This Gingerbread Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, made with a blend of bourbon, ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and simple syrup. I like to pour it over a large ice cube and garnish it with a cinnamon stick for the perfect finish! It is not just for holiday gatherings, but for any time you crave a flavorful, spiced drink that will bring you warmth and cheer😀. If you are a fan of spiced cocktails, you will also want to try my Gingerbread Martini or Gingerbread White Russian!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bourbon: The alcoholic base is bourbon, the classic choice for a traditional Old Fashioned cocktail. For a spicier sip, try using rye whiskey. Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking—it doesn’t need to be top-shelf. You could also experiment with brandy, rum, or even gin for unique variations.
- Bitters: Bitters taste very strong and are used in small amounts to add depth and balance to drinks, cutting through sweetness and bringing out other flavors. A popular choice for bitters is Angostura, but you can also use any aromatic bitters. Orange bitters would work well too, or you can try using a bit of both for added flavor!
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a sweetener that helps balance the spices and gives the drink a smooth taste. It’s easy to make your own; then, you have it on hand when you need it for baking or other drinks. As an alternative, you could use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup.
- Molasses: To add a little coziness and a deep, rich sweetness, add molasses to the cocktail. Plus, it brings out that gingerbread flavor!
- Spices: For the festive flavor of gingerbread, use ground ginger and ground cinnamon. If you don’t have either spice, you could use a little bit of pumpkin pie spice.
- Ice Cubes: You’ll need ice cubes to chill and mix the ingredients together. Then, I prefer to use one large ice cube in each glass to keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly. If you are serving the drinks at a holiday party, add some festive ice cubes to the mix (like Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, or any that go with your theme)!
Non-Alcoholic Gingerbread Old Fashioned Recipe
If you are looking for a festive, non-alcoholic cocktail recipe, it’s easy to make a Gingerbread Old Fashioned Mocktail! Simply substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. Or, try the cocktail with spiced apple cider or ginger beer in place of the bourbon.
How To Make A Gingerbread Old Fashioned Ahead Of Time
To make the Gingerbread Old Fashioned in advance, mix the ingredients in a large jar or pitcher (without ice). Stir until the molasses dissolves. Refrigerate for up to a day, then serve over large ice cubes and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Large Batch of Gingerbread Old Fashions For a Party
Get ready for your guests by getting a large batch of this cocktail ready to go! Here is how:
- Double or triple the recipe: Increase the ingredients based on how many servings you need for your guests.
- Mix and store: Combine the ingredients in a large jar or pitcher, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve in batches: When ready, pour the pre-mixed drink into glasses with large ice cubes and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes bitters
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ice cubes, for shaking
- large ice cubes, for serving
- cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, molasses, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the molasses dissolves and the spices are incorprated.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to thoroughly chill and mix.
- Add a large ice cube to each glass. Strain the mixture into the glasses, pouring it over the ice cubes.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This Gingerbread Old Fashioned is the perfect holiday drink! It’s like a festive twist on the classic old fashioned—smooth, warming, and delicious.
Elizabeth
I would curl up on the couch with my favorite book and one of these cocktails. It will definitely warm you up on the inside!
Bella
If you’re looking for a drink that’s a little different this season, this Gingerbread Old Fashioned is it. The bourbon mixes perfectly with the ginger and cinnamon, giving it a nice kick.
Selena
The Gingerbread Old Fashioned takes the classic drink up a notch. The spices are balanced well with the sweetness of the molasses and simple syrup, while the bourbon gives it a nice, smooth finish. It’s the perfect drink for winter nights.
