Cinnamon Bourbon Cocktail: The Bourbon Bear Hug
It’s time to cozy up with a cocktail that feels like a warm embrace. This cinnamon bourbon cocktail combines the rich, smooth flavors of bourbon with the spicy, sweet warmth of cinnamon syrup, and it’s finished with a zesty kick of ginger beer. Cheers to a festive and comforting cocktail!
Whether hosting a cozy night with your peeps, throwing a festive holiday bash, or just looking for a treat after a long day, this is your go-to cool-weather cocktail. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a holiday party with your favorite fall appetizer. I’ll show you…
Cinnamon Bourbon Cocktail Ingredients
- Bourbon – Use your favorite bourbon and measure out a healthy pour.
- Cinnamon Syrup—Homemade is best and much cheaper than store-bought. It is easy to make: heat equal parts of sugar and water and 3-4 cinnamon sticks. See my hibiscus simple syrup recipe for more detailed instructions; substitute cinnamon sticks for the dried hibiscus flowers.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed adds a bright tart flavor to the cocktail.
- Ginger Beer – A splash to finish the cocktail adds a zesty kick. Ginger beer is non-alcoholic and can be found by the mixers in the liquor store.
How to Make a Cinnamon Bourbon Cocktail
You don’t need to be a mixology pro to nail this cocktail. Combine your favorite bourbon, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
Next, give it a shake or two and, with a cocktail strainer, pour it into a glass filled with ice.
Remember the finishing touches; add a splash of ginger beer and give it a gentle stir. After that, garnish with a cinnamon stick. Add star anise if you’re feeling fancy and want another subtle, sophisticated flavor note to the cocktail. It looks festive too!
Finally, sip and smile because you just created a cocktail that’s basically a hug in a glass, with a bit of high-five.
Variations
- Adjust to taste – add extra cinnamon syrup if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side. For a more tart cocktail, add more lemon juice.
- Garnish to your heart’s galore – add lemon twists, a slice of ginger, fresh herbs like rosemary, classic cinnamon sticks, or star anise.
- Fall twist – add a splash of sparkling apple cider instead of ginger beer.
- Skip the splash—if you’re not a fan of fizz with your bourbon, forget it!
- Batch it – scale up the measurements, add the bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup to a large pitcher, and chill. However, be sure to add ginger beer just before serving. This is a nice make-ahead option.
- Bar it up – Leave out the pitcher of the cinnamon bourbon cocktail with a cocktail shaker, ginger beer, and garnishes for your guests. They can shake and serve themselves their own perfect cozy sip.
FAQ
A good-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking. Our bar at the cabin is always stocked with our personal favorites, Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.
Yes, if you prefer convenience, but homemade is super simple and much cheaper. Refer to my hibiscus simple syrup recipe for instructions. But really, it’s simply equal parts water and sugar with cinnamon sticks.
Just a splash of this non-alcoholic beverage adds a spicy kick that compliments the sweetness of the cinnamon syrup and the richness of the bourbon. There are many versions of ginger beers, but the best for cocktails are the brands with a strong ginger flavor and good carbonation. Our favorites are Fever Tree and Goslings.
I’m begging you not to! Freshly squeezed juice has a brighter, more intense flavor than bottled juice. And bottled often contains preservatives and additives that can alter the flavor.
Let’s Hug it Out
If this cinnamon-spiced sipper hit the spot, don’t stop now, my Campfire Mule brings the smoky citrus vibes. Try it next and let me know what you think! And hey, don’t forget to join the Cozy Crew for more sips, bites, and all the good stuff.
Cinnamon Bourbon Cocktail: The Bourbon Bear Hug
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- ½ cup Bourbon
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- ½ lemon juiced
- splash ginger beer
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple cinnamon syrup to the shaker. Shake.
- With a cocktail strainer, strain bourbon mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Add a splash of ginger beer to the glass. Gently stir.
- Garnish with cinnamon stick and enjoy!
