As we get some cooler fall weather it’s time for cocktails with a little spiceness. But because I live in the south, except on the coldest of days, I drink most cocktails chilled. This ginger old fashioned is a nice drink to enjoy through Christmas. It relies on homemade ginger simple syrup, so I’ve included that recipe first.

Ginger Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup peeled and thinly sliced ginger

Bring the ginger, sugar, and water to a boil over medium-low heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Reduce to simmer and remove from heat. Steep covered for 30 minutes. Double strain the syrup through a fine mesh into an airtight container. Discard ginger and store syrup for up to a month in the refrigerator.

Ginger Old Fashioned

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1/4 oz ginger simple syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 2 Luxardo cherries

Add simple syrup, bitters and cherries to cocktail glass and lightly muddle cherries. Add a few cubes of ice and stir about 30 seconds or until cold. Top glass with ice, garnish with an orange and enjoy.

Note: The rich, fruitiness of the Luxardo cherries pairs well with the spiciness of the ginger syrup and rye whiskey. So don’t skip this ingredient. 🍸

I was at a cocktail bar tonight and had fond memories of an old coworker who used to go weekly with his wife to a hotel bar in Winter Park, Florida. They would meet friends and he would always have a Rob Roy cocktail. So I had one tonight, too.

Rob Roy Cocktail

• 2 ounces scotch
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Brandied cherries

Add the scotch, sweet vermouth and bitters to a cocktail shake filled with ice. Shake until icy cold and pour into a cocktail glass. Garnish with brandied cherries. 🍸