Celebrate in style with this Happy Birthday Cocktail! Made with smooth bourbon, a hint of almond and lemon, and a luscious mix of egg whites and cream, this original recipe is a creamy, birthday cake inspired cocktail that’s perfect for toasting any special occasion.

This Happy Birthday Cocktail is a creamy, cake-inspired drink that’s perfect for toasting life’s big and little celebrations.

Looking for the ultimate celebratory drink? This Happy Birthday Cocktail recipe is a creamy, cake-inspired libation that’s as festive as it is indulgent.

I, Ashley Conway created this recipe in celebration of baby Sugar & Cloth’s (aka Baby Gwen’s) arrival. From birthdays to everyday wins, this rainbow sprinkle–topped cocktail is the perfect way to toast special moments. After all, what’s not to love about a boozy liquid dessert?

This cocktail combines smooth bourbon, almond, lemon, cream, and egg whites to create a rich yet airy drink that feels like sipping a slice of cake. Similar to the classic Ramos Gin Fizz, it’s shaken to build a thick, frothy foam that rises above the glass in a gravity-defying presentation. The result? A light, milkshake-like cocktail with a touch of fizz that makes every sip taste like a party.

Whether you’re celebrating your own birthday, hosting an adult birthday party, or just want to make an ordinary day feel extra special, our Happy Birthday Cocktail is the perfect treat. Sprinkle-rimmed and full of flavor, it’s the kind of drink that makes any occasion unforgettable.

Ingredients for a Happy Birthday Cocktail that is a birthday cake inspired

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed

Bourbon: Instead of the traditional gin found in a Ramos Fizz, this recipe swaps in bourbon for a sweeter, richer note.
Heavy cream
Orgeat syrup: For a nutty almond flavor. Substitute with amaretto, though it will make the drink slightly sweeter. See below for more info.
Soda water: Gives the drink its light, fizzy lift
Large egg white: For signature cake-like taste and fluffy texture
Vanilla bean: To infuse the heavy cream and egg white. Make sure to split the vanilla bean and scrap out the vanilla into a shaker tin.
Lemon peel: Expressed and discarded to balance the sweetness
Rainbow sprinkles: For garnish because it’s not birthday cake without sprinkles!

Birthday Cake Cocktail for a Happy Birthday Cake inspired by a Ramos Fizz

What is Orgeat Syrup (and Can You Substitute It?)

Orgeat syrup is a classic cocktail sweetener with a lot more depth than simple syrup. Instead of just sugar and water, orgeat is made with an almond base that’s blended with sugar and infused with subtle citrus or floral notes such as rose water or orange blossom. This gives cocktails a rich, nutty sweetness with a hint of complexity that plain syrup can’t match.

You can easily find pre-made orgeat syrup at many liquor stores or online. But it’s also possible to make it at home if you want to control the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with amaretto liqueur or even almond extract mixed into simple syrup, though the taste will be sweeter and less nuanced.

How to Make a Happy Birthday Cocktail

1 — Combine ingredients: Add the bourbon, cream, orgeat syrup, egg white, and vanilla bean to a cocktail shaker without ice.

2 –Shake vigorously: For the best results, dry shake (no ice) for 1-3 minutes to create a thick, meringue-like foam that rises above the rim of the glass.

3 — Add ice and shake again: After the dry shake, add ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled glass

4 — Top: Then, gently top with soda water to let the foam rise.

5 — Optional garnish: Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the foam and add a striped paper straw for a festive finish.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Shake it right: A long, hard shake is the secret to that gravity-defying foam. If you don’t want sore arms, try a dry shake (without ice) first, then add ice and shake again. This two-step method helps build extra froth.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cream and a real vanilla bean give the cocktail its rich, cake-like flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla extract if possible. it won’t deliver the same depth.
Presentation counts: Chill your glass beforehand so the foam holds longer. And don’t skip the rainbow sprinkles. They’re what make this cocktail truly birthday-worthy!
Make it your own: Swap bourbon for spiced rum or vanilla vodka if you want a different spin on the flavor.

Delicious Desserts that Pair Well with a Birthday Cocktail