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 cheer๐Ÿ˜€. If you are a fan of spiced cocktails, you will also want to try my Gingerbread Martini or Gingerbread White Russian!

Glasses of Gingerbread Old Fashioned on a table with alcohol in the background.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

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 drinkingโ€”it doesnโ€™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: Youโ€™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)!
Pouring Gingerbread Old Fashioned into a glass with ice.

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.

Two Gingerbread Old Fashioned's on a tray on a wooden table from overhead.

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.

Hand holding a Gingerbread Old Fashioned.

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:

  1. Double or triple the recipe: Increase the ingredients based on how many servings you need for your guests.
  2. Mix and store: Combine the ingredients in a large jar or pitcher, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Serve in batches: When ready, pour the pre-mixed drink into glasses with large ice cubes and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Two Gingerbread Old Fashioned's on a tray on a wooden table from overhead.

Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
This Gingerbread Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, made with a blend of bourbon, ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. I like to pour it over a large ice cube and garnish it with a cinnamon stick for the perfect finish!

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces bourbon
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • 2 tablespoons simple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ยฝ 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.

Did you make this recipe?

Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.

What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

This Gingerbread Old Fashioned is the perfect holiday drink! Itโ€™s like a festive twist on the classic old fashionedโ€”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 youโ€™re looking for a drink thatโ€™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. Itโ€™s the perfect drink for winter nights.

Share with your friends!

Categorized in:

Related Recipes

Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion โ€“ With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.