Craving a holiday drink that sparkles without the spirits? Let me introduce you to the Gingerbread Fizz mocktail.
It’s my latest obsession, and it’ll make your taste buds dance with festive cheer.
This non-alcoholic marvel captures all the warmth of the season in one effervescent glass.
It’s effortless to throw together, too! Trust me, one sip, and you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Fizz
Light & Bubbly: Unlike heavy cream-based mocktails, this version is crisp and refreshing. It still has a delightful sweetness but won’t weigh you down.
Warm, Spicy Flavor: This drink offers a tasty blend of ginger and warm spices with a sweetly sugared rim. It’s some of your favorite cold-weather flavors in a single glass.
Kid-Friendly: Everyone loves a festive, sparkly drink, and that includes the kiddos! This one is 100% alcohol-free and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
- Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the warm spices.
- Apple Cider: Brings a sweet and tart depth to the mocktail.
- Gingerbread Syrup: Infuses the drink with cozy, spiced sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors with a subtle, creamy warmth.
- Ginger Beer: Provides a bold, fizzy kick of ginger. Get something light if you’re making this for kids. Feel free to use ginger ale, too.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Coats the rim with sweet spice for a festive touch.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Makes the perfect garnish for a holiday-ready finish.
- Ice Cubes: To keep things cool and refreshing.
How to Make a Gingerbread Fizz
The great thing about mocktail recipes is that anyone can make them – no bartending experience required!
This one, for example, just requires measuring, shaking and pouring.
1. RIM THE GLASSES: Coat the rims of two highball glasses with cinnamon sugar and set aside.
2. SHAKE THE DRINK: Combine orange juice, apple cider, gingerbread syrup, and vanilla in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 20 seconds.
3. ASSEMBLE: Fill the glasses with ice, strain the mixture over, and top with ginger beer.
4. GARNISH: Add cinnamon sticks and serve. Enjoy!
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Torani have a great syrup and I’ve also enjoyed the one from Starbucks.
But if you can’t find any, use this homemade recipe:
- 1 cup water
- 4 ounces fresh ginger, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3/5 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. COOK THE SYRUP: In a small saucepan, bring the water, ginger, brown sugar, molasses, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
2. STEEP: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let steep for at least 15 minutes.
3. STRAIN AND STORE: Strain out the solids and transfer the syrup to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to several weeks. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Fizz
Here are just a few tips to remember:
- Serve the drink cold. This isn’t a good make-ahead mocktail because if it sits too long, the ice will melt, and the bubbles will dissipate. So, serve it immediately for the best results.
- Want it lighter? Use ginger ale instead of ginger beer. Or try it with lemon-lime soda instead.
- Use medium to large ice cubes. Small ice cubes melt too quickly and will dilute the drink. Stick to larger ice cubes if possible, though medium ones will suffice.
More Festive Mocktails You Have to Try
Pomegranate Sparkler Mocktail
Chocolate Peppermint Mocktail
Grinch Punch
White Christmas Punch