This Gingerbread Cocktail is exactly what you need during the holiday season! Although it is a holiday favorite, it is truly good any time of year. The homemade gingerbread syrup is super simple to make and can be made into both a mocktail or cocktail. The sweet molasses combined with my favorite holiday spices like ginger and nutmeg are oh so good. It will get anyone in the holiday spirit! This festive cocktail only requires 10 minutes of hands on time and I can assure you it will become a staple during your Christmas season.
If you love the holidays like me, you love anything festive for the holiday season. This recipe pairs so well with my other holiday favorites like my Gluten Free Orange Cake, Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal, Cranberry Mocktails, and my Pear Cocktail Recipe.
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Why I Love This Recipe
- I love serving this creamy cocktail at holiday parties! Who does not love a festive drink. This is a must for your next holiday party.
- Why my husband loves using this gingerbread simple syrup to make an old fashioned, some may prefer to use it to make this into a martini cocktail and it would work just great.
- You can make this into a mocktail too! My husband prefers the cocktail version and I prefer the mocktail.
- The creamy texture of this recipe makes this drink go down so smooth.
- This delicious christmas cocktail pairs great when making your holiday gingerbread houses. I also love serving it with my Vegan Christmas Crack.
- You can make this simple syrup in this recipe in advance and make cocktails with it all month long.
Simple Ingredients
For the gingerbread simple syrup
- Water-This is the base of the simple syrup.
- Molasses-I like blackstrap molasses. It gives this recipe the warm flavors. This in my opinion is the best part!
- Honey-This adds some extra sweetness without making it over powering with the molasses.
- Fresh ginger-This gives the gingerbread flavor.
- Ginger, cloves, and cinnamon-This helps with the gingerbread spice flavor.
- Vanilla-This helps enhance the warmness of this recipe.
For cocktail or mocktail
- Whiskey-This is my husbands liquor of choice. You can obviously omit if you are making this into a mocktail.
- Club soda-This adds some bubbles to this already fun drink!
Optional Garnishes
- Cinnamon stick.
- Sprinkled coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- Gingerbread cookies sprinkled on top.
- Gingersnap cookie-You can also stick one of these on the side.
See the full recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream-If you want to get real fancy, you can add whipped cream on top!
- Vodka-You can make this into a vodka cocktail by adding vodka instead of whiskey. You can also use a vanilla vodka if you want to add more warmth to the drink.
- Christmas sangria-If you are having a big get together, making a big bowl of sangria is the way to go! It is so much easier over making individual cocktails.
- Rims of the glasses-Sometimes I like to dip the rims of the glasses in water then in coconut sugar or brown sugar!
- Molasses-You can also use maple syrup in place of the molasses. Just note that the maple syrup may change the flavor a little bit.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you add or remove any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Recipe Instructions
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Tip #1: To make this drink extra fun, use a fun glass! Place the glass in the freezer prior to using. I like using a copper mug.
- Tip #2: Make sure you allow the syrup to completely cool prior to mixing it in the drink. If you put warm syrup in the drink, it will not taste good.
- Tip #3: If I am adding alcohol to the drink, I like to use a cocktail shaker to mix it with the simple syrup. It mixes it so much better!
Recipe FAQs
I would not mix up the drink until you are ready to drink it. The simple syrup itself can last for up to 1 month in the fridge in an airtight container.
My husband loves whiskey or bourbon. You can also use rum, gin or vodka.
That can vary! You can make your drinks as strong or as mild as you would like.
Other Holiday Drinks You Will Love
Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
Download your FREE guide below.
Gingerbread Cocktail
Equipment
- Large pot with a lid for the simple syrup
Ingredients
For the simple syrup:
- 1 tsp Molasses
- 1.5 cup Water
- 1 inch Fresh ginger Cut into slices.
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Honey
To serve: (per glass, multiply if more than one serving)
- 1/3 cup simple syrup
- 1/2 cup club soda
- 1 shot vodka Optional, omit if alcohol free like me.
Instructions
- Place all simple syrup ingredients in a large pot with a lid on medium heat. Bring the syrup to a boil. Once it boils, reduce to a simmer and simmer for 20 minutes. After the time is up, remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Once the syrup cools, strain the syrup over a bowl to remove any large pieces of ginger.
- Add the cocktail/ mocktail remaining ingredients to your cocktail shaker and mix well. Serve with ice and your garnish of choice on top.
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