Gingerbread Old Fashioned

The Gingerbread Old Fashioned puts a seasonal spin on a time-honored favorite - the classic Old Fashioned - blending the robust warmth of bourbon or rye whiskey with the sweet, spiced flavors of gingerbread. 

This stirred whiskey cocktail is an ideal choice for the festive months, as it perfectly captures the essence of holiday treats in a sippable form. Whether you’re relaxing by a fireplace or hosting a holiday gathering, this cocktail’s comforting notes of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon will transport you straight into the heart of the holiday spirit.

Quick Facts about the Gingerbread Old Fashioned

• Method: stirred
• Flavor profile: warm, spiced, sweet, aromatic
• How to serve it: In an Old Fashioned glass, over a large ice cube
• Glassware: Old Fashioned (rocks) glass
• Alcohol content: ~ 22% ABV 

Ingredients

• Bourbon or rye whiskey (2 oz): The base of the cocktail. I prefer to make this one with bourbon as it pairs better with our gingerbread syrup - at least in my opinion.
• Gingerbread syrup (1/2 oz): The key to making this drink so festive. The syrup adds sweet, spiced complexity; can be store-bought but is best homemade.
• Aromatic bitters (2-3 dashes): Adds extra complexity and depth to the cocktail.
• Orange peel (for garnish): Adds bright citrus oils for aromatic contrast.
• Cinnamon stick (optional garnish): Contributes a warm, festive spice note and stirs the drink elegantly.

Making Your Own Gingerbread Syrup at Home

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, brown sugar, and molasses, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves.
2. Mix in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool. For a smoother finish, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve.
4. Transfer your gingerbread syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Required Bartending Tools

• Mixing glass: The ideal vessel to prepare any stirred cocktail.
• Bar spoon: Helps to stir and chill the ingredients.
• Jigger: Ensures precise measuring of spirits and syrups.
• Peeler or paring knife: For creating the citrus twist garnish.
• A large ice cube or standard ice: Keeps the cocktail chilled without excessive dilution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make this Cocktail

1. Prepare the glass: Place a large ice cube into an Old Fashioned glass. Stir it to help the glass chill evenly.
2. Mix the ingredients: Pour in 2 oz of bourbon or rye, 1/2 oz of gingerbread syrup, and 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters into a mixing glass.
3. Stir the drink: Add ice cubes and stir the drink gently with a bar spoon for about 15-20 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled.
4. Strain: After stirring, strain the drink into the prepared glass over the large ice cube.
5. Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the surface to release its oils, then drop it into the glass. Then add a cinnamon stick for a festive finish, if desired, and serve immediately. If you want you may also add a small gingerbread cookie as an edible garnish.

Gingerbread Old Fashioned

This Gingerbread Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic whiskey cocktail, perfect for cozy winter evenings. Rich gingerbread syrup and warm spices add depth and holiday cheer.

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Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: angostura bitters, bourbon, cinnamon stick, gingerbread syrup, orange peel, rye

Servings: 1

Cost: $3,10

Equipment

• 1 Mixing glass
• 1 Jigger
• 1 Bar spoon
• 1 Hawthorne Strainer
• 1 Citrus peeler

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or rye whiskey - I prefer bourbon
• 0.5 oz Gingerbread syrup
• 2-3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 Orange peel
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 Gingerbread cookie - optional

Instructions

• Place a large ice cube into an Old Fashioned glass. Stir it to help the glass chill evenly.
• Pour in 2 oz of bourbon or rye, 1/2 oz of gingerbread syrup, and 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters into a mixing glass.
• Add ice and stir gently with a bar spoon for about 15-20 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled.
• After stirring, strain the drink into the prepared glass over the large ice cube.
• Twist an orange peel over the surface to release its oils, then drop it into the glass. Then add a cinnamon stick for a festive finish, if desired, and serve immediately. If you want you may also add a small gingerbread cookie as an edible garnish.

Notes

Recipe For The Gingerbread Syrup 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, brown sugar, and molasses, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves.
2. Mix in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool. For a smoother finish, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve.
4. Transfer your gingerbread syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to two weeks.

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