Happy Hour Exclusive: 7 Trendy Cocktails to Try in January!

Indulge in the latest cocktail trends with our exclusive Happy Hour selection featuring 7 trendy cocktails to try in January. From classic favorites to innovative concoctions, elevate your happy hour experience with these must-try libations.

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Winter Warmers: Cozy Cocktails With a Twist to Beat the Chill

Picture this: you’re cozied up in front of your window, snowflakes dancing outside, and a perfectly crafted winter warmer in your hand. Sounds dreamy, right? 

I love the feel of a warm glass wrapped in my hands with a delicious-smelling liquid inside. I can’t drink coffee in the evening but a delightful nightcap is always a good choice.

Sipping on our first three cozy cocktails can transport you to a rustic cabin in the woods, complete with crackling fire and fuzzy blankets. But I must warn you the third one has a real boost that might be tough to enjoy before bed.

Spiced Apple Old Fashioned

This drink provides the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple perfectly balanced with the richness of bourbon blended together and garnished with a cinnamon stick. 

2 ½  ounces Bourbon

¼ cup Apple Cider

1 tsp Pure Maple Syrup

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Cinnamon Stick, Apple Slice, and Orange Slice for garnish.

Glassware: Lowball Glass

First, add your Bourbon  (make sure to use a quality Bourbon). Next, mix in the apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters. Place a large ice cube in the glass, top it off with the apple and orange slices, then slide the cinnamon stick in. 

Salted Caramel White Russian

For those who prefer a creamy and indulgent treat, this one is a game-changer. This revamped White Russian takes the traditional vodka and coffee liqueur combo and adds a luscious layer of salted caramel sauce. 

1 ounce Salted Caramel Kahlua

2 ounces of Stoli Salted Caramel Vodka

1 ounce Half & Half

Ghiradelli Sea Salt Caramel Sauce for garnish

First, drizzle the Salted Caramel sauce down the inside of your glass and set aside. In your cocktail shaker add Salted Caramel Kahlua, Salted Caramel Vodka, half & half, and shake well.  Then, place fresh ice cubes in your glass and pour your mixture from the cocktail shaker over the ice. Enjoy!

Espresso Martini

Lastly, let’s not forget the unbeatable combination of chocolate and coffee in the Espresso Martini. This high-octane martini combines intense flavors to give you a real caffeine kick!

2 ounces Vodka

½ ounce Kahlua

1-ounce Espresso

½ ounce Simple Syrup

2 Espresso Beans for garnish

Prepare your Espresso as normal and let it cool. Then combine Espresso, Vodka, Kahlua, and Simple Syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until a foamy top is produced. Strain into a Martini glass slowly. Garnish with Espresso Beans for that added touch.

Reinvented Classics: Putting a New Spin on Old Happy Hour Favorites

As we explore the exciting world of trendy cocktails to try in January, it’s important to pay attention to the allure of reinventing classic recipes. 

By adding a fresh twist to beloved favorites, we can elevate our happy hour experience and delight our taste buds in unexpected ways.

Blackberry Basil Mojito

One iconic cocktail that has undergone a remarkable transformation is the Mojito. This minty refresher now gets a modern twist with the addition of unexpected flavors. This is one of my favorites!!

2 ounces White Rum

1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

1-2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar

6 Blackberries

3-4 Basil Leaves

4-5 ounces Sparkling Water

First, muddle your blackberries aggressively. Strain the juice into a cocktail shaker (discarding the rest). Add your basil, lime juice, and sugar and softly muddle together. Next, add the rum and shake to combine. Now fill your glass with ice and pour the cocktail mixture in. Finally top with sparkling water then garnish with a blackberry and one sprig of basil.

Cucumber Jalapeño Moscow Mule

Another classic that has been making waves is the Moscow Mule. Now for the reinvented part, you can add some heat from jalapeños and ginger beer that will really take a bite out of those cold winter days.

