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Introduction
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail—simple, sophisticated, and packed with rich bourbon flavor. But when the holiday season rolls around, I love giving it a cozy, spiced twist with this Gingerbread Old Fashioned. It takes everything great about the classic and infuses it with warm, festive flavors like molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, making it the perfect drink for chilly nights and holiday celebrations.
The first time I tried a Gingerbread Old Fashioned, it was a cold December evening, and I was craving something that felt like Christmas in a glass. I experimented with adding gingerbread syrup to my usual Old Fashioned recipe, and after a few tweaks, I found the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and bourbon warmth. Now, this cocktail has become my go-to holiday drink, whether I’m hosting a festive gathering or just winding down by the fireplace.
If you love bourbon and the flavors of gingerbread cookies, this cocktail is a must-try. It’s smooth, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet—making every sip feel like a holiday treat.
The Perfect Holiday Cocktail
The Gingerbread Old Fashioned is designed for cozy nights and festive gatherings. It’s the kind of drink you want to sip slowly while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
- Cold Winter Nights: The deep, warming spices make it perfect for sipping by the fireplace.
- Holiday Parties & Gatherings: Impress guests with a unique take on the classic Old Fashioned.
- Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: The flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger fit right into holiday celebrations.
- New Year’s Eve: A classy and cozy way to toast the year ahead.
- Gifting Idea: Bottle up homemade gingerbread syrup and pair it with a bottle of bourbon for a thoughtful cocktail gift set.
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Why Gingerbread and Bourbon Work So Well Together
The key to this drink’s magic is how bourbon’s natural flavors blend seamlessly with gingerbread spices. Here’s why:
- Bourbon: With notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, bourbon pairs beautifully with the warm flavors of gingerbread. A high-rye bourbon adds an extra spicy kick.
- Gingerbread Syrup: Made with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this homemade syrup brings deep, holiday-inspired sweetness to the drink.
- Aromatic Bitters: Adds balance and complexity, preventing the drink from being overly sweet.
- Orange Peel: The citrusy oils brighten up the flavors and complement the spices.
- Cinnamon Stick (for Garnish): Enhances the warm, spiced aroma with every sip.
These ingredients come together to create a drink that’s bold, smooth, and irresistibly festive.
How to Make a Gingerbread Old Fashioned: The Recipe
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Before making the cocktail, you’ll need to prepare the gingerbread syrup:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let cool, then strain into a jar. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz gingerbread syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass – Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass.
- Mix the Cocktail – In the glass, pour bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters. Stir well.
- Garnish & Serve – Express an orange peel over the drink (squeezing the peel to release oils), then drop it in. Add a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
- Enjoy – Sip slowly and savor the cozy, spiced flavors!
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought gingerbread syrup?
Yes! While homemade syrup gives the best flavor, you can use a store-bought version if you’re short on time. Just check that it has real spices and molasses for the best taste.
2. What’s the best bourbon for this cocktail?
A smooth, slightly spicy bourbon works best. Try Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit Bourbon. A high-rye bourbon will bring out the spicier notes even more.
3. Can I make a batch of Gingerbread Old Fashioneds for a party?
Yes! For a party-sized batch (serves 6-8), mix:
- 1 cup bourbon
- 4 oz gingerbread syrup
- 12 dashes bitters
Stir well and serve over ice, garnished with orange peels and cinnamon sticks.
4. Can I make it less sweet?
If you prefer a drier drink, reduce the gingerbread syrup to ¼ oz and add an extra dash of bitters.
5. What if I don’t have bitters?
Bitters add depth, but if you don’t have them, try a few drops of vanilla extract or a splash of orange juice for balance.
Variations
- Spiced Rum Gingerbread Old Fashioned: Swap bourbon for aged spiced rum for a sweeter, tropical twist.
- Smoky Gingerbread Old Fashioned: Use a peated Scotch or mezcal instead of bourbon for a smoky take.
- Maple Gingerbread Old Fashioned: Replace molasses with maple syrup in the gingerbread syrup for a Canadian-inspired version.
- Nutty Gingerbread Old Fashioned: Add ¼ oz of Frangelico or Amaretto for a hazelnut or almond twist.
- Iced Gingerbread Old Fashioned: Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass for a chilled, up-style version.
When to Serve It
Cold Winter Nights
Perfect for sipping by the fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket.
Holiday Parties & Gatherings
A sophisticated cocktail that impresses guests with its unique, festive flavors.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Enjoy it as a post-dinner drink while relaxing with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve
A classy way to ring in the new year with a warming winter cocktail.
Cocktail Gift Idea
Bottle homemade gingerbread syrup and pair it with a bottle of bourbon for an easy, thoughtful holiday gift.
Occasions to Serve It
- Thanksgiving & Christmas Dinners – The perfect after-dinner drink.
- Holiday Happy Hours – A great addition to a seasonal cocktail menu.
- Cozy Movie Nights – Pair it with classic holiday movies for the ultimate festive experience.
- New Year’s Toasts – Swap champagne for a bourbon-based celebration.
- Gift Exchanges & Secret Santa – Pair with homemade gingerbread cookies for a perfect combo.
Conclusion
The Gingerbread Old Fashioned takes a classic cocktail and transforms it into a warm, spiced holiday delight. With the boldness of bourbon, the sweetness of molasses, and the warmth of ginger and cinnamon, it’s the perfect drink for festive nights and winter celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a cozy fireside sipper, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this cocktail is a must-try. Give it a shake, experiment with your own twists, and toast to the holiday season in style. Cheers!
M.Arch. Julio A. Arco is the founder of The Crafted Drink, a blog that blends design, wellness, and creativity into every sip. As an architect and lifestyle creative, Julio is passionate about turning beverages into moments of beauty and intention—from mocktails and smoothies to barista-worthy coffee and artisanal cocktails.
His work is inspired by leading voices in the drink world, including Liquor.com, Punch, Imbibe Magazine, Difford’s Guide, and The Spruce Eats.