I used to be the person who always went back for a second cinnamon roll – those sticky, fragrant spirals were my Kryptonite. I’ve gotten a bit more health-conscious over the years (or at least I tell myself that), but my sweet tooth didn’t get the memo. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Cocktail: my favorite grown-up indulgence, no oven required.
I first stumbled across this little gem last winter. It was one of those freezing nights when you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and never leave the couch. My friend Lisa – who’s basically a wizard when it comes to cocktails – showed up with her bar kit and a mischievous grin. “Trust me,” she said, pouring something creamy into a glass, “this will change your mind about dessert drinks.” She wasn’t wrong. One sip and I was texting her an embarrassing number of heart-eye emojis.
Strength & Profile
Note: You can tap on flavors, occasions, and feels to view more similar cocktail recipes.
What gets me about this cocktail is how it captures that whole cinnamon roll experience – the cozy cinnamon, the decadent creaminess, even a hint of that almost-too-sweet center – without actually firing up the oven. It’s rich, but not so heavy you feel like you need a nap right after.
I started making it for friends, and every single time, it’s become the drink of the night. My brother-in-law, who acts allergic to anything that isn’t straight whiskey or beer, tried it “just to be polite.” Two minutes later, he slid his glass across the table and asked for a refill. I rest my case.
Ingredients
- 1 oz vanilla vodka (I usually use Absolut, but anything decent will do)
- 1 oz RumChata
- 1 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- 1 oz heavy cream (just trust me)
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
- Ice
Rocks glass recommended, preferably something sturdy – you want that satisfying “clink” as you shake this together.
How to Make It
- Fill a shaker about halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, RumChata, Fireball, and heavy cream.
- Shake it like you mean it – seriously, give it a vigorous shake for 15-20 seconds, until your hands are almost numb from the cold (learned this the hard way; a lazy shake just isn’t the same).
- Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top. Admire your work for approximately three seconds, then take a sip.
A Few Pro Tips (aka Lessons Learned)
- Use fresh cream, not the stuff that’s been haunting the back of your fridge. It makes a world of difference.
- If you want to lighten things up, swap in almond milk. It’s not as rich, but honestly, still really good.
- Feeling festive? Rim your glass with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before you pour – highly recommended around the holidays.
Non-Alcoholic Version
Mix 3/4 oz cinnamon syrup, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 oz half-and-half with ice. Shake, strain, sprinkle cinnamon, and enjoy. It’s not boozy, but the flavor is happily on point.
Favorite Pairings
- A square or two of dark chocolate (you’ll thank me later)
- A chunk of sharp cheddar (sounds weird, works brilliantly)
- Spiced nuts, bonus points if they’re candied pecans
Fair warning: These go down dangerously easy. Somewhere between laughing with your friends and finishing the last chocolate square, you’ll realize you’re already on round two (or three – no shame).
Sometimes, just to mix it up, I’ll use caramel vodka or toss in a splash of cold brew coffee. The recipe’s really forgiving, so play around – worst-case scenario, you “have to” taste-test a few versions.
Nowadays, when the cinnamon roll craving hits but baking sounds like too much work, I just go the cocktail route. It totally hits the spot, and if I happen to snack on an actual cinnamon roll at the same time… well, let’s just call that balance.
