11 Winter Citrus Cocktails

Take advantage of the season's brightest, freshest flavors with these 11 winter citrus cocktails! For the best flavor, each perfectly crafted cocktail is prepared with fresh citrus to make the most refreshing drink that's sure to get you through the winter months and bring a little sunshine to your day. When you need a cocktail that's bursting with seasonal fruit, mix up these delicious winter cocktails — you'll enjoy every sip.

Winter Citrus Season

Sure, we all think of summer as peak fruit season, but did you know citrus is actually at its best during the winter? Starting around Christmas, blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, satsuma mandarins and other more rare varieties begin making their appearance in grocery stores, and they become even more widely available from January to April or May.

These citrus fruits are truly at their sweetest and juiciest during the season, so that means on thing — let’s make some winter citrus cocktails!

A true craft cocktail only uses freshly squeezed citrus juice. Bottled juice isn’t as brightly flavored as fresh. All recipes are only as good as their ingredients, and this is especially true with cocktails. For a memorable cocktail that has just the right zip, freshly squeezed citrus juice is the only way to go.

Besides, why would you reach for the bottled juice when so many wonderful citrus fruits are ripe and ready for your drinking pleasure? Now let’s raise a glass to these 10 citrusy cocktails.

Your Winter Citrus Cocktail Recipes

1. Cara Cara Margarita

Cara Cara Margarita

Let's celebrate winter citrus season in the best way possible -- with this Cara Cara margarita! Made with freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice, this winter citrus margarita balances the perfect sweet and tart combination for one refreshing cocktail. You'll want to sip on this tasty little number all season long.

Check out this recipe

2. Blood Orange Gin Fizz

Blood Orange Gin Fizz

With blood orange season here, let's embrace this winter treat the best way we know how -- a stunning blood orange gin fizz! Featuring a creamy, frothy topping, freshly squeezed blood orange juice and the perfect bubbly kick, this seasonal gin fizz makes for one cocktail you'll want to sip on all night long.

Check out this recipe

3. Grapefruit Gin Mule

Grapefruit Gin Mule

With its bright citrus and floral notes and spicy ginger kick, this lively grapefruit gin mule will keep you cool on even the hottest summer days, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up. Serve in a copper mug for an extra refreshing summer cocktail.

Check out this recipe

4. Blood Orange Mojito

Blood Orange Mojito

Perk up this winter with a seasonal citrus cocktail. Featuring the winter's most-beloved citrus, this freshly squeezed blood orange mojito is the perfect refresher when you’re over the chilly months. With just one sip, this vibrant, effervescent mojito will transport you to warm patio days.

Check out this recipe

5. Triple Citrus Tequila Smash

Triple Citrus Tequila Smash

Put down the margarita and try your hand at a new tequila cocktail. Made with freshly muddled grapefruit, orange, lime and mint, this triple citrus tequila smash is bursting with bright summer flavors for one refreshing sipper. Grab a seat on the patio with a few friends and serve this fun tequila cocktail with a big bowl of chips and salsa for the quintessential summer night.

Check out this recipe

6. Blood Orange Margarita

Blood Orange Margarita

Celebrate winter citrus season with a stunning blood orange margarita! Made with freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juices and a healthy dose of your favorite tequila, this vibrant blood orange margarita is perfectly zesty with a touch of natural citrus sweetness. You can make this citrusy drink as single servings or in a pitcher for easy entertaining — everyone will love sipping on this delicious blood orange cocktail. 

Check out this recipe

7. Blood Orange-Rosemary Gin and Tonic

Blood Orange-Rosemary Gin and Tonic

Love a fancy cocktail? Savory rosemary and sweet blood orange come together to make one sophisticated gin and tonic. At the same time, this blood orange-rosemary gin and tonic is approachable and simple to make for even novice mixologists.

Check out this recipe

8. Ramos Gin Fizz

Ramos Gin Fizz

Let's celebrate the best of New Orleans' cocktail history with this classic Ramos gin fizz! With its frothy, creamy topping and citrus, floral notes, this gin favorite makes one refreshing sipper with an impressive presentation.

Check out this recipe

9. Rosemary-Grapefruit Vodka Spritzer

Rosemary-Grapefruit Spritzer

Enjoy winter citrus season with this rosemary-grapefruit spritzer in hand! Made with just the right kick of vodka, this light and refreshing cocktail is full of seasonal citrus juice and fresh rosemary and finished with an effervescent topping of grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. Now let’s show you how to make this easy grapefruit cocktail you’ll want to sip every chance you get.

Check out this recipe

10. Tequila Sour

Tequila Sour

Let’s sip on the season’s most refreshing cocktail with this tequila sour! Featuring a creamy, frothy topping and bright, fresh lemon juice, this ultra smooth tequila cocktail makes for a fun twist on the popular margarita, and it only takes a few minutes and handful of ingredients to whip up. After just one sip, you’ll have a new favorite recipe for enjoying tequila.

Check out this recipe

11. Blood Orange Moscow Mule

Blood Orange Moscow Mule

Let’s give a favorite classic cocktail an extra jolt of citrus with this fresh blood orange Moscow mule! Mixed with freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juices and topped with a citrusy ginger beer, this mule is even more refreshing than the original version and comes together in fewer than five minutes. You can make it as a single drink or a large pitcher for parties. No matter how you serve it, this is one crowd-pleasing cocktail that’s perfect for any and all occasions.

Check out this recipe

Perfect Pairing

Wonder what to serve with these winter citrus cocktails? Let's keep with the theme and whip up this blood orange salmon! For this recipe, we slow roast the salmon, which keeps it perfectly moist and prevents overcooking. After it cooks, we spoon on a fresh blood orange glaze made with fresh ginger, honey and soy sauce to give it the perfect finishing touch.

Please let me know how you enjoyed these recipes in the comment section and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Cheers!