Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail

If you’re craving a Christmas drink that’s cozy, bold, and wonderfully aromatic, this Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail delivers all the warm flavours of the season in a glass. Made with a deep, molasses-rich gingerbread syrup, this drink offers a more authentic, prominent gingerbread flavour than cocktails relying on liqueur alone. It’s beautifully spiced, naturally sweetened, and perfect for festive gatherings, dessert pairings, or a fireside nightcap.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

Today I’m bringing you a delightful twist on holiday mixology with a homemade gingerbread cocktail that tastes like pure Christmas comfort. Thanks to the molasses-based syrup, every sip bursts with warm spices, velvety sweetness, and seasonal charm – an ideal treat for your festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail

Before we dive deeper into the recipe, here’s why this festive gingerbread drink is a must-make:

• Authentic flavour. The homemade molasses gingerbread syrup makes the spiced notes richer, deeper, and more distinctive than any store-bought syrup.
• Perfectly festive. Warm spices, honey, and molasses combine into a cocktail that tastes like Christmas in liquid form.
• Easily customizable. Adjust sweetness, strength, or creaminess to suit your mood, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Simple ingredients. A handful of pantry staples transforms into a luxurious, holiday-ready drink.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail

Let’s take a closer look at what creates that signature gingerbread depth:

• Molasses. Fancy molasses adds caramelized richness and true gingerbread warmth.
• Honey + brown sugar. These balance the bold molasses notes and create a silky, well-rounded syrup.
• Ginger + cinnamon. The key flavours that define a traditional gingerbread profile.
• Nutmeg, allspice, cardamom. Small amounts that lift the flavour and add complexity.
• Spiced rum (or whiskey/bourbon). Brings warmth and character; each alcohol gives the cocktail a slightly different finish.
• Cream or water (optional). Lighten or soften the drink if desired.
• Ice cubes. Optional, depending on whether you prefer your holiday cocktail shaken and chilled.

Possible Additions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this festive holiday gingerbread cocktail your own:

• Try different spirits. Vodka for a cleaner flavour, bourbon for warmth, or dark rum for extra caramel notes.
• Make it creamier. Add a splash of half-and-half or full cream for a holiday dessert-style drink.
• Go extra festive. Garnish with ice cream, whipped cream, nutmeg, or a gingerbread cookie.
• Make a mocktail. Swap the alcohol for soda water or a splash of ginger ale.

More Festive Cocktail Ideas

Are you looking for more fun cocktail recipes like this Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail? Be sure to check out more festive drinks and desserts below:

• Festive Mulled Orange Brandy for Holidays
• Festive Spruce Cocktail for the Holidays
• Festive Cranberry and Rosemary Cocktail
• Creamy White Christmas Cocktail with Vanilla
• Festive Cranberry Orange Brandy Cocktail

I’d love for you to try this Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail. If you give this Christmas cocktail recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

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Festive Holiday Gingerbread Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Cocktails, Festive Holiday Drinks

Servings

1-2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Making and chilling syrup

30

minutes

A festive holiday gingerbread cocktail made with rich molasses syrup and warm spices. Cozy, aromatic, and perfect for Christmas sipping.

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Ingredients

• Gingerbread Syrup:

• 1-2 tbsp. fancy molasses

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup water

• 1/2 tsp. ginger

• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp. cardamom, nutmeg, and allspice each

• Cocktail:

• 1/2 to 1 oz. gingerbread syrup (or to taste; 1 oz. for sweet version)

• 2 oz. of spiced rum or other alcohol such as whiskey, bourbon, etc.

• optional: water or cream for a lighter version

• Ice cubes (optional)

Directions

• Gingerbread Syrup:
• For the syrup, in a small saucepan combine all ingredients over medium heat. Cook, occasionally stirring, for 5 minutes. Off heat and cool. If desired, filter using a fine strainer to get rid of spices. Once cooled, the syrup will thicken up and will remain the consistency pf thin (runny) honey.
• Cocktail:
• In a shaker combine the syrup, alcohol, and ice cubes (if using). Shake for about 20 seconds them filter to remove the ice. This will be a strong cocktail. If you wish, you can dilute it with a part of water or light cream. Enjoy!