We are deep in the midst of winter wedding romance. Are you staying bundled up? Feeling festive? If your cozy cold-weather wedding is coming up, we have some ideas for keeping your guests warm: warm winter drinks & hot cocktails.

Yes, martinis can feel festive. But, as your ‘always-cold wedding guest', you'll find me reaching for the hot toddies & mulled wine this winter wedding season.

Imagine non-alcoholic treats like hot cider & chai plus boozy delights like buttered rum & hot toddies. There are so many fun & festive warm drinks to incorporate into your winter wedding. Furthermore, many of these winter tipples can be interactive. We're suggesting ideas like hot chocolate stations with loads of garnishes & accompanying desserts. Great for guests who are children at age or children at heart!

Photo by Abby Jiu & planning by Lauryn Prattes

Hot chocolate station.

“Warm drinks are always a hit when the temperatures drop. And, they're even better when you can customize it! A hot chocolate station where guests can build their own hot chocolate masterpiece is a great addition to any dessert station. Guests rarely want to leave the dance floor. But, if you accompany a beverage station with dessert, they are sure to enjoy the warmth! Coffee, tea or hot chocolate stations give guests a chance to warm up while making their own beverage just the way they like it.” – Melanie Levin, Owner of LuckEleven Events

Hot buttered rum or hot toddy.

“Hot buttered rum or a hot toddy will be an unexpected treat to delight your guests. Plus, it’s a little more outside the box than more common apple cider or hot cocoa!” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Photo by Peaches & Mint & planning by Lavender & Rose

A coffee cart with liquor.

“What is better to warm up than lattes and hot chocolate? We love working with our friends at Espresso Dave to set up a coffee cart at weddings to offer specialty drinks. Order anything from lattes to hot chocolate. And if your venue will allow, you can top those off with a delicious liquor like Bailey's or Peppermint Schnapps to warm up your guests even more!” – Jamie, Cape Cod Celebrations

European drinking chocolate station.

“Contrary to popular belief, your drinks don't always have to be spiked to create an indulgent beverage experience. I love the idea of a European drinking chocolate station that goes hand-in-hand with your dessert bar. A more playful, casual version of this would be a hot chocolate bar with a topping bar.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Seasonal flavored drinks with cinnamon & vanilla.

“It’s time for a spiked winter warmup: hot chocolate infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and a splash of bourbon. Traditional hot chocolate is also a great go-to. Especially if you make it interactive by creating a make your own hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, candy canes, etc. for the guests to experiment with.” – Anna Rodenbeck, Whitehead + Co.

Mulled wine or hot apple cider.

“I love winter weddings because they can be so fun, festive and cozy! Some fun drinks to incorporate are some delicious mulled wine or hot apple cider (spiked or not!). Guests will appreciate the warm beverage to keep them feeling cozy!” – Kari Dirksen, CEO + Lead Planner, Feathered Arrow Events

Spanish coffee or holiday flavored cocktails.

“A warm Spanish coffee is the perfect late-night addition to your wedding reception to keep guests toasty and dancing all night long. The final flambé finish is a stunning show for those waiting in line at the bar and the simple addition of caffeine will boost energy through the final hours of your reception. Add some additional flavors like peppermint or mocha to give an extra holiday flair and personalize any signature cocktail!” – Ari Busch, Operations Manager and Lead Planner, Bridal Bliss

Frothy chai.

“Nothing makes me feel cozier than a hot frothy chai. Black tea brewed with milk, ginger, cardamom, cloves & peppercorns creates pure warmth in a cup. Plus, that black tea? Caffeine to keep you dancing all night long! If you want to make it extra special, we recommend hiring a bartender to pour long streams of tea from gorgeous Indian tea kettles into classic chai glasses.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Photo via Honestly Yum

Moroccan mint tea.

“Another buzz-inducing brew, Moroccan mint tea is refreshing & warming. Much like above, traditional tea kettles & glassware will make your tea station a little ‘extra'. Quite easy to make, all you'll need is Chinese gunpowder black tea, bunches of fresh mint, sugar (or honey!) and lemon if you like! I suggest pairing such with almond cookies or shortbread.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Warm winter lemonade cocktail (or mocktail).

“Served much like tea, winter lemonade would make a fabulous signature cocktail or mocktail. Use this base recipe. Then, infuse it with favorite flavors like ginger or lavender. Or, make it boozy with your favorite spirit. Elevate the drink further with candied lemon slices or edible flower garnishes.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Matcha lattes.

“Excuse me, how fun would a matcha latte station be? We can imagine now all the adorable desserts spread across the table. Maybe, pistachio macarons, mini donuts & a pretty green wedding cake?” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Boozy hot egg nog.

“For holiday weddings, we can't think of a more fitting winter wedding cocktail than boozy hot egg nogs. It's such a festive warm winter drink. Allow your guests to pair their egg nog with a variety of different spirits: brandy, bourbon, rum or sherry.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Planning your wedding menus? Browse our Food & Drink section for menu ideas for your appetizers, dinner, drinks & dessert.

These tips were gathered with help from Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency for wedding, wellness & lifestyle clients. With over 10+ years of experience, we’re here to take our clients to the next level! Find oodles of stylish wedding inspiration on their Instagram & Pinterest.