Top Picks for Winter Cocktails & Mocktails

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a winter cocktail or a refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail that feels just as special as its spirited counterparts. Whether you're embracing Dry January, seeking delicious alternatives, or just craving something creative and festive, there’s a drink for everyone. From ginger-infused mocktails to chocolaty dessert cocktails, explore these seasonal favorites while traveling the Makers Trail. 

Join the Makers Trail Passport Challenge to discover over 40 local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. Collect QR codes at each stop you visit and earn exciting rewards. Start by downloading the Visit Southwest Michigan App and enhance the fun of this winter beverage hunt. You will savor every sip as you explore Berrien County!

Follow this Winter Drinks Guide

Iron Shoe Distillery | Niles

At Iron Shoe, every cocktail begins with spirits distilled using locally grown grains. Crafted with care and focusing on quality over quantity, each small-batch spirit reflects the time and effort put into every step. From seed selection to distillation and aging the spirits in barrels made from Michigan-grown white oak trees  — the makers pour their love into your glass. For anyone seeking non-alcoholic options, every cocktail on the menu can be transformed into a mocktail, offering a wealth of choices to satisfy your winter cravings. 

Cocktails 

• Marshmallow Coffee Graham Martini – A decadent mix of bourbon crème, coffee liqueur, and Red Dog cold brew, topped with marshmallow, cookie butter and a graham cracker rim for a cozy, dessert-like treat in a glass.
• Banana Pudding Martini – Vodka, bourbon crème cookie butter, and banana purée come together in this creamy cocktail, garnished with a vanilla wafer and whipped cream for a nostalgic treat.
• Elder Pumpkin Gimlet – A unique blend of vodka, elderflower, pumpkin pie spice and lime, offering a refreshing yet warmly spiced twist on a classic gimlet.
• Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate – Bourbon crème and hot chocolate combined with a toasted marshmallow. It’s topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a warm and luscious treat.
• Huckleberry Lavender Hot Toddy – Huckleberry moonshine, lemon, and lavender come together in this soothing, aromatic drink. A dehydrated honey-coated lemon garnishes this toddy for a delicate finish.

Journeyman Distillery | Three Oaks

Journeyman Distillery, housed in the refurbished 1800s Featherbone and Corsets Factory, invites you to witness the meticulous distilling process that transforms grain into liquid gold. Then gather around a table at the Staymaker Restaurant and select from an impressive array of cocktails, ranging from timeless classics to bold, innovative creations. Alongside their signature drinks, they offer a menu of non-alcoholic delights inspired by festive flavors. The warming spices and refreshing twists create a lineup that is perfect for the chilly season, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.

Cocktails

• Hot Toddy – A cozy blend of brown butter, Featherbone Bourbon, OCG, fresh lemon juice and spiced honey simple syrup. Nothing is more perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
• Gingerbread Martini – A festive mix of Red Arrow Vodka, Snaggletooth Coffee Liqueur and gingerbread simple syrup, this is your sweet-and-spicy holiday indulgence.
• Old Country Goodness Apple Cider – A comforting mix of WR White Whiskey, apple cider, apple juice and warming spices. It is available hot, iced, or frozen for a delightful twist.
• Maple Buck – Silver Cross Four Grain Whiskey is paired with lemon juice, maple brown sugar syrup, spiced honey simple syrup and ginger beer. You will slowly savor this refreshing, spiced cocktail with a hint of sweetness.
• Chai Digestif – Chai Amaro meets lemon juice and honey simple syrup in this soothing, aromatic cocktail perfect for sipping after a meal.
• American Pie – Pit-Spitter Cherry Rye Whiskey, amaretto, egg white, lemon juice, demerara simple syrup and orange bitters come together in a silky, tart and slightly sweet creation reminiscent of the classic dessert.

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Gingerbread Man (NA) – A cozy blend of ginger beer, gingerbread syrup and lemon juice. This drink tastes like the holidays in a glass, with a balance of spice and citrus.
• Maple Buck (NA) – Ginger beer paired with maple brown sugar syrup, spiced honey and lemon juice. It's sweet, tangy and has just the right amount of kick.
• Roy Rogers (NA) – A nostalgic favorite with ginger beer, cola and grenadine for a playful sip.
• Aranciata (NA) – Lemon-lime soda, lemon juice and orange simple syrup mix for a zesty citrus treat.
• Bourguignon (NA) – Cranberry juice, pomegranate grenadine, lime juice and spiced honey syrup make this drink as lively as it is flavorful.

Hill District by North Pier | Benton Harbor

This is one of Southwest Michigan’s newest destinations for artisan cocktails and non-alcoholic creations. Each drink thrives on bold, refined flavors, ensuring something is exciting for every palate to enjoy.

