This gingerbread old fashioned cocktail is the coziest way to feel festive this season. Plus, it's super easy. All you need is the gingerbread syrup (which I have on hand all December long), and your favorite bourbon or whiskey. If you want to feel fancy, you can add orange bitters and a bit of orange peel for flair, but you don't have too!
This cocktail is filled with all the flavors you know and love around Christmas time. Molasses, ginger, clove, allspice, and orange. What more could you ask for?
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festive flair: The gingerbread syrup gives classic old fashioned vibes a holiday twist.
- Simple ingredients: It’s made with staples like bourbon, bitters, and a syrup you already have.
- Customizable sweetness: You can adjust the gingerbread syrup to suit your palate.
- Balanced flavors: Spices from the syrup and bitters blend perfectly with the bourbon’s warmth.
- Elegant presentation: The orange peel and cinnamon stick garnish make it look fancy with minimal effort.
- Make-ahead potential: Prep a batch of syrup for multiple cocktails and impress your guests.
- Versatile for occasions: Ideal for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or gifts for cocktail lovers.
- Warm and comforting: The flavor profile feels like a hug in a glass. Seriously. If you're lucky enough to get a snowstorm (and don't have to drive anywhere!) in December RUN to your kitchen to make this.
Ingredients
Bourbon: Its warm, caramel, and vanilla notes pair beautifully with the spice blend in the gingerbread syrup.
Gingerbread syrup: Adds holiday spices (think cinnamon, ginger, and cloves) for a festive, cozy twist on a classic drink.
Angostura bitters: Provides depth with hints of clove and spice, amplifying the gingerbread flavors.
Orange bitters: Adds a bright, citrusy touch to balance the warmth and richness.
Orange peel: Enhances the drink with fresh aromatics and a hint of zest, complementing the gingerbread spices.
Cinnamon stick (garnish): A fragrant and visual reminder of the seasonal theme, tying it all together.
Can I Use Whiskey Instead of Bourbon?
100% - here's what you should consider:
Whiskey: Works just as well, especially if you prefer a less sweet, more robust flavor profile.
Rye whiskey: Adds a spicy kick that complements the gingerbread spices beautifully.
Irish or Canadian whiskey: Lighter and smoother, great if you want the gingerbread flavor to shine more (this is my particular favorite!).
How to Make A Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Making this gingerbread old fashioned is super easy and totally worth it. Start by grabbing a mixing glass or any sturdy glass you have for mixing. Fill it halfway with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon (or whiskey, if you prefer) and ½ ounce of gingerbread syrup—you can adjust this depending on how sweet you like your drink. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters and one dash of orange bitters to bring out the spices and balance the sweetness.
Next, stir it for about 20–30 seconds. This step chills the drink and slightly dilutes it, which is key to a smooth taste. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or a couple of smaller ones.
Now for the garnish. Take a strip of orange peel, give it a little twist to release the oils, and run it around the rim of the glass for extra aroma. Drop the peel into the drink, and finish it off with a cinnamon stick for that cozy, festive vibe.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill your glass: Pop your rocks glass in the freezer before mixing. It keeps the drink extra cold and classy.
- Use a large ice cube: A single big cube melts slower, keeping your drink chilled without watering it down.
- Balance sweetness: Start with less gingerbread syrup (about ¼ oz) and add more if needed. It’s easier to adjust!
- Toast the cinnamon stick: Quickly run it over an open flame before garnishing to amplify its aroma and add a subtle smoky note. This is one of my favorite cocktail tricks - it smells amazing!
- Experiment with whiskey types: Rye for spice, bourbon for sweetness, or even a smoky Scotch for something bold.
- Serve with a twist: Garnish with a small gingerbread cookie clipped to the glass for a playful, Instagram-worthy finish.
- Batch it for a crowd: Multiply the ingredients, mix them up ahead of time (minus the ice), and stir individual servings to order.
More Amazing Cocktails to Try
📖 Recipe
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail mixer (or just a jar/container big enough to hold ice and stir)
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- ½ oz gingerbread syrup or more, to taste
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- orange peel for garnish
- cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Combine: In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters.
- Stir: Add ice and stir until well-chilled, about 20–30 seconds.
- Serve: Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish: Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in. Add a cinnamon stick for that cozy touch.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a drier drink, reduce the gingerbread syrup to ¼ oz or add an extra dash of bitters.
- Use quality spirits: The better the bourbon or whiskey, the smoother and more flavorful your cocktail will be.
- Garnish alternatives: Swap the cinnamon stick for a star anise pod or a thin slice of candied ginger for a twist.
- Make it non-alcoholic: Replace bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute or strong black tea for a zero-proof version.
- Spice up the syrup: For more depth, simmer your gingerbread syrup with a clove-studded orange slice before using.
- Serve with flair: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookies for an extra fun presentation.
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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