Skip to main content

We're sorry Ballantines.com won't work in this browser

Try the Edge browser

8 cinnamon and ginger whisky drinks to spice up your winter cocktails

finest day gingerale 041 hero curve aspect ratio 16 9

Not everyone’s a fan of spice. But for those who are, you’ll love this cocktail shortlist.

Cinnamon and ginger are two of Mother nature’s fiercest flavours and low and behold, they both pair perfectly with whisky. Their rich, warming tang goes hand in hand with the smooth, sweet finish of scotch, making a delicious standalone drink or solid base for a comforting cocktail.

Ready to get spicy? Good, coz we’ve lined up the best whisky drink recipes, each with cinnamon or ginger as a headline ingredient.

Here they are…

Hot Toddy

We’re starting off strong with a traditional toddy drink; the ultimate winter warmer to snuggle up with. You’ve likely heard of it, you’ve probably tasted it – but why change something that’s so darn good?

Once poured, you’ll sip soothing honey and lemon whisky, infused with cinnamon and cloves. A spiced whisky cocktail at its finest.

Hot Toddy

Curl up by the fire and stir some spice into the cold evenings this winter with this warming classic.

TRY IT

Honey and Cinnamon Highball

If you fancy a hot toddy without the heat – give this honey and cinnamon drink a go. It’s got all the goodness of our favourite cosy cocktail but this time we’ve gone for a cooler serve – the ultimate refresher for when you wear one too many layers.

A generous glug of ginger beer is sweetened by cinnamon syrup and smoothed by Ballantine’s Finest, plus a few other spiced ingredients for good measure. Make a few batches – you’ll want a top up in no time.

Whisky Apple Cider Punch

The party don’t start til you walk in – and make a punch. Specifically, the Ballantine’s cider punch. A punch so good you’ll need room for a queue. Seriously.

Apple cider aside, it’s got cinnamon, citrus fruits, vanilla and a dash of bitters. Plus a good helping of whisky of course. Pop it on the table, dress it up as a centrepiece or make a batch for homey nights in.

Whisky Ginger Ale

Nothing’s quite as classic as scotch whisky and ginger ale; the perfect combination for a light yet spicy cocktail that works no matter the weather. The warm golden taste of our blended scotch is topped with bubbling ginger for a refreshing long serve – it’s as easy to make as it is to drink.

We love ours with a handful of ice and fresh lime. But that’s just us. Why not try with a cinnamon stick stirrer, mint leaves or orange wedge?

Whisky & Ginger Ale

Spicy and refreshing in one, kick things up a gear with the classic pairing of Ballantine’s whisky & Ginger Ale.

TRY IT

Ginger and Honey Highball

This one’s for those who love more than one note to their cocktail. As well as ginger bitters and a happy dash of honey, you’ll find hints of rosemary, smooth vodka and velvety sweetness from the Glenburgie Single Malt scotch.

You’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of this whisky ginger highball’s flavour-packed ice cubes. But trust us, it’s worth the prep.

Scotch and Ginger Beer

Get your spice on with a straightforward mix of whisky and ginger beer. It might be simple but if you’re after the best ginger whisky drink, you really can’t go wrong.

This cocktail’s fiery flavour is sure to warm you up before cooling you right back down again, especially with a squeeze of refreshing lime for a zingy splash of citrus. Perfect for summer evenings and winter soirees.

Cranberry and Cinnamon Christmas Cocktail

Ho ho ho – did someone say Christmas? With cinnamon and ginger being such festive flavours, it would be wrong to leave out our sweet and spicy whisky Christmas cocktail from this mouth-watering shortlist.

There’s dashings of cranberry, lashings of citrus and plenty of sweet golden whisky – all mulled with the spices of cinnamon, clove, and pear to warm you through the winter months under the mistletoe.

Penicillin

Get the prescription pad ready, it’s time for a dose of Penicillin. Ok not really, but the Penicillin cocktail is a punchy drink that’ll have you feeling zesty in no time. 

The spicy recipe requires two types of scotch for a real whisky kick, plus honey and ginger syrup to give it a sweet yet fiery finish. We love it, and so will you.

Penicillin

Prescribe yourself the Penicillin, a fiery Scotch classic to kick off your weekend in style. No doctors necessary.

TRY IT

If you’re after more cocktail inspiration to mix up your Ballantine’s with, check out our collection of whisky drink recipes. From fruity cocktails in summer to Easter cocktails in spring, we will have you covered throughout the year.

10 apple and whisky drinks for when you wanna shake up something sweet

Mix scotch with cider or juice to create these delicious apple and whisky mixed drinks, including hot and cool recipes for summer and winter.

DISCOVER MORE

Blog

You already know we’ve nailed the Finest Whisky to ever grace a glass. But that’s just a little drop of what we’re about. Scroll on for the latest news and features from across the world of Ballantine’s whisky, True Music and much, much more.

DISCOVER MORE