When the temperatures drop and the chill sets in, we often find ourselves reaching for a warming drink—maybe something spiced or rich. While rum is usually associated with the sunny days of summer, it’s actually the perfect spirit for crafting cozy winter cocktails as well. Enter the Winter Daiquiri—a tropical classic reimagined for colder months with the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of pineapple rum, and the bright, festive zing of blood orange. Whether you're curled up by the fire or hosting a holiday gathering, this cocktail is sure to keep your spirits high and your taste buds delighted.

The Taste of Winter in a Glass

At first sip, the Winter Daiquiri is a vibrant blend of flavors that’s both refreshing and comforting. The smooth and slightly sweet Plantation Stiggins’ Pineapple Rum brings a unique twist, offering notes of pineapple, clove, and subtle spice. These spices come to life with the addition of cinnamon syrup, adding a layer of warmth that’s perfect for the season. Fresh blood orange juice and tangy lime juice provide a citrusy burst that balances the drink’s richness, giving it an uplifting brightness.

It’s the kind of cocktail that bridges the gap between summer and winter, inviting you to sip slowly and savor the flavors. With its citrusy tang, spiced rum complexity, and a hint of sweetness, this Winter Daiquiri is an absolute crowd-pleaser for any winter gathering.

Ingredients for the Winter Daiquiri

To create this festive drink, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Plantation Stiggins’ Pineapple Rum: A rum infused with pineapple flavor and warm clove notes.
• 1 oz fresh blood orange juice: Adds a sweet, tangy citrus twist that’s perfect for winter cocktails.
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice: The essential acidity to balance the sweetness.
• 0.25 – 0.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup: A touch of cinnamon syrup infuses the drink with a cozy spice. Adjust the sweetness depending on your taste preference.
• Blood orange wheel: For garnish, this bright red citrus slice brings a pop of color and extra citrus flavor.
• Mint sprig: A sprig of fresh mint adds a fragrant aroma and a burst of freshness when you take a sip.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Make a Winter Daiquiri

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s get to mixing. The process is easy, and the result is nothing short of delicious. Here’s how to create your own Winter Daiquiri:

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup

To get started, you’ll first need to prepare the cinnamon simple syrup. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 10 days, so feel free to make a batch and keep it on hand for future cocktails.

1. In a small pot, combine 1 cup of water and 2 cinnamon sticks. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, add 2 cups of sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Remove the pot from heat and cover it, letting the cinnamon steep for up to 12 hours to extract all the rich flavors.
4. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into an airtight container and refrigerate.

Step 2: Prepare the Winter Daiquiri

Once your cinnamon syrup is ready, it’s time to put together your Winter Daiquiri.

1. In a cocktail shaker, add 1.5 oz of Plantation Stiggins’ Pineapple Rum, 1 oz of fresh blood orange juice, 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice, and 0.25 – 0.5 oz of cinnamon simple syrup. Adjust the amount of syrup to your taste preferences—if you like it sweeter, add a little more.
2. Fill the shaker with ice, about 2/3 full.
3. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, ensuring everything is well-mixed and chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled coupe glass—no ice, just that smooth, crisp cocktail base.
5. Garnish with a blood orange wheel and a mint sprig for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Why You'll Love This Winter Daiquiri

The Winter Daiquiri offers a perfect balance of flavors that evoke the warmth and spice of the season while still providing that familiar, refreshing daiquiri base. The Pineapple Rum adds depth and a touch of sweetness, while the blood orange juice brightens the drink with its vibrant, citrusy flavor. The cinnamon syrup adds the much-needed winter spice, making this drink a cozy option for those colder nights when you want something beyond your usual winter whiskey or bourbon.

Whether you're celebrating a holiday, hosting a cocktail party, or just unwinding after a long day, this cocktail will transport you to a tropical yet festive winter wonderland. The mint garnish offers a hint of freshness, while the blood orange wheel adds a splash of color, making this drink as beautiful as it is delicious.

Final Thoughts

The Winter Daiquiri is a wonderful example of how you can take a classic cocktail and give it a seasonal twist. Using ingredients like pineapple rum, blood oranges, and cinnamon syrup, it strikes the perfect balance of tropical and winter-inspired flavors. It’s the kind of drink you’ll want to share with friends, family, or even enjoy solo after a busy day. Plus, with the addition of cinnamon and clove notes, it offers just the right amount of spice to keep you cozy when the weather outside is frightful.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a cocktail that’s both refreshing and comforting, skip the usual winter drinks and give this Winter Daiquiri a try. It’s a fun, flavorful, and festive drink that might just become your new winter favorite