There’s something about winter that calls for a slower kind of drink. Not rushed. Not overly complicated. Just something warm, layered, and satisfying enough to sip while the fire crackles or the air bites a little sharper than expected.
This is one of those drinks.
Jesse’s Winter Sippin’ Cocktail is built for cold nights outdoors or cozy evenings at home. It leans on a spiced whiskey base, balanced with amaro and apple brandy, finished with a bright twist of lemon. It’s simple to make, but feels like something special. Pair it with UCO's Eco Camp Cup and you can enjoy this at your favorite campsite or outdoor gathering.
This is Jesse’s recipe, the bonafide camp chef of Team UCO. When he’s not being the Excel and supply chain extraordinaire, you’ll find him creating elevated recipes like this one or off traveling somewhere new.
Start with the infused whiskey
This is where the magic happens.
Take your favorite mid-shelf whiskey and infuse it with mulling spices:
- Cinnamon
- Star anise
- Cardamom
- Allspice berries
- Clove
- Dried orange peel
Let it sit long enough to really develop flavor. You want those warm, spiced notes to come through without overpowering the whiskey itself. The result should feel rich, slightly aromatic, and perfect for winter.
What you’ll need
- 1 oz spiced infused whiskey
- ¾ oz amaro
- ½ oz apple brandy
- Fresh lemon
How to make it
Grab your shaker and fill it with ice.
Add:
- 1 oz of your infused whiskey
- ¾ oz amaro
- ½ oz apple brandy
Shake it well until chilled.
Pour into your UCO Camp Cup over a fresh ice cube. This is the kind of drink that deserves a solid, no-fuss cup you can use anywhere, whether you're at camp or on your couch.
Finish it with a twist of lemon. Give it a quick peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
Why this one works
It hits all the right notes:
- Warm and spiced from the whiskey
- Slight bitterness from the amaro
- A touch of sweetness and depth from the apple brandy
- Brightness from the lemon to balance it all out
It’s not too heavy. Not too sweet. Just layered enough to keep you sipping.
Where to enjoy it
This isn’t just a “camping” drink. It works everywhere:
- Sitting around a firepit
- Wrapped in a blanket on your porch
- After a long day outside
- Or honestly, just when you want something better than your usual pour
The takeaway
You don’t need complicated gear or a full bar setup to make a great cocktail. Just a few solid ingredients, a little prep, and something reliable to drink it out of.
The UCO Camp Cup keeps it simple. Durable, easy to pack, and just as at home outdoors as it is in your kitchen.
Make the batch. Pour a drink. Slow things down for a minute.
That’s what winter sipping is all about.