Cocktails

• Chai Old Fashioned – A warm and spiced twist on a classic, featuring Bluetick Bourbon, chai tea, lemon, orange bitters, demerara syrup and a hint of cinnamon.
• Fireside Whisper – Thameside Gin meets falernum syrup, lemon, bitters and a sprinkle of nutmeg in this comforting, aromatic cocktail.
• Naked Tiki – A clear, light, and refreshing tropical seltzer cocktail with vodka, mango, almond and lemon-lime. This stripped-down creation delivers complex, vibrant flavors with only 95 calories.
• Pumpkin Pie Martini – A rich and creamy delight made with Dima Vodka, aged rum, pumpkin, vanilla, almond milk and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg for a yummy seasonal treat.

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Aperitif Spritz (NA) – Bittersweet aperitif, orange curacao, agave nectar, aromatic bitters and tonic combine for a refreshing and complex drink.
• Jamaican Ginger Beer (NA) – Fiery ginger syrup, orange curacao, lime and soda create a bold, spicy-sweet flavor profile.
• Jalapeno Limeade (NA) – Fresh jalapeno, lime, agave nectar, soda and sriracha sea salt bring heat and brightness to this feisty mocktail.
• Orgeat Lemonade (NA) – A simple yet delicious mix of orgeat syrup, lemon and soda for a nutty, citrusy delight.
• Bitters & Soda (NA) – Aromatic and orange bitters paired with soda make for a refreshing palate cleanser.

Round Barn Brewery & Public House | Baroda

Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying live music, this pub specializes in mixed drinks that capture winter's essence with rich and bold flavors.

Cocktails

• Winter White Cosmo – A crisp and refreshing mix of DiVine Vodka, white cranberry and strawberry juice, house-made triple sec and freshly squeezed lime juice, topped with sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
• Maple Bourbon Leaf – A warm and cozy cocktail featuring Baroda Straight Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon, garnished with a cinnamon stick for added spice.
• Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned – A rich and nutty twist on a classic, made with Baroda Straight Bourbon, toasted pecan simple syrup, orange bitters and finished with a candied orange peel and bar cherry.

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Jingle Juice (NA) – A cheerful concoction of lemon juice, blackberry syrup, house-juiced ginger and ginger ale. This drink brings the festive spirit with its fruity and spicy layers.
• Pina Colada (NA) – A non-alcoholic twist on a tropical classic, blending pineapple juice, coconut syrup and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Silver Harbor Brewing Company | St. Joseph

Silver Harbor Brewing (SHBC) offers a refreshing variety of beverages, featuring both light and fruity mocktails as well as expertly crafted cocktails downtown. From the taproom you can see the Brewhouse and tours are happily given. 

Cocktails

• SHBC Manhattan – A timeless classic made with SHBC Rye Whiskey, Lyre’s sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters, then garnished with a rich bourbon cherry for a smooth and sophisticated sip.
• Blue Hawaiian Tini’ – A tropical escape in a glass, featuring SHBC Rum, SHBC Vodka, blue curaçao, coconut simple syrup, pineapple juice and a splash of Sprite. A dried pineapple garnish perfects the island theme.
• Blackberry Lemon Old Fashioned – A twist on the traditional, combining SHBC Bourbon, blackberry simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and lemon bitters. It’s finished with a dried lemon wheel garnish.

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Cucumber Basil S+T (NA) – A rejuvenating mix of cucumber and basil that exudes sophistication.
• Raspberry Lime Spritz (NA) – Tart raspberries and lime create a sparkly fizz perfect for a winter pick-me-up.
• Mango Sunrise (NA) – A tropical escape in a glass, bringing a taste of sunshine to colder days.

More Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drink Finds

Are you traveling with non-alcohol-drinking friends or designated drivers? Many stops along the Makers Trail also offer craft sodas, non-alcoholic beers, and alcohol-free wines. Local restaurants like 221 Main, Houndstooth Restaurant, Plank's Tavern, and Timothy's Restaurant also shine with impressive selections of upscale mocktails and specialty alcohol-laced cocktails. Look for their locations here.

Stay Longer, Taste More

While most of our Makers Trail destinations and restaurants are a short drive from each other, staying safe on our scenic highways and roads is important to us. Plan to search for the most delicious winter drinks over two or more days. Always eat a hearty meal before you go tasting, and snack and keep hydrated between stops. 

Extend your visit with a variety of hotels just minutes from the Makers Trail — winter is the perfect time of year to secure the dates, amenities, and rates you’re looking for. After a restful night, start your day with invigorating winter activities before returning to the cocktail and mocktail trail. Cheers to making happy winter memories!

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