Savory LifeRECIPES

Cinnamon Jack Daniels Cocktail Recipe

Updated November 5, 2026

Total time
3 min
prep 3 min · cook 0 min
Serves
1
one portion

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Cinnamon Jack Daniels Cocktail Recipe

Cinnamon Jack Daniels is a warm, spiced cocktail that combines the smooth, oaky character of Tennessee whiskey with the sweet heat of cinnamon. It’s a simple two-ingredient drink that works beautifully as a cozy nightcap or a festive party pour, and its flavor profile is easily customized. This recipe delivers a balanced, aromatic drink that highlights the cinnamon’s warmth without overpowering the whiskey.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) cinnamon syrup (recipe below) or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)
  • Ice cubes (about 1 cup / 150 g)
  • For the cinnamon syrup (makes about 1 cup / 240 ml):
    • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
    • 1 cup (240 ml) water
    • 3 cinnamon sticks (or 2 tsp ground cinnamon)

Instructions

  1. Make the cinnamon syrup (if using): In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool completely, then strain out the cinnamon sticks. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  2. Chill your glass: Fill a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill while you prepare the drink.
  3. Mix the drink: In a mixing glass or shaker, combine the whiskey, cinnamon syrup (or ground cinnamon), and bitters if using. Add a handful of ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain and serve: Discard the ice from the rocks glass and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass. If you used ground cinnamon, you may want to double-strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any grit.
  5. Garnish (optional): Add a cinnamon stick or a twist of orange peel for extra aroma and visual appeal.

Tips

  • Syrup vs. powder: Cinnamon syrup gives a smoother, more integrated flavor. Ground cinnamon works in a pinch but can be slightly gritty and more pungent; use half the amount if you prefer a subtler taste.
  • Adjust sweetness: Start with less syrup (1/4 oz) and add more to taste. Some prefer a drier, more whiskey-forward drink.
  • Ice matters: Use large, dense ice cubes that melt slowly to avoid diluting the cocktail too quickly. If you only have small cubes, stir for a shorter time.
  • Batch for a party: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Stir with ice right before serving to keep it chilled without over-diluting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cocktail as an after-dinner drink or at holiday gatherings. It pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, roasted nuts, or a cheese board featuring aged cheddar. For a cozy twist, serve it in a mug with a splash of hot apple cider (omit the ice) for a warm version.

Variations

  • Hot Cinnamon Toddy: Skip the ice and instead combine 2 oz whiskey, 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup, and 4 oz hot water or apple cider. Stir and garnish with a lemon wheel.
  • Spiced Old Fashioned: Muddle 1 sugar cube with 2 dashes of Angostura and a pinch of cinnamon in the glass, then add whiskey and ice. Stir and strain.
  • Cinnamon Maple: Replace half the cinnamon syrup with maple syrup for a richer, woodsy sweetness.
  • Non-alcoholic version: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or simply omit the whiskey and increase the cider or water in the hot version.

Storage and Reheating

The cocktail itself is best enjoyed immediately after mixing; it does not store well once ice is added. The cinnamon syrup, however, can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For a hot version, you can prepare the whiskey-syrup mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a saucepan with the cider or water, but do not boil. Always reheat to at least 165°F (74°C) if serving hot to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey instead of Old No. 7? Yes. Tennessee Honey is already sweet and honey-flavored, so reduce the cinnamon syrup to 1/4 oz (7 ml) or omit it entirely for a less sweet drink.

What if I don’t have cinnamon sticks? Use 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in the syrup, but steep for only 5 minutes and strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove sediment.

Is this drink served hot or cold? Traditionally it’s served cold over ice, but a hot version with apple cider is a popular winter variation. Both are delicious.

Can I make a big batch for a party? Absolutely. Mix the whiskey and syrup in a pitcher in the ratio of 4 parts whiskey to 1 part syrup. Refrigerate until serving, then pour over ice in individual glasses.

How strong is this cocktail? With 2 oz of 80-proof whiskey, it’s a standard-strength cocktail, roughly equivalent to one drink. The syrup adds sweetness but not significant alcohol.

Can I use ground cinnamon directly in the shaker? Yes, but it won’t dissolve completely. Stir well and strain through a fine sieve to avoid a gritty texture.

Please enjoy responsibly. This cocktail is intended for adults of legal drinking age.

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