Warming Up with Winter Cocktails: New York’s Hot Spots for Festive Drinks

When the city’s skyline glows beneath a winter haze and the air smells faintly of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon, there’s only one way to stay warm in New York, cocktails that taste like the holidays. From candlelit speakeasies to rooftop bars dusted in tinsel, NYC in winter is a toast waiting to happen. Whether you’re in search of a spiked hot chocolate, a skyline view, or something with a tropical twist, here’s where to sip your way through the season.

Where to Sip Christmas Cocktails in NYC This Winter

New York knows how to celebrate in style. The city’s best bars turn the holidays into an art form, swapping summer spritzes for hot toddies and sparkling snowflake martinis. Here are a few of the most festive spots to warm up this winter.

Oscar Wilde

A Midtown landmark that feels like stepping into a Victorian Christmas card. Chandeliers, antique mirrors, and garlands create the backdrop for a menu of classic winter cocktails, try the Hot Buttered Rum or a Whiskey Hot Chocolate that tastes like dessert in a glass.

Rolf’s German Restaurant

The ultimate holiday spectacle. Every inch of this Gramercy Park gem is covered in ornaments, lights, and nostalgia. Sip on mulled wine or eggnog while the room glows with warmth and a hint of holiday chaos.

Refinery Rooftop

Just a few blocks from Times Square, this industrial-chic rooftop transforms each winter with twinkle lights and heated enclosures. Order a spiced cider or a winter spritz and take in the Empire State Building view as snow flurries drift past.

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

The city’s original igloo rooftop still delivers. Heated domes, skyline views, and boozy hot chocolates make it a must for visitors chasing a festive photo op without freezing in line.

Pete’s Tavern

One of New York’s oldest bars, Pete’s pairs history with holiday charm. Their Hot Toddy is legendary, and the red booths and evergreen garlands make it feel like you’ve stepped back a century in the best way possible.

The Edition Lobby Bar

For something sleeker, The Edition offers a luxurious reprieve from the city’s bustle. Order an Irish Coffee or Espresso Martini and watch the snow swirl outside, proof that warmth doesn’t always mean rustic.

Don’t Miss: Winter Cocktails at Margaritaville Resort Times Square

As temperatures drop, things heat up 31 floors above Times Square. This season, the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar transforms into Christmas Island, a festive pop-up experience that blends New York sparkle with island spirit. Opening the week of Thanksgiving and running throughout the holiday season, it’s quickly becoming one of Midtown’s most anticipated holiday destinations.

Guests can sip their way through five signature holiday cocktails, each served in a collectible cup and paired with rooftop skyline views and live seasonal entertainment.
The menu features:

• Sleigh Ride – Fireball Whiskey, Margaritaville Passionfruit Tequila, cranberry, and lemon. A bold and warming holiday punch.
• Beachside Grinch – Melon liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut, Fireball Whiskey, and a cranberry float, sweet, spicy, and perfectly festive.
• Kringle & Coke – Crème de menthe, crème de cocoa, Parrot Bay Spiced Rum, lemon, and Coca-Cola, Santa’s tropical nightcap.
• Winter Wave – Basil Hayden bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut syrup, lime, and cranberry, smooth, sweet, and bright.
• Secret Santa – A surprise cocktail paired with a seasonal gift, designed to spread holiday cheer.
   

Reservations are recommended during peak evenings, especially around Thanksgiving and weekends, but walk-ins are welcome. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, gathering with colleagues, or simply soaking up the city lights, Christmas Island delivers festive energy with a tropical twist, no heavy coats required.

The celebration doesn’t stop at the rooftop:

• License to Chill Bar offers cozy fireside comfort with spiced rum sippers and warm salted caramel cocktails.
• LandShark Bar & Grill keeps the good times rolling with group-friendly energy and weekday Happy Hour specials, Monday through Friday.
   

From skyline celebrations to laid-back lounges, Margaritaville Resort Times Square turns winter into a reason to raise a glass.

The Best Hot Alcoholic Drinks to Try This Season

New York winters were made for slow sipping. Whether you’re walking through Bryant Park or tucked inside a glowing rooftop, these seasonal favorites never go out of style.

Mulled Wine
A European classic with a New York twist, find it at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or the Union Square Holiday Market. Warm, spiced, and slightly sweet, it’s the unofficial scent of the holidays.

Hot Buttered Rum
Rich, nostalgic, and indulgent, it’s the perfect cold-weather cure. Try it at Oscar Wilde or The Dead Rabbit for an authentic, spiced version that tastes like Christmas nostalgia.

Spiked Hot Chocolate
Equal parts comfort and decadence, it’s a citywide favorite. Grab one at Max Brenner or make it even better at Christmas Island, where bartenders occasionally mix a surprise hot cocoa special.

Irish Coffee
A Manhattan standby that never disappoints. Head to The Edition for an elevated version or sip one fireside at License to Chill for something more relaxed.

Tropical Twists
At Margaritaville, even the coldest months get a splash of sunshine. Seasonal margaritas and tiki-inspired winter cocktails, like the Winter Wave, bring warmth to Times Square’s skyline nights.

 

When & Where to Drink Around the Holidays in NYC

After the Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center

When the lights go up, the crowds surge. Escape the chaos and head 10 minutes west to Margaritaville’s rooftop for cocktails and a skyline view far from the fray.

After Ice Skating at Bryant Park

Cool down after the rink with a walk to The Lodge for themed drinks, then end the night with a Sleigh Ride at Christmas Island, just a few blocks away.

On Christmas Eve or Day

Many Midtown spots close for the holiday, but Margaritaville keeps the celebration alive. Toast with a Kringle & Coke or enjoy a quiet dinner at LandShark Bar & Grill with city views that feel extra special on a winter night.

Before a Broadway Show

Time it right with a pre-theatre happy hour. Margaritaville’s License to Chill and nearby Refinery Rooftop both serve great drinks fast, ideal for those catching a show without rushing.

Make It a Festive Staycation at Margaritaville Resort Times Square

After an evening of rooftop views and winter cocktails, there’s no better place to land than the comfort of your own resort-style retreat.

The ‘Tis the Season Offer includes:

• Up to 15% off stays
• A $25 daily dining credit (perfect for cocktails or brunch the next morning)
• A daily Margaritaville souvenir to take the memories home
   

The resort’s heated rooftop pool, walkable Midtown location, and warm, easygoing atmosphere make it the ultimate holiday staycation spot, whether you’re a local looking for a quick escape or a traveler chasing that big New York energy without the stress.

Ready to turn your night out into a holiday getaway? Discover cozy rooms and suites, festive dining and bars, and seasonal offers that make celebrating in the city easier and warmer than ever.