Whether you’re hosting friends, cozying up after a day of skiing at Bogus, or simply looking to bring a little extra Idaho magic to your holiday gatherings, these winter drinks are the perfect way to celebrate the season. From huckleberry sparkle to peppermint espresso bliss, here are six delicious cocktails (and one mocktail!) to brighten your festivities.

1. Pear & Rosemary Winter Spritz

A light, refreshing cocktail that tastes like a walk through the Boise Foothills on a crisp winter day.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pear vodka or pear liqueur
   
• 1 oz lemon juice
   
• 1 oz rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
   
• Sparkling wine or club soda
   
• Fresh rosemary + pear slice for garnish
   

Directions:

1. Shake pear vodka, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup with ice.
    
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
    
3. Top with sparkling wine or club soda.
    
4. Garnish with rosemary and a thin pear slice.
    

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Simmer 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water + 3 rosemary sprigs for 10 minutes. Cool.

2. Idaho Spiced Orange Hot Toddy

Cozy, citrusy, and perfect for warming up after a night at Winter Garden aGlow.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz whiskey or bourbon
   
• 1 tbsp honey
   
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
   
• 3 oz hot water
   
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
   
• 1 cinnamon stick
   
• Cloves + orange slice
   

Directions:

1. Add honey, lemon, and orange juice into a mug.
    
2. Pour in whiskey and hot water; stir to combine.
    
3. Add cinnamon stick, cloves, and garnish with an orange wheel.
    

3. Boise Berry Christmas Mule

A festive twist on a classic mule featuring winter berries.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
   
• 1 oz cranberry juice
   
• ½ oz lime juice
   
• Ginger beer
   
• Fresh cranberries + lime for garnish
   

Directions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
    
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
    
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
    
4. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel.
    

4. Chocolate Peppermint Espresso Martini

For the coffee lovers—think downtown café vibes with a holiday twist.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
   
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
   
• 1 oz fresh espresso
   
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps
   
• Crushed candy cane (rim)
   

Directions:

1. Rim a martini glass in chocolate syrup + crushed candy cane.
    
2. Shake all ingredients with ice until cold and frothy.
    
3. Strain into the glass and sip immediately.
    

5. Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

The perfect “holiday in Idaho” drink—cozy, apple-y, and a little rustic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
   
• 2 oz spiced apple cider
   
• ½ oz maple syrup
   
• ½ oz lemon juice
   
• Dash of cinnamon
   
• Apple slice + cinnamon stick
   

Directions:

1. Add bourbon, cider, maple syrup, lemon, and cinnamon to a shaker with ice.
    
2. Shake lightly and strain into a rocks glass.
    
3. Add ice and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

6. Huckleberry + Rosemary Sparkling Mocktail

Bright, bubbly, and totally Idaho.

Looking for a festive drink that everyone—kids, adults, and designated drivers—can enjoy? This Huckleberry + Rosemary Sparkling Mocktail brings all the cheer without the alcohol. It’s fruity, refreshing, and filled with that signature Northwest flavor we all know and love. Plus, the frozen berry garnish keeps it cold without watering things down. Win-win!

Ingredients (Makes 1 mocktail)

• 2 tbsp huckleberry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
   
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
   
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
   
• 6–8 oz sparkling water (plain or lemon)
   
• Frozen huckleberries or mixed berries for garnish
   
• Ice (optional)
   

Instructions

1. Prep the glass: Add huckleberry syrup to the bottom of your glass.
    
2. Brighten it up: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice.
    
3. Add the herb: Lightly clap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release the oils, then add it to the glass.
    
4. Make it sparkle: Pour in sparkling water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
    
5. Chill + garnish: Add a handful of frozen huckleberries (or any frozen mixed berries). They’ll keep the drink cool and add a festive pop of color.
    
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the bubbly, berry-bright magic!