Ingredients:

One 750 ml bottle of red wine

1 orange

¼ cup brandy

8 whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

Steps:

1. Slice the orange into rounds.

2. Combine all ingredients in a non-aluminum saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, not a boil.

3. Once the mixture is brought to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and let it continue to simmer for anywhere between 15 minutes and 3 hours. The wine will take on more flavours the longer you let it sit.

4. Strain and serve warm, with garnishes such as sliced orange, lemon or lime and cinnamon sticks.

Auld man’s milk

Similar to spiked eggnog, Auld man’s milk is a commonly found in Scotland on New Year’s Eve. This drink is both smoky and creamy, with a citrusy kick! This recipe is from Supercall and serves four.

Ingredients:

6 eggs

4 cups half-and-half cream

½ cup sugar

1 cup dark rum

1 cup scotch whiskey

For garnish: grated lemon zest and ground nutmeg 

Steps:

1. Separately, beat the yolks and whip the egg whites.

2. In a punch bowl, whisk the beaten yolks, sugar and the half-and-half.

3. Add the rum and scotch whiskey, and stir.

4. Slip the beaten egg whites into a bowl and stir gently.

5. Ladle into cups and garnish with the grated lemon zest and ground nutmeg.

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Bridget Morrison / Culture Editor

Graphic: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor