Gingerbread Old Fashioned

This gingerbread old fashioned recipe is the perfect holiday drink for bourbon and whiskey lovers! Full of warm winter spices, this is sure to be a new favorite winter cocktail.

Hats off to my husband for this delightful holiday old fashioned drink recipe! This gingerbread old fashioned is a festive twist on a classic old fashioned. Boozy and bold, this easy cocktail recipe is perfect for those who love a simple “on the rocks” kind of drink.

If you love this Gingerbread Old Fashioned, you need to try this Gingerbread Eggnog Cocktail and this delightful Gingerbread Coffee too!

Gingerbread Old Fashioned Cocktail Ingredients

• Bourbon
• Gingerbread Simple Syrup
• Angostura bitters
• Ice

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Cask Strength Bourbon vs. Regular Bourbon

There are different types of bourbon available for purchase, so you may see a bottle labeled ‘cask strength’ or ‘barrel proof’. Cask strength bourbon is taken directly from the barrel to the bottling line, whereas a standard bourbon will have some water added to it in order to get the appropriate taste or ABV the distiller is looking for to sell it. To get to the point, cask strength or barrel proof whiskey is stronger. It’s also often touted as having a deeper flavor profile.

What is the Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned?

Whatever bourbon whiskey you enjoy is a good bourbon to use in this holiday old fashioned cocktail. If you are newer to bourbon, I recommend purchasing a high quality bourbon like J.Henry & Sons, Makers Mark Cask Strength, or Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. If you have a local distillery near you that makes bourbon, give them a try too!

How to Make a Gingerbread Old Fashioned Cocktail

Add bourbon, gingerbread simple syrup, and bitters to a lowball glass (or rocks glass).

Add 1 large ice cube (or 3-4 smaller ice cubes) and stir slowly until drink is cooled (about 30-seconds).

Kick back, sip slowly, and enjoy!

Helpful Equipment

Using a jigger is a standard way to measure cocktail ingredients. Using a bar spoon to stir is also a fun addition to your home bar. Using large ice sphere molds make your at home old fashioneds cocktail bar worthy. And don’t forget to serve up your drink in lowball / rocks glasses.

Gingerbread Cocktail Expert Tips

Prep your gingerbread simple syrup ahead of time. Having your gingerbread simple syrup done ahead of time ensures that it is cool and ready to use any time! Simple syrup will stay well in your fridge for several weeks, so making it early in the holiday season ensures you can enjoy festive beverages any time.

Make sure to shake your gingerbread simple syrup before using. With so many winter spices in our homemade simple syrup, you want to shake your (tightly-closed) bottle of simple syrup prior to use in any recipe. This ensures the spices are well distributed throughout, giving your drink that nice gingerbread flavor.