Cocktails for Christmas
Ol’ Fashioned Gingerbread Man
Ingredients:
2 oz Bulliet Bourbon: The base spirit of this cocktail, Bulliet Bourbon, is known for its smooth, yet bold flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of spice. It provides the perfect foundation for the gingerbread-inspired flavors to come.
1/2 oz Monin Gingerbread Syrup: A sweet and spiced syrup that brings the essence of gingerbread cookies right into your glass. The syrup's rich flavour adds warmth and complexity, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and ginger that dance beautifully with the bourbon. You can also make gingerbread syrup if you need it quickly.
Dash of Angostura Bitters: A staple in many classic cocktails, Angostura bitters add a subtle depth and balance to the sweetness of the syrup, bringing in herbal and aromatic notes to round out the flavor profile.
1 Gingerbread Man Cookie: The ultimate festive touch! A tiny gingerbread man cookie garnished on top adds not only a delightful visual but also a fun and delicious bite at the end of your sip. The spice of the cookie complements the drink’s flavors, making every moment of enjoyment even sweeter.
Instructions:
Prepare the Glass: Start by adding a few ice cubes to an Old Fashioned glass to chill it or put it in the freezer prior to use
Build the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the Bulliet Bourbon, Monin Gingerbread Syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Add ice and stir well for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture slightly, allowing the flavors to marry together.
Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with Gingerbread Man: To finish, delicately place the Gingerbread Man cookie in the glass for a booze surprise later, or if you prefer, serve it on the side to nibble as you sip.
Why This Cocktail Works
The Gingerbread Man Ol'Fashioned is more than just a festive drink—it’s an expertly balanced blend of flavors that tap into everything we love about the holidays. The bourbon provides a robust and warming base, the gingerbread syrup evokes the nostalgia of Christmas baking, and the bitters add an essential touch of complexity.
As a twist on the Old Fashioned, the addition of gingerbread transforms this classic cocktail into a seasonal delight. The spice from the syrup evokes the comfort of cinnamon and ginger, reminding us of cold nights and festive cookies. Plus, that adorable gingerbread man cookie? It’s the perfect visual anchor for the drink, turning it into a holiday-worthy treat.
A Cocktail for Every Holiday Moment
The Gingerbread Man Ol'Fashioned isn’t just for Christmas—it’s a drink that can span the entire holiday season. Whether you're celebrating a quiet evening at home, enjoying a holiday party, or toasting to the New Year, this cocktail brings a festive and sophisticated flair to any occasion.
Pair it with your favorite holiday music, cozy up by the fire, and let the smooth flavors and warm spices transport you into the heart of the season.
Pro Tips for Perfection:
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet drink, reduce the amount of gingerbread syrup to 1/4 oz and adjust to taste.
Quality Matters: Choose a good-quality bourbon like Bulliet for a smoother, more flavorful base that will enhance the overall experience.
Experiment with Garnishes: While the gingerbread cookie is the signature garnish here, you can also experiment with a cinnamon stick or an orange peel for added aroma and flavor.
Cheers to the Season! 🥃
This Gingerbread Man Ol'Fashioned is sure to become a new holiday favorite, blending the rich history of a classic cocktail with the warmth and spice of the season. The combination of bourbon, gingerbread, and bitters is a match made in holiday cocktail heaven—cheers to that!
Love, Sweetpea and Rose
Gingerbread Man Ol'Fashioned: A Holiday Twist on a Classic Cocktail
As the winter chill sets in and the holiday season approaches, there's nothing quite like curling up with a warming cocktail to enjoy the festive spirit. This year, why not treat yourself to a sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned? The Gingerbread Man Ol'Fashioned combines the rich, smoky depth of Bulliet Bourbon with the spiced sweetness of gingerbread syrup, and the subtle complexity of Angostura bitters, all crowned with a charming gingerbread cookie garnish. It's the perfect drink to get you in the holiday mood—whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply savoring a quiet moment by the fire.
Let's break down this seasonal cocktail and show you how to craft it for your next holiday celebration.
