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Gingerbread Cocktail

A cozy and creamy drink that combines the warm flavors of gingerbread with a touch of sweetness, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cocktail
  • 2 ounces dark or spiced rum, bourbon, or vodka
  • 1 ounce gingerbread syrup See recipe below
  • 1 ounce cream, half-and-half, or unsweetened oat creamer Use dairy-free for a vegan option
  • 1 to 2 dashes bitters Orange or aromatic, optional
For the rim
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For garnish
  • to taste whipped cream, grated nutmeg, cinnamon stick, or candied ginger
For the gingerbread syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced 2-inch piece
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add off heat

Method
 

Make the syrup
  1. Add water, brown sugar, molasses, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring a few times. Take off heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool. Strain into a jar and chill.
Prep the glass
  1. Mix cinnamon sugar on a small plate. Run a bit of syrup around the rim of a rocks glass, then press the rim into the sugar mix.
Shake the drink
  1. Add spirit, syrup, cream, and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds until frothy and cold.
Serve
  1. Strain over fresh ice. Add whipped cream if desired, then dust with nutmeg and tuck in a cinnamon stick.

Notes

For a mocktail option, swap the alcohol with cold brew coffee or extra milk for a creamy gingerbread latte vibe. Grate a little orange zest over the top for added brightness.