Christmas

Bourbon, Orange, and Ginger

Name: Bourbon, Orange, and Ginger
Yield: Makes 1 cocktail
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups water; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 ounces bourbon; 1 ounce triple sec; 3 tablespoons ginger syrup; 3 ounces fresh orange juice; Crushed ice

by: inpatskitchen

August 28, 2021

4.6

7 Ratings

Photo by Mark Weinberg

Makes 1 cocktail

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

I love ginger and when it's combined with orange and a little booze, it makes for a great cocktail! —inpatskitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

WHO: If inpatskitchen is cooking Chickpea Bolognese or Gran’s Gifted Cheesecake, we’d love to be in Pat’s kitchen, too.
WHAT: A cocktail that’s just as comfortable by the pool as it is at a holiday party.
HOW; Make a ginger simple syrup, then use it to sweeten a mixture of bourbon, Triple Sec, and orange juice. Pour over crushed ice. Garnish with an umbrella (or not).
WHY WE LOVE IT: At the time of year when we’re gearing up to put ginger in cookies and quick breads, this cocktail is a reminder of the root’s bright spiciness. We’ll keep the ginger simple syrup in a jar in the fridge and use it for experimenting with even more cocktails. —The Editors

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What You'll Need

Watch This Recipe

Bourbon, Orange, and Ginger

Ingredients

For the ginger syrup (makes one cup of syrup -- enough for many cocktails):
¹/₂ cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
¹/₂ cup granulated sugar
¹/₄ cup packed light brown sugar
1 ¹/₂ cups water
¹/₄ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

For the ginger syrup (makes one cup of syrup -- enough for many cocktails):
In a small sauce pan, combine all ingredients except the vanilla. Bring up to a boil and then down to a simmer. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the syrup reduces to about one cup. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let steep until cool, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Refrigerate for up to a week.

For the cocktail:
Combine the bourbon, triple sec, ginger syrup, and orange juice. Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour the cocktail over.

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See what other Food52ers are saying.

Jacob K Thomas
Ben Kotvis
Vera Carroll
Cynthia Earman
krikri

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73 Reviews

Jabez2016 January 5, 2022

I added more juice because the ginger is so powerful.

andi November 13, 2021

Question: do you peel the ginger to make syrup?

andi November 13, 2021

oops...helps to read recipe a second time!

Allison S. February 11, 2021

This was fantastic

inpatskitchen February 11, 2021

YAY!! So glad you liked it! Thanks!

Politan June 11, 2020

We enjoyed this with Canton, Cointreau, Knob Creek whiskey, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Very well balanced. Strong for a weeknight so we added some water to taste.

Jacob K. January 27, 2020

This is a great cocktail, I just made it using blood oranges and the taste pretty nice. I actually didn’t have 3 ounces blood orange juice, so my drink was a little strong, but not a problem, still good flavor.

inpatskitchen January 27, 2020

Thank you Jacob! Happy you enjoyed!

boulangere January 27, 2020

I'm overflowing with lemons and oranges at the moment. Lemons are going into a cake because cake can can cure a bit of sadness like nothing else, and I've simply got to find a constructive path through Kobe's death. And a sip or several of this lovely concoction might just be the icing. Thank you, Pat.

inpatskitchen January 27, 2020

Thank YOU Cynthia!

Bebewatson December 17, 2018

Can I substitute Cointreau for the triple sec?

inpatskitchen December 17, 2018

Yes! Grand Marnier also works....Happy Holidays!

brettjackson November 21, 2017

So fabulous! Having a glass now with the bf and looking forward to sharing with friends on Thursday! Cheers!!

inpatskitchen November 22, 2017

Thanks so much!!! Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Ben K. July 2, 2017

Maybe I am a lightweight but I thought it was too strong. I used Tennessee Whiskey (Jack Daniels) because I had it on hand but I don't think it would have made any difference from a strength perspective. I tried 1.5 ounces of Whiskey and I thought it was much better.

inpatskitchen July 2, 2017

So glad you tried this...just remember.. everything's a experiment... whatever works for you!

Vera C. June 24, 2017

Delicious! I use an Organic Ginger Syrup made by "Ginger People" http://gingerpeople.com/organic-syrup.html

inpatskitchen June 24, 2017

Great way to save time! Thanks Vera!

tastysweet August 1, 2021

Vera: I went on the ginger syrup website and noticed it doesn’t have the vanilla in it. Do you add it to your drink?
Also, do you keep yours refrigerated?
Thanks for the tip.

