5 Delicious Campfire Cocktails to Warm the Soul

Making these cozy campfire cocktails is both a joy and a bit of an art. Some are twists on my longtime favorites, while others are brand new creations that have quickly become must-haves for any chilly evening by the fire. One thing they all have in common? They’re guaranteed to warm your soul.

Toasty Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail

If you’re into sweet and creamy drinks, this one’s made for you. It’s probably the most playful recipe on our list—everyone gets to toast their own marshmallows while the milk warms over the fire. This boozy marshmallow milkshake is as fun to make as it is to drink, and it’s just as tasty without the Baileys for kids or anyone skipping the alcohol.

Ingredients:

• 2 marshmallows

• 100ml almond milk (or your favorite milk)

• 50ml Baileys Irish Cream

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• Shaved dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Warm the milk in a pan over the fire (or near it).

2. Stir in cocoa powder and Baileys, heat for another minute or two, then pour into a thermos.

3. Roast your marshmallows over the fire and place them at the bottom of a cup.

4. Shake the warm mixture in the thermos to make it frothy.

5. Pour over the marshmallows.

6. Top with shaved chocolate and maybe a cookie on the side—it’s heaven in a cup!

Spiced Hot Mead

Mead, made from fermented honey and water, is one of the oldest known alcoholic drinks—and a great one to share with someone special. In fact, the word “honeymoon” comes from the ancient tradition of newlyweds drinking mead for a month to boost fertility. Whether or not it works, we prefer sipping it by the fire rather than chugging it for 30 days straight! This spicy version mixes sweet honey flavor with the tartness of apple juice and the richness of brandy. It’s the perfect fall cocktail for Halloween camping trips or backyard bonfire nights.

Ingredients:

• 400ml mead

• 3 tbsp brandy

• 200ml apple juice

• 2 lemon slices

• 4 whole cloves

• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Add everything to a pan.

2. Heat gently until just about to boil.

3. Remove cloves before serving.

Dad’s Hot Toddy

Growing up, this was our go-to when someone caught a cold. With lemon, ginger, and honey to soothe the throat—and a splash of cheap Irish whiskey to knock out the germs—this was Dad’s cure-all. I can’t say if it’s medically proven, but it sure tastes good and warms you right up. Bonus: it makes a great nighttime sipper.

Ingredients:

• 1 or 2 shots (25–50ml) of Irish whiskey

• 1 thumb-sized slice of fresh ginger

• Juice from half a lemon

• 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

1. Boil water over the campfire.

2. In a mug, combine whiskey, ginger, and lemon juice.

3. Add the hot water.

4. Stir in honey.

5. Let sit a few minutes—then wrap your hands around the mug and sip slowly.

Ginger Bomb

This is the only iced cocktail on our list, but it still feels like a fall classic. Ginger wine has a warm, mellow spice and a syrupy smoothness that’s just lovely. Mix it with Jägermeister and a splash of lemon-lime soda over ice, and you’ve got a drink that’s way more chill than a typical Jägerbomb—but just as strong if you’re not careful. This combo reminds me of après-ski parties and snowy terrace gatherings. Light, sweet, and sneakily powerful.

Ingredients:

• 60ml ginger wine

• 30ml Jägermeister

• A splash of lemon-lime soda

• Wedge of lemon or lime

Instructions:

1. Fill a cup or jar with crushed ice.

2. Pour in ginger wine, Jäger, and soda.

3. Stir gently and garnish with citrus. Drink responsibly!

Mulled Wine

There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of mulled wine around the holidays. Better still? A whole pot of it bubbling over a fire, sending waves of cinnamon-spiced aroma into the night air. For me, the first sip of mulled wine marks the true start of the Christmas season. I love pairing it with homemade mince pies, but it’s just as delightful in late winter when you need a cozy moment with family and friends by the flames.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine

• 100ml brandy

• 200ml orange juice

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp allspice

• 1 tsp ground cardamom

• 1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.

2. Heat gently until steaming—but don’t let it boil.

3. Ladle into mugs or jars and enjoy!