Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe
This Christmas Old Fashioned, also known as the Holiday Old Fashioned, is the perfect cocktail to get into the Christmas spirit.
With Christmas rapidly approaching, it is never too early to start thinking about Christmas decor, Christmas treats, and of course, Christmas cocktails. This Christmas Old Fashioned (also known as a Holiday Old Fashioned) is a cozy and festive twist on the classic cocktail.
Made with bourbon, homemade gingerbread syrup, and a dash of bitters, this Christmas cocktail is the perfect way to sip your way into the holiday spirit. Because what could be better than a glass of this spiced holiday cocktail all cozied up in front of a fireplace?
What is an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is one of the most classic and easy-to-make cocktails ever. It is one of the first cocktails invented, originating in 1881 at the Pendennis Club, a gentleman’s club in Louisville, Kentucky. Traditionally, it’s made by muddling sugar with Angostura bitters, a splash of water, and bourbon or rye whiskey.
Our Christmas Old Fashioned recipe keeps that signature smoothness but adds a festive twist with gingerbread syrup and holiday-inspired garnishes. If you love this seasonal spin, try our Coffee Old Fashioned next for a cozy caffeine kick
Ingredients for a Christmas Old Fashioned
When it comes to classic Christmas flavors, gingerbread always comes to mind. So we’ve created a simple gingerbread syrup for this unique Christmas Old Fashioned recipe.
- Bourbon or rye whiskey: We recommend bourbon for its rich flavor. However, rye whiskey is a great substitute. Keep in mind it has a drier flavor profile but is equally delicious nonetheless. For this recipe, we used Bulleit Bourbon, a smooth Kentucky spirit with a subtle spice that complements the syrup.
- Gingerbread simple syrup: Sweet, spiced, and easy to make! This syrup brings the unmistakable flavor of Christmas to your drink.
- Angostura bitters: A staple ingredient in cocktail making for not only Old Fashioned but even most rum punches. Angostura gives a depth of flavor and complexity to the cocktail, intensifying and balancing all the ingredients.
- Orange peel: Expressed over the glass for aromatic citrus oils.
- Pomegranate seeds: A festive red garnish that adds a pop of color and cheer.
How to Make the Gingerbread Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a must-have ingredient for many cocktails since it helps sweeten drinks without having the sugar just sitting at the bottom of the glass. Fortunately, it’s very easy and inexpensive to make at home. The classic and basic simple syrup consists of equal parts of water and equal parts of white sugar. And this one is customized for some gingerbread flavoring.
Ingredients needed:
- White granulated sugar
- Water
- Fresh ginger root
- Cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
1 — Chop the ginger (peeled or unpeeled) finely to release maximum flavor.
2 — In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3 — Add the ginger, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Simmer for a few minutes on low heat, then remove from heat.
4 — Let the syrup cool to room temperature so the spices infuse deeply.
5 — Strain using a fine mesh sieve and store in a sealed jar. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 month.
How to Make a Christmas Old Fashioned
1 — Prepare your glass: Place 1 large ice cube (or 2 smaller ones) into a rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass.
2 — Build the cocktail: Pour in the bourbon, then add the gingerbread simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
3 — Add bitters: Dash in the Angostura bitters and stir again until the flavors are well blended.
4 — Optional: If desired, add another large ice cube to keep your Christmas cocktail chilled without diluting it too quickly.
5 — Garnish and serve: Express a strip of orange peel over the glass for aroma. Then, garnish with the peel and a few pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Batch Christmas Old Fashioned for a Crowd
Want to serve this Christmas cocktail at your next holiday party? You can easily scale it up! To make a batch (serves 8–10):
- 2 cups bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 cup gingerbread simple syrup
- 10–12 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
1 — In a large pitcher or mixing glass, combine the bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters.
2 — Stir well. Then, refrigerate until chilled (up to 24 hours in advance).
3 — When ready to serve, pour over ice in individual rocks glasses and garnish each with an orange peel and pomegranate seeds.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Choose quality bourbon: A smooth, well-balanced bourbon like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve makes a difference.
- Stick to the ratio: Keep the classic Old Fashioned ratio of 2 parts whiskey to one part syrup for the perfect balance.
- Use fresh citrus: Always express the orange peel over the glass to release its oils. This will add bright flavors and aromatics to your cocktail.
- Festive garnishes: Try rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick for holiday flair.
- Serve it right: Pour into a classic rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass) for the ideal presentation and sipping experience.
- Enjoy immediately: Best enjoyed right after it’s made to keep the perfect flavor balance and prevent dilution from melting ice.
More Easy Holiday Recipes
Enjoyed this homemade Christmas Old Fashioned? Here are other our of favorite recipes for the holidays —
- Candy Cane Affogato
- Funfetti Reindeer Cookie Sandwiches
- Peppermint Bark Cannoli
- Gingerbread Candied Nuts
Equipment
- Rock glass
Ingredients
For the cocktail:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz gingerbread simple syrup see recipe below
- 3 dash angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel cut it in an oval shape or just a simple strip for garnish
- Pomegranate seeds optional
For the gingerbread simple syrup:
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cloves
- ½ tsp black peppercorns optional
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 fresh ginger root about 4" peeled or unpeeled
Instructions
To make the Christmas Old Fashioned:
- Place 1 large ice cube (or 2 smaller ones) into a rocks glass.
- Pour in the bourbon, then add the gingerbread simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
- Dash in the Angostura bitters, and stir again until the flavors are well blended.
- Optional: Add in an additional big ice cube.
- Express a strip of orange peel over the glass for aroma. Then, garnish with the peel and a few pomegranate seeds.
To make the gingerbread simple syrup:
- Chop the ginger finely to release maximum flavor.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the ginger, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature so the spices infuse deeply.
- Strain using a fine mesh sieve and store in a sealed jar.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe? Share your Christmas Old Fashioned with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!
How much sugar for the simple syrup recipe?
Hi Katie! Sorry that was left out. It should be 1 cup of sugar or equal parts water to sugar.
How much water goes in the simple syrup recipe. I can’t seem to find that.
Thanks!
Hi Crystal! The recipe calls for 1 cup of water. Sorry, we updated the recipe card. We hope you love it!
Looks delicious! Will be fun to brew this for our company’s Christmas party!
Thank you!
Love this! I’ve got a bottle of that same exact bourbon in my cupboard! I bought it for making hard cider floats. LOVE that I’ve got a second use for it now! Old Fashioned drinks are so good! Makes me feel warm all over. Easy recipe.
Thank you, Betsy! They’re such a classic cocktail. Glad that you could find some second use!
This Christmas old fashioned recipe is so EASY and makes for the perfect drink for the holidays!
Yay! Thank you, Valentina!