Dark winter days equal dark winter drinks! Winter is just around the corner, thus what should I be drinking?  My normal summer tipple of Gin and Tonic, or should I move over to darker more homely drinks, like perhaps rum and coke?  Is there a particular wine that is evocative of cold days and warm fireplaces?  Or perhaps I should just simply remove ice from gin and carry on - any suggestions?
I'll just go ahead and answer this question assuming it's better formed, something like:


Which drinks are most popular in the winter?


The difference to me in which drinks to choose in the summer versus the winter comes from the temperature in which you're drinking. In the summer people typically crave something that is light, cool, and refreshing in the hot weather, where in the winter they want something that sticks to their bones and warms the cockles. Some examples:

Summer Drinks


Pilsner
Lager
Weiss
IPAs
Fruity cocktails (vodka, rum)
Caesars
Light bodied, medium to sweet wines


Winter Drinks


Stouts
Porters
Full bodied, dry red wines
Mulled Wine
Whisky
Brandy
Autumn or Winter (spiced) ales


Caveat

That said, really just drink and enjoy whatever you want, whenever you want. But in my experience it's usually the summer when I don't want the heavier drinks rather than vice versa. I'm much more likely to drink a light beer in the winter than something dark in the summer, although I'll drink whisky all year round.