Neat, Over Ice, or Hot? The Best Ways to Drink Whiskey in Winter

Winter changes how we drink whiskey. Colder evenings, slower nights, and a bit more time at home make it the perfect season to enjoy whiskey in a few different ways. 

Here’s how to enjoy whiskey in winter, plus how to choose the right bottle from The Whiskey Reserve for each style.

Drinking Whiskey Neat: For Cold Nights In

Drinking whiskey neat is ideal in winter. Cooler temperatures soften alcohol burn and allow deeper flavours to shine, think dried fruit, spice, toasted oak, and gentle sweetness.

Best for:

• Slow sipping by the fire

• Post-dinner drinks

• Tasting higher-quality or limited releases

What to look for at The Whiskey Reserve

• Full-bodied Irish whiskeys

• Single malts with depth and warmth

• Cask-strength or small-batch bottlings

Tip: Let your whiskey sit for a minute before sipping. Winter air naturally opens up aromas without dilution.

Whiskey Over Ice: Crisp, Clean, and Comforting

While ice is often associated with summer, it works beautifully in winter too – especially with richer, bolder whiskeys. A single large cube slightly chills the whiskey while slowly releasing sweetness and smoothing spice.

Best for:

• Early evening drinks

• Relaxed nights without overthinking it

• Stronger styles that benefit from dilution

What to look for at The Whiskey Reserve

• Bourbon-style profiles with vanilla and caramel notes

• Robust Irish blends

• Whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon or sherry casks

Pro tip: Use one large cube rather than several small ones to keep flavours balanced.

Hot Whiskey & Warm Winter Serve

Nothing says winter quite like a hot whiskey. It’s comforting, aromatic, and perfect for chilly nights, or when you’re feeling a cold coming on.

Classic hot whiskey ingredients include:

• Irish whiskey

• Hot water

• Honey

• Lemon

• Cloves or cinnamon

Best for:

• Cold evenings

• After a long winter walk

• Festive gatherings

What to look for at The Whiskey Reserve

• Smooth Irish Whiskeys that won’t overpower the drink

• Balanced blends that hold warmth without harshness

A good hot whiskey should feel warm, not fiery, smoothness matters here.

Winter Cocktails That Let Whiskey Shine

Winter is also prime time for classic whiskey cocktails. Richer flavours and warming spices work beautifully this time of year.

Popular winter-friendly whiskey cocktails include:

• Old Fashioned

• Manhattan

• Whiskey Sour with winter citrus twists

• Spiced whiskey cocktails with bitters and orange peel

What to look for at The Whiskey Reserve

• Versatile bottles that work neat and in cocktails

• Whiskeys with spice, oak, and subtle sweetness

• Great-value bottles you’ll enjoy mixing with

Choosing the Right Whiskey for Winter

When shopping for whiskey in winter, think warmth, depth, and balance. Winter-friendly whiskeys tend to have:

• Rich mouthfeel

• Notes of spice, dried fruit, honey, or oak

• Enough character to stand up neat, on ice, or in hot drinks

The Whiskey Reserve stocks a carefully curated range that works across all winter drinking styles, from easy-sipping favourites to special bottles worth lingering over.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy whiskey in winter. Neat for quiet nights, over ice for relaxed evenings, or hot when the temperature really drops, winter is when whiskey truly comes into its own.

If you’re looking to stock up for the season, explore the winter-ready selection at The Whiskey Reserve and find a bottle that suits how you like to drink.