Gingerbread Sparkling Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for mixing drinks that feel a bit out of the ordinary, and honestly, this gingerbread sparkling cocktail hits the spot. It’s got that cozy gingerbread spice, but the sparkling wine keeps things crisp—festive, but not the kind of drink that weighs you down.

You can whip this up at home with just a handful of ingredients and barely any fuss. That’s the best part, right?

The first time I tried it, I didn’t expect the gingerbread flavors to play so nicely with the bubbles. It’s not overly sweet, and there’s something about those spices that just feels comforting.

Great for the holidays, sure, but I’d honestly drink this any time I want to shake things up a bit.

This recipe covers everything you’ll need, from what goes in the glass to how you actually put it together. I’ll also give you a heads-up on what to expect taste-wise, so you know what you’re getting into before you commit.

Gingerbread Sparkling Cocktail Recipe

One reason I keep coming back to this drink is the way the warm gingerbread notes work with the fresh, crisp wine. The recipe’s straightforward, and you really don’t need much gear.

Still, a little attention to detail makes the flavors pop.

Equipment

I don’t overcomplicate things with fancy tools. A cocktail shaker is handy for mixing the syrup and booze before you add the sparkling wine.

• Cocktail shaker with lid
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Long bar spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, but nice for a smoother pour)
• Champagne flute or tall glass
• Small saucepan (if you’re making your own syrup)
• Stirring stick or cinnamon stick for garnish

If I’m missing a shaker or strainer, I just stir everything right in the glass. Not a big deal.

Ingredients

I try to measure things out so the flavors stay balanced. The gingerbread syrup is where all the spice and sweetness come from, and the sparkling wine keeps it lively.

• 1 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 oz dark rum or bourbon
• 4 oz chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne)
• 1 dash fresh lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll make the syrup myself—just simmer sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until it thickens up. The homemade version is always a bit punchier.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually throw it together.

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add gingerbread syrup, rum or bourbon, and lemon juice.
• Shake gently for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
• Top off slowly with sparkling wine so you don’t lose all the fizz.
• Stir lightly with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

I always add the sparkling wine last—otherwise, you’re just asking for a flat drink. Plus, the cinnamon stick smells amazing as you sip.

Notes

This cocktail is at its best when the sparkling wine is super cold. If I’ve made the syrup ahead, I stash it in a glass jar in the fridge—it keeps for a couple of weeks, easy.

Sometimes I swap in bourbon for the rum when I’m craving a deeper flavor. If it’s tasting a bit too sweet, I just dial back the syrup to about ¾ oz.

Now and then, I’ll rim the glass with a mix of sugar and ground cinnamon. It looks festive and gives each sip a little extra kick.

Tasting Notes

Right from the first sip, there’s this gentle sparkle that lifts everything up. The bubbles make it feel lighter, which is nice, especially since the gingerbread brings a bit of warmth.

Ginger and cinnamon are definitely front and center. They give the drink a cozy vibe, but it never feels too heavy.

There’s also this little hint of sweetness—just enough to keep the spice from taking over. I can’t help but notice it balances things out.

As it sits on my tongue, I pick up soft vanilla and a touch of clove in the background. Honestly, it’s kind of like drinking a lighter version of fresh gingerbread cookies.

The finish? Pretty smooth, maybe a bit sweet. Thanks to the sparkling base, it stays refreshing, so I never feel weighed down after a few sips.

Key flavor notes I notice:

• Spiced warmth from ginger and cinnamon
• Sweet undertone with vanilla and clove
• Refreshing sparkle that balances the richness