Gingerbread Gin Cocktail Recipe

by | Nov 15, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails

Gingerbread Gin Cocktail in a coupe glass with a sugar rim and a gingerbread cookie garnish, surrounded by cinnamon sticks, peppermint candies, and warm golden holiday lights in the background.
Get Recipe Ingredients

This Gingerbread Gin Cocktail mixes botanical gin, warm gingerbread syrup, and fresh citrus into a bright, spiced Christmas drink that works for holiday parties, cozy nights by the tree, and winter brunches. We serve a version of this at December events when guests want something festive without going heavy or creamy.

Gingerbread Gin Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin (London dry works best)
  • 1 oz gingerbread syrup
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • Ice
  • Garnish: lemon twist, cinnamon stick, or small gingerbread cookie

Instructions

  1. Prep your glass. Chill a coupe or rocks glass. Set aside a lemon twist or cinnamon stick for garnish.
  2. Build the cocktail. Add gin, gingerbread syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to a shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake until cold. Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the shaker feels icy and the mixture is well blended.
  4. Strain and garnish. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist or cinnamon stick.

Bartender Notes

  • This drink shines when your gingerbread syrup is fresh. You can use store bought, but homemade has deeper spice and better body.
  • For sweeter drinks, add a half ounce more gingerbread syrup. For drier drinks, increase the lemon juice slightly.
  • Shaking helps create a silky texture that works well with spiced syrups.
  • We often serve this at winter events in place of a gin sour. Guests love the holiday twist without the richness of a creamy cocktail.

Personal Story

We started serving this at corporate holiday events after a client asked for a Christmas cocktail that felt elevated but not heavy. The gingerbread syrup brings seasonal warmth while the gin keeps the drink light and bright, and it quickly became one of our most requested holiday gin cocktails.

Variations

  • Gingerbread Gin Sour – Add an egg white and dry shake before adding ice for a foamy, velvety cocktail.
  • Gingerbread Gin Mule – Build in a copper mug with lime juice and ginger beer for a fizzy holiday mule.
  • Hot Gin and Gingerbread – Add gingerbread syrup and gin to a mug, top with hot water, and garnish with orange.
  • Orange Gingerbread Cocktail – Add one ounce of fresh orange juice for a softer, sweeter holiday profile.

Gingerbread Gin Cocktail FAQs

What is a gingerbread gin cocktail?

It is a holiday gin drink made with gingerbread syrup, lemon or lime juice, bitters, and gin. It tastes like a spiced winter sour with warm cinnamon, ginger, and molasses notes.

What is the best gin for a gingerbread cocktail?

A classic London dry gin works well because its botanicals balance the sweetness of the syrup. Strongly flavored gins can overpower the spices.

Can I use gingerbread syrup instead of gingerbread gin?

Yes. Gingerbread syrup is actually the preferred option. It gives you more control over sweetness and spice. If you have gingerbread gin, you can use both for more depth.

Can I make this cocktail stronger or lighter?

Stronger drinks: increase gin to 2.25 oz. Lighter drinks: top with a splash of soda water or use less syrup.

Can I make a batch version?

Yes. Mix gin, gingerbread syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher and chill. Shake individual servings with ice when ready to pour.

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