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Home » Recipes » Drink Recipes

Ginger Snap Cocktail

Published: Dec 23, 2020 · Modified: Dec 5, 2022 by Colleen 26 Comments

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Two drinks in glasses with cinnamon sugar on a plate
A top down view of a drink in a glass with ice
A rum cocktail in a glass on a table
Two drinks in glasses on cocktail napkins
Two glasses with rum cocktails on a table
2 ginger snap cocktails with ginger slices for garnish on blue cocktail napkins
2 glasses of ginger cocktail

Ginger Snap Cocktails are a must-have during the holiday season. A delicious cookie in a cup, this easy and festive drink recipe is full of the warm and spicy, winter flavours we look forward to all year long.

Two cocktails in glasses on blue napkins next to cinnamon sugar on a round white plate

What is a Ginger Snap Cocktail?

When I think of the classic, full-of-Grandma's-love gingersnaps, I get hit with a wave of nostalgia. The smell of freshly-baked cookies, sneaking small bites of dough, and kids placing little balls of soon-to-be cookies onto a baking sheet. Now, as an all-grown-up adult, I have turned one of my favorite childhood cookie recipes into a delicious holiday cocktail (or mocktail)!

Simple, spicy, and full of winter comfort, these easy gingersnap cookie cocktails stir up all best winter flavours -- ginger, molasses, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. This drink -- made alcoholic or not -- really does taste just like the classic gingersnaps we all love. Each delightfully delicious sip feels like a warm cozy winter treat.

Two cocktails in glasses on blue napkins next to cinnamon sugar on a round white plate

The Perfect Holiday Cocktail

This Ginger Snap Cocktail is definitely a winter drink and is absolutely perfect around the holidays. If you're planning a safe, socially-distanced holiday gathering, Ginger Snaps make for a lovely "welcome" drink. Keeping things simple at home? They are also absolutely delightful for sipping by a toasty fire on Christmas Eve.

Fair warning, this is a very sweet cocktail -- you could even serve this drink as a dessert. Contrast the sweetness of this delicious holiday drink by serving alongside some spiced nuts or my Spiced Lemon Roasted Chickpeas. A fruit platter or Holiday Charcuterie Board both make for another perfect pairing, as do pastries, cookies, and other sweet treats.

Want to learn more about pairing cocktails and food? Check out this guide from epicurious: Dare to Pair Cocktails and Food.

Two cocktails in glasses on blue napkins, sitting on top of a white table with cinnamon pieces nearby

Here's What You Need to Make this Recipe

Vodka vs. Rum

A dark rum seemed, at first, to be the obvious choice for this drink. However, because rum has a very distinct taste of its own, it detracted from the overall goal of the recipe, which was, again, to recreate the classic gingersnap cookie. When I did some research, I saw a few recipes that were called "Ginger Snap" cocktails, but, other than the ginger, there really was no cookie connection. I went back to the drawing board and decided that, since I planned to use molasses in the cocktail recipe, dark rum wasn't quite the right choice. I ended up using vodka as the spirit for my Ginger Snap Cocktails because its more neutral flavour allows the gingersnap flavours to be the star of the show.

Equipment

Ok, so technically you can mix your cocktail ingredients in any number of ways. That being said, investing in a cocktail shaker really is worth it -- no other mixology method really integrates the flavours and ingredients as well. Personally, I thought a cocktail shaker was just another unnecessary kitchen tool for the longest time, but (aside from it being fun to shake) I soon realized that my shaken drinks just tasted better. They're more fully combined and, if you're shaking with ice, are perfectly cool when poured into your favorite cocktail glass.

Two cocktails in glasses on blue napkins, sitting on top of a white table with cinnamon pieces nearby

Ingredients

Ginger Snap Simple Syrup

  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Cloves
  • Star anise

Ginger Snap Cocktail

  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger snap simple syrup
  • Molasses
  • Vodka
  • Club soda

Cocktail in a glass on blue napkin next to cinnamon sugar on a round white plate

How to Make This Recipe, Step By Step

Ginger Snap Simple Syrup

  1. In a sauce pan, combine sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, strain, and allow to cool completely

Ginger Snap Cocktail

  1. On a plate, combine sugar and cinnamon
  2. Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with water, then invert the glass in the sugar cinnamon mixture to coat the rim
  3. In a cocktail shaker, add simple syrup, molasses, vodka, and ice. Shake until combined.
  4. Pour into the cocktail glass, then top up with club soda
  5. Garnish with fresh ginger slices

Cocktail in a glass on blue napkin next to cinnamon sugar on a round white plate

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for this Holiday Cocktail

Make your own Ginger Snap Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is the base of this cocktail, as well as many others. Simple syrup really is simple: just equal parts water and sugar, along with any flavour components (like ginger snap), simmered until thickened into a syrup. Ginger snap simple syrup will keep in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. The syrup is versatile and you can use it for more than just cocktails. Drown your pancakes or waffles in it, drizzle on ice cream or pound cake, or just stir it into your coffee or tea -- the possibilities are endless.

No Alcohol Required

This Ginger Snap Cocktail makes for a delicious mocktail! Just leave out the vodka for a festive and delicious, non-alcoholic drink that kids and non-imbibers can enjoy, too.

