There’s something magical about sipping on a drink that tastes just like your favorite dessert. The Cinnamon Roll Cocktail wraps up the cozy, sweet flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll into a creamy, spiced cocktail that’s perfect for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or when you’re just in the mood for something indulgent. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I picked up: chilling the glass really does make a difference in keeping that creamy texture smooth and refreshing.
Cinnamon Roll Cocktail
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Rocks glass or martini glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) cinnamon whisky (like Fireball)
– 1 oz (30 ml) cream liqueur (Baileys or similar)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) vanilla vodka
– Cinnamon sugar (for rimming the glass)
– 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
– Ice
Method
- Start by rimming your glass. Lightly wet the rim with a bit of simple syrup or lemon juice, then dip it into a shallow plate of cinnamon sugar. This adds a sweet, spiced touch right from the first sip.
- Fill the glass with ice. A full glass helps chill the drink without watering it down too fast.
- In a separate mixing glass (or directly in the serving glass if you’re keeping it simple), pour in the cinnamon whisky, cream liqueur, and vanilla vodka.
- Stir gently for about 10-15 seconds until everything is well mixed and slightly chilled.
- Drop in a cinnamon stick for garnish. It adds a little visual flair and a warm aroma as you sip.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glass: Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink. It helps keep everything nice and cold.
– Don’t skip the rim: That cinnamon sugar rim really adds to the dessert-like experience.
– Adjust the sweetness: If it’s a little too sweet for your taste, use less cream liqueur or swap in plain vodka with a splash of milk or dairy-free alternative.
– No vanilla vodka? Use plain vodka and add 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract.
– Going dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream liqueur or a splash of coconut cream.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the whisky, cream liqueur, and vodka together ahead of time and store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just shake or stir well, pour over ice, and garnish.
Storage
If you have leftover cocktail (unlikely, but it happens), store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients can separate a little over time.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines as a dessert drink. Try pairing it with:
– A warm slice of apple pie-the spices in both play off each other beautifully.
– A handful of candied or spiced nuts for a crunchy, savory-sweet combo.
– A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a full-on dessert experience.
This has been my go-to cocktail for cozy winter nights, especially when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take a ton of effort.
Variations to Try
Spiced Apple Cinnamon Roll
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) apple cider to the mix.
– Garnish with a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
– Swap cream liqueur for pumpkin spice liqueur.
– Sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top before serving.
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) chocolate liqueur.
– Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring the drink for a fun visual effect.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix 1 oz (30 ml) cinnamon syrup, 4 oz (120 ml) cream soda, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
– Serve over ice with a cinnamon sugar rim and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the alcohols and keep them chilled in the fridge. Add ice and garnish just before serving.
What can I use instead of vanilla vodka?
Plain vodka with a splash of vanilla extract works great.
Is there a vegan option?
Definitely-try a dairy-free cream liqueur or use coconut milk and a little maple syrup for sweetness.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less cream liqueur or replace it with unsweetened almond milk and a bit of cinnamon.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick to the glass?
Wet the rim with syrup or lemon juice, then dip into the cinnamon sugar. Press gently to coat evenly.
Can kids enjoy the non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! The virgin version is fun, festive, and family-friendly.
The Cinnamon Roll Cocktail is all about comfort and fun-sweet, spiced, and a little indulgent. Whether you’re serving it up at a holiday party or winding down after dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Cheers to your next delicious sip!
