Hot vs Cold: The ultimate New Year's Eve whisky cocktail guide

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, the great debate begins: do you warm up by the fire with a steaming mug, or do you toast the bells with something ice-cold and sophisticated?

At the Welsh Whisky Society, we say: why not both?

To help you celebrate in style, we’ve curated a "Hot vs. Cold" cocktail list. Whether you’re braving the chill to watch fireworks or hosting a cosy gathering indoors, these recipes showcase the versatility of Welsh whisky. We have some warming mulled classics to keep the cold at bay, and some "freezer door" favourites for when the party really gets started.

The Hot Corner: Mulled Whisky Warmers

Forget mulled wine—mulled whisky is the true winter warmer. The depth and spice of a good Welsh malt stand up beautifully to heat, creating a drink that is comforting, complex, and utterly delicious. Here are three variations to try tonight.

1. Spiced Clementine Mulled Whisky A bright and zesty warmer that cuts through the winter gloom.

• Ingredients:

  • Ginger beer

  • Clementine juice

  • Honey

  • Cinnamon sticks

  • Cloves

  • Allspice berries

  • Welsh Whisky (Try: Aber Falls Single Malt Madeira for its smooth, fruity base)

• Method: Combine the ginger beer, clementine juice, honey, and spices in a saucepan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to infuse the flavours. Remove from the heat and stir in the whisky.

• Serve: Pour into heatproof mugs and garnish with fresh clementine slices.

2. Mulled Whisky and Ginger For those who like a bit of a kick. The star anise adds a lovely liquorice note that pairs perfectly with the ginger.

• Ingredients:

  • Ginger beer

  • Cinnamon sticks

  • Cloves

  • Star anise

  • Fresh ginger slices

  • Clementine peel

  • Welsh Whisky (Try: Anglesey Môn for its creamy texture)

• Method: Mix all ingredients (except the whisky) in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the whisky just before serving.

• Serve: Garnish with clementine slices and a whole star anise.

3. Mulled Whiskey with Apple & Star Anise A classic orchard combination. The apple cider adds a tart sweetness that balances the whisky perfectly.

• Ingredients:

  • Welsh Whisky (Try: Dà Mhìle Organic Single Grain for its complex grain notes)

  • Cloudy apple cider

  • Star anise

  • Cinnamon sticks

  • Cloves

• Method: Combine the cider and spices in a pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to really let the spices develop. Stir in the whisky at the end.

• Serve: Warm, with extra spices floating on top for aroma.

The Cold Corner: Freezer Door Old Fashioneds

Sometimes, you want a drink that is ready to pour the moment the clock strikes twelve. "Freezer Door" cocktails are pre-batched, diluted perfectly, and kept ice-cold, ready to serve instantly.

4. The "Freezer Door" Gold Fashioned This is a rich, decadent twist on the classic Old Fashioned, using the technique of "fat washing" to add a savoury, nutty depth. It’s perfect for a special occasion.

• Ingredients:

  • Penderyn Rich Oak (The richness of this whisky is essential)

  • Unsalted butter

  • High-quality Maple Syrup

  • Angostura Bitters

  • Orange peel

• The Brown Butter Wash (Prep in advance):

  1. Brown 50g of butter in a pan until it smells nutty.

  2. Pour the liquid butter into a jar with 200ml of Penderyn Rich Oak.

  3. Shake and let it sit for an hour, then freeze overnight.

  4. The butter will solidify at the top—poke a hole and strain the whisky out through a coffee filter. You now have brown-butter washed whisky!

• To Build the Cocktail:

  1. In your empty spirit bottle (or a nice decanter), combine your butter-washed whisky, 20ml maple syrup, and 6-8 dashes of bitters.

  2. Add a small amount of water (about 10-15ml) to account for the dilution you'd usually get from stirring with ice.

  3. Store in the freezer.

• To Serve: Pour straight from the freezer into a rocks glass over a large block of ice. Garnish with a twist of orange peel. The texture will be thick, velvety, and incredibly luxurious.

5. The Quick-Fire Mulled Whisky (Cold or Warm) served warm, or let it cool, and it will make a fantastic long drink over ice!

• Ingredients:

  • Ginger beer

  • Clementine juice

  • Honey

  • Welsh Whisky

• Method: Combine ginger beer, juice, and honey in a pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

• To Serve Cold: Let the mixture cool completely. Pour over a tall glass filled with ice, stir in the whisky, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

However you choose to toast tonight, we wish you a fantastic New Year's Eve. Here’s to a 2026 filled with health, happiness, and excellent Welsh whisky!

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! (Happy New Year!)