Don't Forget the Presentation

Part of the fun with cocktails is the pretty glasses, the garnishes and the flavour combos. I rimmed the cocktail glasses with cinnamon sugar and garnished with ginger slices for an even more festive touch. Remember, the mocktail should look just as great! It's always fun to include children so they, too, can have a special drink on a special occasion.

Two cocktails in glasses on blue napkins next to cinnamon sugar on a round white plate

Want more festive cocktails? Try my Ginger Blueberry Martini, Spiked Iced Tea Rum Cocktail or my Prosecco Margarita Cocktail. Or stay warm with a delicious RumChata Hot Chocolate

A rum cocktail in a glass on a table

Ginger Snap Cocktail

Ginger Snap Cocktails are a must-have during the holiday season. A delicious cookie in a cup, this easy and festive drink recipe is full of the warm and spicy, winter flavours we look forward to all year long.
5 from 12 votes
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Cocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 156kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

Ginger Snap Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup fresh ginger peeled and sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 star anise

Ginger Snap Cocktail

  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Snap Simple Syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Molasses
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 6 oz club soda

Instructions

Ginger Snap Simple Syrup

  • In a sauce pan, combine sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, strain, and allow to cool completely

Ginger Snap Cocktail

  • On a plate, combine sugar and cinnamon
  • Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with water, then invert the glass in the sugar cinnamon mixture to coat the rim
  • In a cocktail shaker, add simple syrup, molasses, vodka, and ice. Shake until combined.
  • Pour into the cocktail glass, then top up with club soda
  • Garnish with fresh ginger slices

Notes

Ginger snap simple syrup will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Store the syrup in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheFoodBlog or tag #thefoodblog!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sunrita | spiceitupp

    January 03, 2020 at 11:36 am

    What a superb drink! Can feel the gorgeous smell filling in the room.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      January 03, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Sunrita, yes, you are so right. Theis drink smells as good as it tastes!

      Reply
  2. Tonje

    January 03, 2020 at 11:29 am

    Ginger is my weakness, and vodka is my poison. So obviously, I loved this recipe and I can't wait to make it again. Love how cool it looks too!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      January 03, 2020 at 11:31 am

      This sounds like a perfect drink for you, Tonje. So happy that you loved it! Cheers.

      Reply
  3. Sophie

    January 03, 2020 at 11:14 am

    Wow, this doesn’t just look festive, but looks delicious. I am adding this to my to-do list. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      January 03, 2020 at 11:28 am

      You're welcome, Sophie! It is a delicious drink. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Jill

    January 03, 2020 at 11:08 am

    That's a stunning cocktail because of the color from the molasses. Loving all the flavors!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      January 03, 2020 at 11:28 am

      Thanks Jill! Cheers.

      Reply
  5. Anita

    January 03, 2020 at 10:59 am

    This is such a fun and festive drink throughout winter and holiday season. I'll be sure to stock up on club soda so it can be an everyday drink. 🙂

    Reply
    • Colleen

      January 03, 2020 at 11:27 am

      Thanks, Anita! It really is fun and festive. Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. JustineCelina

    December 30, 2019 at 9:55 am

    Colleen, this is such a lovely and playful cocktail idea -- I love the creativity! I hope you're having a lovely holiday week. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 30, 2019 at 10:46 am

      Thanks so much, Justine! Cheers.

      Reply
  7. Matt - Total Feasts

    December 29, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    What a cool idea for a cocktail. I love ginger snaps, so I really want to try this!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 30, 2019 at 7:50 am

      You're going to love it, Matt! Cheers.

      Reply
  8. Marisa

    December 29, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    This cocktail is definitely a drink to cozy up to by the fireplace. It looks and sounds so refreshing Colleen...happy holidays!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 29, 2019 at 7:31 pm

      Thanks, Marisa, I'm hoping that you will get a chance to cozy up and sip this drink. Happy Holidays to you!

      Reply
  9. Terri

    December 29, 2019 at 6:50 pm

    The PERFECT cozy winter cocktail! Although, I have to admit that you had me at "cookie in cocktail form"

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 29, 2019 at 7:28 pm

      Hi, Terri! This is such an amazing cocktail. Enjoy!

      Reply
  10. Trish

    December 28, 2019 at 10:32 am

    Yum! I think this would be a great addition to the dessert table... or instead of the dessert table.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 28, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      Haha, I like your thinking, Trish! 😂 Cheers!

      Reply
  11. Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli

    December 27, 2019 at 11:23 am

    This is such a delightful drink to enjoy through the holidays! Who doesn't love ginger snap cookies? This would be a hit at every party!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 27, 2019 at 11:31 am

      Hi Nicoletta, it really was a hit at ours. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  12. Philip

    December 27, 2019 at 6:47 am

    Great cocktail to enjoy all through the winter!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 27, 2019 at 8:16 am

      It really is a great winter cocktail, Philip. Cheers!

      Reply
  13. Amalia

    December 21, 2019 at 9:13 am

    I want to try this one. I love ginger

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 22, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      It's really yummy, Amalia!

      Reply

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