Mule Ingredients

1 ½ ounces Vodka

1 Tbsp Cucumber Jalapeno Mixture (recipe below)

4 ounces of Ginger Beer

1 sprig of Fresh Mint

1 ½ tsp Fresh Lime Juice

½ cup ice

Cucumber-Jalapeño Mix 

1 Jalapeño

½ Cucumber

2 ounces of Ginger Beer

(Use 1 TBSP of this mixture in each drink)

Start by making your cucumber-jalapeño mixture. Dice your cucumbers and jalapeños into small chunks. Put them into your blender with 2 ounces of Ginger Beer. Blend slowly so you still have pieces and do not make it mushy.

Take out your copper mug and put ice into it. Pour lime juice over the ice. Next, bring out your mint leaves and press them in your hand to release the flavor then place them into the mug. Now add the Cucumber-Jalapeño mixture, vodka, and 4 ounces of Ginger Beer. Garnish with a slice of cucumber, jalapeño, and a few mint leaves. 

I believe the copper mugs really make a difference for this recipe. If you don’t already have them check out this link below to easily purchase a set.

Did you say Dry January? Mocktails for the Non-Alcoholic Alternative For Your Happy Hour

And for those who prefer to skip the alcohol but still want to join in on the cocktail fun, we have the perfect mocktail recipes to satisfy your taste buds without the booze. 

These zero-proof options are just as delightful and refreshing as their boozy counterparts, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a trendy and flavorful beverage during happy hour.

Mocktail Margarita

First up is the Mocktail Margarita. This concoction combines the warmth of ginger with the zing of citrus, creating a refreshing and invigorating drink. 

2 Tbsp Orange Juice (fresh if possible)

3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

2 tsp Agave Nectar

⅓ Cup Club Soda

Lime Slice (for garnish)

Coarse Salt (for rim)

To start with rim your Margarita glass with lime juice and then dip it into coarse salt. Next, mix all other ingredients except for Club Soda into a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into Margarita glass and top off with Club Soda then stir gently. Garnish with a lime slice.

Cucumber Jalapeño Moscow Mule Mocktail – With Seedlip 94

Mule Ingredients

1 ½ Seedlip Spice 94 (Non-Alcoholic Spirit)

4 ounces of Ginger Beer

1 sprig of Fresh Mint

1 ½ tsp Fresh Lime Juice

½ cup ice

Cucumber-Jalapeño Mix 

1 Jalapeño

½ Cucumber

2 ounces of Ginger Beer

(Use 1 TBSP of this mixture in each drink)

Start by making your cucumber-jalapeño mixture. Dice your cucumbers and jalapeños into small chunks. Put them into your blender with 2 ounces of Ginger Beer. Blend slowly so you still have pieces and do not make it mushy.

Take out your copper mug and put ice into it. Pour lime juice over the ice. Next, bring out your mint leaves and press them in your hand to release the flavor then place them into the mug. Now add the Cucumber-Jalapeño mixture, Seedlip Spice 94, and 4 ounces of Ginger Beer. Garnish with a slice of cucumber, jalapeño, and a few mint leaves. 

So whether you’re skipping the alcohol for personal preference or simply looking for a refreshing alternative, these mocktails will satisfy your thirst and elevate your happy hour experience. Cheers to indulging in a delicious drink, sans the alcohol!

Cheers To Happy Hour Drinks!

These seven trendy cocktails offer the perfect opportunity to revamp your happy hour menu this January. 

Whether you’re craving the warmth of a cozy winter warmer, the excitement of a reinvented classic, or in search of an alcohol-free option, there’s a drink here to satisfy every taste and impress every guest. 

By embracing these innovative recipes, you have the chance to elevate your cocktail game and create unforgettable moments with your friends. 

Don’t forget to follow my Blog or Facebook page to see some of my fun experiences.

Cheers to a new year filled with extraordinary cocktails and unforgettable memories!