Cozy Up with a Gingerbread Old Fashioned This Winter

When the temperature drops and cozy evenings call for something special, a gingerbread old fashioned is the perfect winter sip to warm your soul. This cocktail balances the rich, comforting flavors of gingerbread spices with the smooth, caramel notes of bourbon. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or entertaining friends, this gingerbread old fashioned will quickly become your go-to drink for chilly nights.

this Recipe

You’ll find that this gingerbread old fashioned is delightfully simple to make at home, requiring just a few pantry staples and your favorite bourbon. Its inviting aroma and festive flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser, capturing the essence of the season with every sip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Infused with warm gingerbread spices that evoke cozy winter vibes.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and boozy for a sophisticated taste.
• Great for holiday gatherings or relaxing solo evenings.
• Customizable to your preferred bourbon or spice level.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to craft your gingerbread old fashioned. Fresh spices and quality bourbon make all the difference.

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup (recipe below)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel, for garnish
• 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish

For the Gingerbread Syrup

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2 cocktails
• Calories: Approximately 180 per serving

How to Make Cozy Up with a Gingerbread Old Fashioned: The Perfect Winter Sip!

1. First, prepare the gingerbread syrup by combining water, brown sugar, and all the spices in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
3. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before using.
4. Fill two rocks glasses with large ice cubes to chill your glass.
5. In a mixing glass, add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1/2 ounce of gingerbread syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters; stir gently for about 20 seconds to combine and chill.
6. Discard the ice from the glasses and strain the cocktail into each glass over fresh ice.
7. Express the oils of an orange peel over each glass, then use it as a garnish along with a cinnamon stick for extra aroma and festive flair.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spicy notes mingling with the bourbon’s smoothness for a perfect winter treat.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make extra gingerbread syrup and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks to have on hand for quick cocktails.
• Use fresh spices for the syrup to get the brightest, most vibrant flavors possible.
• Choose a bourbon with sweet, caramel undertones to complement the spice blend.
• For a slightly lighter cocktail, reduce the bourbon to 1 1/2 ounces and increase gingerbread syrup to 3/4 ounce.
• Try adding a splash of club soda for a gingerbread old fashioned spritz variation.

Storage and Reheating

The gingerbread syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it easy to whip up your gingerbread old fashioned anytime without starting from scratch.

Since this is a no-cook cocktail, there’s no reheating involved—just pour over fresh ice each time you serve to keep the flavors crisp and refreshing. If you want to prep cocktails in advance, mix all ingredients except the ice and garnish, then refrigerate and stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of whiskey instead of bourbon?

Absolutely! Rye whiskey or a spiced whiskey can work well and add their own unique character. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will shift slightly depending on your choice.

How do I make the gingerbread syrup without ground spices?

If you don’t have ground spices, you can use whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fresh ginger slices. Simmer them with the water and sugar, then strain out the solids before using the syrup.

Is the gingerbread old fashioned too sweet?

You can adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of gingerbread syrup. Start with less syrup and add more to taste to find your perfect balance between sweet and boozy.

Can I make the cocktail vegan-friendly?

Yes! Ensure your bourbon is vegan-friendly, then use maple syrup or a vegan gingerbread syrup in place of the brown sugar syrup if desired. This keeps the cocktail both delicious and plant-based.