How to Craft a Bar-Quality Ginger Snap at Home

How to Craft a Bar-Quality Ginger Snap at Home

Calendar Icon February 28, 2025 User Icon by BarBot Team

Introduction

The Ginger Snap cocktail is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a warm, spicy twist to your home bar. With its combination of cognac, rum, and rhum créole shrub, this drink is both sophisticated and comforting. The addition of ginger and cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of spice in their drinks.

The Ginger Snap has roots in the rich tradition of spiced cocktails, often enjoyed during the colder months for their warming qualities. Its name may evoke the classic holiday cookie, but this cocktail stands on its own as a year-round favorite. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, the Ginger Snap is sure to impress.

One interesting tidbit about this cocktail is its use of rhum créole shrub, a Caribbean liqueur made with rum, orange peel, and spices. This ingredient adds depth and complexity to the drink, making it a standout choice for cocktail enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac
  • 0.5 oz Smith & Cross Rum
  • 0.5 oz Rhum Clément Créole Shrubb
  • 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.25 oz Cinnamon Bark Syrup
  • 0.25 oz Ginger Syrup

To craft a Ginger Snap cocktail that rivals any bar's offering, gather these ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac: Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac brings a rich, fruity base to the cocktail.
  • 0.5 oz Smith & Cross Rum: Smith & Cross Rum adds a bold, funky note that complements the other ingredients.
  • 0.5 oz Rhum Clément Créole Shrubb: Rhum Clément Créole Shrubb introduces a citrusy, spiced layer that enhances the drink's complexity.
  • 0.75 oz Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a bright, zesty contrast to the rich spirits.
  • 0.25 oz Cinnamon Bark Syrup: Cinnamon Bark Syrup adds a sweet, spicy warmth that ties the flavors together.
  • 0.25 oz Ginger Syrup: Ginger Syrup gives the cocktail its signature spicy kick, balancing the sweetness.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to mix up a Ginger Snap cocktail that will wow your guests:

  1. Shake all the ingredients with ice.
  2. Strain into a coupe. No garnish.

Tips

  • Use fresh ginger syrup for the best flavor. Store-bought versions may lack the intensity needed for this cocktail.
  • Chill your coupe glass in the freezer before straining the cocktail to keep it extra cold and refreshing.
  • Experiment with the balance of syrups to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier drink, increase the ginger syrup slightly.
  • For a smoky twist, try using a smoked cinnamon stick as a stirrer before serving.

Conclusion

The Ginger Snap cocktail is a testament to the art of balancing flavors. Its harmonious blend of spirits and spices makes it a standout choice for any cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate their home bartending skills. With just a few quality ingredients and some simple techniques, you can create a drink that embodies the warmth and sophistication of a bar-quality cocktail.

Ready to explore more unique and exciting cocktails? Download the BarBot app to access a world of recipes, log your creations, and share your experiences with fellow cocktail lovers. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious beginner, BarBot is your ultimate companion in the journey of cocktail discovery. Cheers to crafting your perfect drink!

Ginger Snap recipe adapted from Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails by David Kaplan, Nick Fauchald, and Alex Day.