Snickerdoodle Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for new spins on classic cocktails, and honestly, the Snickerdoodle Old Fashioned is one of those drinks that just makes you smile. There’s something about the comfort of a favorite cookie showing up in a glass—it’s almost nostalgic.

This recipe walks you through making a sweet and spicy twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, with cinnamon, vanilla, and just a little sugar for good measure. If you’re into dessert-inspired drinks or just want something warm and cozy for your next hangout, this cocktail is a breeze to whip up at home.

Whenever I pour this Snickerdoodle Old Fashioned, friends are usually a little caught off guard by how well the flavors work together. It’s a unique drink, for sure, but it still feels special—and you don’t need to be a pro to pull it off.

Snickerdoodle Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I honestly love how this drink captures the cozy vibe of homemade cookies right in your glass. The way cinnamon sugar, Irish cream, and a splash of amaretto come together is just… fun.

Every ingredient and tool? They all play their part in the flavor and the whole experience.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
• Old fashioned glass (or a small tumbler, if that’s what you’ve got)
• Measuring jigger for getting pours right
• Mixing spoon for a quick stir
• Fine mesh strainer if you want things super smooth
• Small plate for the cinnamon sugar rim
• Martini glass (totally optional, but hey, it looks fancy)
• Ice cubes for chilling and serving

Having tools ready makes things smoother. I usually set up everything before I start—otherwise, I’ll forget something for sure.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 0.5 oz Irish cream
• 0.5 oz amaretto
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup (or more if you like it sweeter)
• Cinnamon sugar (for the rim)
• 1 cinnamon stick (garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel (optional, for garnish)

I always try to use fresh cinnamon sugar on the rim—it makes a difference. Irish cream gives that creamy smoothness, and amaretto brings in a nice almond note.

Instructions

• Wet the rim of your glass and dip it in cinnamon sugar until it’s coated
• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice
• Add bourbon or rye, Irish cream, amaretto, simple syrup, and bitters
• Shake it up for about 15 seconds
• Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick and maybe a bit of orange peel if you’re feeling it
• Serve right away—don’t wait too long

I try not to over-shake, just enough to chill it without making it watery. That cinnamon-sugar rim? It really does taste like a snickerdoodle with every sip.

Notes

You can always tweak the sweetness—just add a bit more simple syrup if you’re into that. Sometimes I swap in rye for bourbon when I want more of a spicy edge.

Irish cream is my go-to for the creamy vibe, but you could experiment with other cream liqueurs if you’re curious. If you’re craving more cinnamon, toss in a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Fresh amaretto and bitters make a difference, so use them if you can. Pick your garnish based on what’s around, but the cinnamon stick is hard to beat for the aroma.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Snickerdoodle Old Fashioned, the first thing that hits me is that warm cinnamon flavor. It’s gentle, not overly spicy—kind of like you just pulled a batch of cookies out of the oven.

The sweetness feels balanced, not cloying or overwhelming. I pick up hints of brown sugar and vanilla, and honestly, it gives the whole drink this cozy, homey vibe.

There’s this slight buttery note that hangs around with each sip. It adds a little depth, making the cocktail feel extra smooth and, well, pretty comforting.

You still get a bit of that classic Old Fashioned heat from the whiskey. Somehow, it just works with those cookie-like flavors.

Here are some key flavors I’m noticing:

• Cinnamon spice
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla
• Buttery smoothness
• Light whiskey warmth

The aroma lines up with the taste, too. Before I even take a sip, I can smell cinnamon and brown sugar floating up from the glass.