As the winter chill sets in and the holidays draw near, your customers will be on the hunt for comforting, festive beverages. And that means it’s time to bring all those cozy cold-weather flavors front and center! From crisp winter fruits to classic spices and sweet indulgences, here are our favorite wintry flavors you’ll want to have on your shelves.
Winter Fruits
Classic winter fruits like apple, cranberry, and orange are perfect for creating cozy cocktails with just the right amount of refreshment. Their delightful combination of tart and sweet pairs exquisitely with a wide variety of spirits and works equally well in hot or cold beverages. For apple lovers, apple brandy is a perfect addition for a warm and wintry Sidecar or Old Fashioned. For a zesty twist, orange-flavored vodka or whiskey offers a citrusy seasonal experience; try them in an Orange Old Fashioned or Blood Orange Margarita for a lively burst of flavor amid the winter frost.
Sweetness and Spice
Winter is all about embracing indulgent, comforting flavors. And what better way to capture that feeling than with sweet and spicy sips! Sweet, flavored spirits like vanilla or caramel vodka, whiskey, and rum and honey or maple bourbon and whiskey really shine this time of year. What customer wouldn’t want to enjoy a creamy Vanilla White Russian, Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz, or Salted Caramel Martini next to a crackling fire or during a delicious meal surrounded by friends and family? For those who prefer spicy over sweet, point them towards cinnamon or ginger flavored spirits and liqueurs. They are a great way to add some holiday heat to classic cocktails, like a Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, Grapefruit Ginger Sparkler, or even a Cinnamon Ginger Hot Toddy for the perfect balance of warmth and kick.
Festive Favorites
There are some flavors that really capture the essence of the holidays like peppermint hot chocolate, sugar cookie martinis, and creamy Irish coffee. For customers looking to enjoy something special at their festive gatherings, be sure to have plenty of seasonal liqueurs on hand. We suggest stocking up on peppermint, Irish cream, almond, hazelnut, chocolate, coffee, and cherry liqueurs. And don’t forget, if you operate an off-premise business, make sure your staff is prepared to make product and recipe suggestions. Similarly, on-premise staff need to be ready with pairing suggestions.
Remember that you can always reach out to your SG rep for product recommendations and trend insights, too. Here’s to holiday sipping and happy, cozy customers!
