Mixing cocktails that feel both familiar and a little unexpected is one of my favorite things to do. A whiskey smash is already a classic, but when you bring in warm gingerbread spices, it suddenly feels a lot cozier and, honestly, perfect for the holidays.
This Gingerbread Whiskey Smash Cocktail mixes smooth whiskey with spiced sweetness for a drink that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
The first time I tried this version, I was surprised by how the gingerbread syrup balanced out the boldness of the whiskey without totally taking over. The fresh citrus keeps everything bright, and those spices? They add a depth that instantly reminds me of holiday baking.
It’s definitely a cocktail you can serve at a small gathering, or just sip on a quiet night at home when you want something a little special.
You don’t need to hunt down fancy tools or rare ingredients for this one. With just a few basics, you can shake up a drink that looks—and tastes—like something you’d get at a good craft bar.
Gingerbread Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe
What I like most about this drink is how it brings together the warm spice of ginger and the smoothness of whiskey. There’s fresh mint, lemon, and just enough sweetness to make it refreshing but still rich and cozy.
Equipment
To make this cocktail, I reach for a few simple tools that really help the flavors pop. A muddler is key—it presses the mint leaves and lemon wedges to get all those oils and juice out.
I also grab a cocktail shaker to mix up the whiskey, syrup, and ice.
I usually go for a lowball glass to serve it in. It just feels good in the hand and holds the drink nicely. A strainer is handy for keeping the mint and lemon pulp out of the glass.
Sometimes I use a bar spoon if I want to top it with ginger beer and give it a quick stir.
Ingredients
I’m partial to bourbon whiskey for its smooth, slightly sweet flavor, but I’ll use rye or Irish whiskey if that’s what’s around. The ginger comes from either ginger syrup or ginger liqueur—it really depends on what I’ve got.
To brighten things up, I add fresh lemon wedges or sometimes just a splash of lemon juice.
Fresh mint leaves bring a cool, herbal note. If the ginger syrup is too bold, a little simple syrup helps balance things out.
Most times, I’ll finish with a splash of ginger beer for some fizz, but that’s totally optional.
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (or rye/Irish whiskey)
- 0.5 oz ginger syrup or ginger liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional)
- 3–4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 lemon wedges or 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Ginger beer (optional, for topping)
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
I start by tossing the lemon wedges and mint leaves into the shaker. Then, with the muddler, I gently press them to get out the juice and oils—careful not to shred the mint too much.
Next, in goes the whiskey, ginger syrup, and simple syrup.
I fill the shaker with ice and shake it up for about 10–15 seconds. Then I strain everything into a lowball glass packed with fresh ice.
If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll top it with ginger beer.
A quick stir with a bar spoon, and I finish things off with a mint sprig for garnish.
- Add lemon wedges and mint leaves to shaker
- Muddle gently
- Pour in whiskey, ginger syrup, and simple syrup
- Add ice and shake well
- Strain into lowball glass with ice
- Top with ginger beer if you want
- Stir and garnish with mint sprig
Notes
Bourbon whiskey is my go-to since it plays so well with ginger, but rye makes the drink a bit sharper and drier. Irish whiskey gives it a smoother, lighter touch.
Swapping the whiskey changes the whole vibe, so I just go with what I’m feeling.
If I want it sweeter, I’ll add more simple syrup. For a bigger ginger kick, I reach for ginger liqueur instead of syrup.
Using fresh lemon juice instead of wedges makes it more tart and crisp, which is nice sometimes.
I always serve this drink cold, loaded with ice. That mint sprig on top? It’s not just for looks—it smells amazing with every sip.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey or rye/Irish whiskey
- 0.5 oz ginger syrup or ginger liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup optional, to taste
- 3 fresh mint leaves
- 2 lemon wedges or 0.5 oz lemon juice
- ice cubes
- ginger beer optional, for topping
- 1 sprig mint for garnish
Instructions
- Add lemon wedges and mint leaves to shaker. Muddle gently to release juices and oils.
- Add whiskey, ginger syrup, and simple syrup.
- Fill with ice and shake well for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into lowball glass packed with ice.
- Top with ginger beer if desired, stir gently.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
Tasting Notes
Taking that first sip, the warm spice hits me immediately. There’s this gingerbread flavor that mingles with the whiskey in a way that’s both sweet and a little bold.
The ginger pops out, bringing a gentle heat that kind of lingers on my tongue. It keeps things from getting too heavy and, honestly, gives the drink a refreshing little kick.
I catch these hints of cinnamon and nutmeg that totally remind me of fresh-baked cookies. Those spices make the cocktail feel cozy, but thankfully, it never tips over into being overly sweet.
The whiskey brings its own depth, with oak and caramel notes weaving through. It meshes with the gingerbread syrup, so neither one really takes over.
The finish is smooth, with a bit of vanilla and spice hanging around for a moment. Makes me want to go right back for another sip—who wouldn’t?
Flavor Highlights:
- Sweet gingerbread spice
- Warm whiskey oak
- Light ginger heat
- Soft vanilla finish