Jennifer June 20, 2017

What is this drink to be called? BEtter than a Stormy Nighy. Sunny because of the orange juice. Eclipse?

Cynthia E. June 19, 2017

What about a bit of Canton instead of the ginger syrup?

inpatskitchen June 20, 2017

Why not? Give it a try!

krikri February 19, 2017

This looks delicious and I love all the bits that make it up. However, I cannot promise I'll be able to toss back enough bourbon drinks to use up the syrup.
So, two questions: how long will it last before going fuzzy (can I use it even if it's fuzzy?)
and
(ok three questions)
Any inspiration for how to enjoy the rest of the ginger syrup?

inpatskitchen February 19, 2017

I think the syrup will last a couple of weeks in the fridge krikri. I wouldn't use it if it gets fuzzy. You can use the syrup to make ginger ale (similar to Vernor's) by mixing it wit seltzer water or get a bit fancier and try my ginger ale float which was a best soda fountain winner. Find it here:
https://food52.com/recipes/12213-a-tribute-to-woody-homemade-ginger-ale-float
Sure hope you enjoy and Thanks!

Jason N. July 20, 2017

This is a fantastic cocktail, found it via the ever-wonderful Alton Brown. I also use the syrup to sweeten iced tea (usually Teajava), it's a great combo.

inpatskitchen July 20, 2017

Thanks Jason! So glad you enjoyed!

Susan November 7, 2016

Obviously I don't drink many cocktails....but did I understand 3/4 cup of sugar total for one drink? That seems like a lot of sugar? If I wanted to make 10 drinks that would be lots and lots of sugar....not to mention the ginger syrup and triple sec. Dont mean to be a downer..just wanted to check
Thank you...

inpatskitchen November 8, 2016

Hi Susan! The 3/4 cup of sugar is for the syrup, not the cocktail. Only 3 tablespoons of syrup in each cocktail.

Mike June 5, 2018

Reading is difficult for Susan

Shirley P. December 11, 2015

Has anyone tried using crystallized ginger to make the simple syrup? I may give it a go because that's what I have on hand. Use it to make my mulled cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving.

inpatskitchen December 11, 2015

I've never tried Shirley but it's certainly worth a go. Maybe someone else has and will pipe in>

Shamika November 24, 2015

Will this drink still taste pretty good if I use store bought ginger syrup instead of making it from scratch? Just wondering since I'll be cooking and hosting and would like to cut down on being over the stove as much as possible. Thanks.

inpatskitchen November 25, 2015

I've never had store bought ginger syrup so don't know how the flavors compare. The ginger syrup can be made at least a week ahead. It has a distinct flavor and when mixed with seltzer taste a bit like Vernor's Gingerale.

Erika M. October 20, 2015

This sounds delightful — anyone try it in a pitcher? I'm thinking of making a giant batch for "friendsgiving" this year, and am wondering if I could combine in a pitcher and pour over ice as guests arrive?

inpatskitchen October 20, 2015

Yes definitely! I served it the same way twice this past year...enjoy!

Erika M. November 23, 2015

Worked out great — I refilled my giant pitcher twice at the party and folks still wanted more. I will definitely make these again!

inpatskitchen November 23, 2015

So happy it worked out for you!! Have wonderful Holidays!

Sargi January 31, 2015

Enjoy one right now . DELICIOUS !! perfect don't change a thing. Wonderful year rround drink.

inpatskitchen January 31, 2015

Thank you!! Keep enjoying!

Lindsey January 16, 2015

I've been meaning to comment on this recipe - I served these as a pre-Thanksgiving Dinner cocktail and they were absolutely delicious! A big hit with the family. Will definitely plan on making again soon. Perhaps with blood orange juice now that they're in season!

inpatskitchen January 17, 2015

Thanks Lindsey! So happy you enjoyed and blood orange juice sounds wonderful! I'll have to try soon.

Amanda January 1, 2015

Yum! Left out the triple sec since I don't have any. Thanks for the recipe.

inpatskitchen January 1, 2015

Thanks Amanda! So glad you liked it!

chez_mere December 21, 2014

Wow. Just made a big batch of these for a family gathering and they were a HUGE hit! Thanks for a great recipe :)

inpatskitchen December 21, 2014

Thank YOU chez_mere! I'm making a batch for Christmas...hope my family enjoys!