Gingerbread Old Fashioned Cocktail

What is an old fashioned?

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It is a simple and elegant drink that highlights the flavor of whiskey, usually bourbon or rye whiskey. This gingerbread old fashioned recipe adds a delicious holiday twist of warm spices to the traditional bourbon cocktail.

Why make this cocktail?

• Simple: The key to a great old fashioned is simplicity. With just a few ingredients, this Christmas bourbon cocktail requires no special equipment. 
• Festive: Gingerbread spice always evokes Christmas and the winter holidays and this cozy gingerbread cocktail will be sure to bring on that holiday spirit. (Be sure to also try this ginger snap cocktail made with vodka).
• Great for parties: You can make a small batch of just one or two gingerbread old fashioneds, or you can mix up a larger batch if you're hosting a holiday party. 

Ingredient notes

Cocktail

• Bourbon whiskey: The sweetest of the whiskies. You will want to break out your best bourbon for this gingerbread old fashioned cocktail. Even with the addition of gingerbread flavor, this is a drink for bourbon lovers. However, you can certainly use a good rye whiskey instead.
• Gingerbread syrup: Traditionally, old fashioned cocktails are made with a sugar cube. Instead, we are sweetening this drink with gingerbread syrup while also adding the warmth of cozy spices. I encourage you to make my homemade gingerbread simple syrup. It's very easy, and you'll have some leftover for stirring into coffee or egg nog, or as a pancake topping, and more. However, if you prefer to buy gingerbread syrup, you can get it online, or sometimes at the grocery store.
• Bitters: Bitters are an essential ingredient for adding dimension to cocktails. I use angostura bitters, but feel free to use orange bitters or ginger bitters.

Garnish

• Orange: For garnish and flavor. You can use a strip of orange peel, or like me, a slice of orange.
• Cinnamon stick: a cinnamon stick makes a perfect garnish for this delicious drink.

How to make a gingerbread old fashioned cocktail

1. Stir together bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters to a short tumbler or on the rocks glass.
2. Add ice and stir vigorously to chill.
3. Remove all or most of the ice, and garnish with an orange slice.

Serving suggestions

Enjoy this gingerbread drink with Christmas cookies, like an actual gingerbread cookie, or try my molasses crinkle cookies. You can't go wrong with maple fudge, either. Butter tart squares, or cranberry walnut shortbread are both a perfect match for an old fashioned cocktail.

Or, keep it savory and serve this festive cocktail with a charcuterie board, or appetizers like fried coat cheese balls, stuffed mushrooms, or bacon wrapped dates.

Want more spins on classic cocktails?

Try a mistletoe margarita, an Irish mule, a Mexican mule, a mango mojito, or a rhubarb gin & tonic.