Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. Over the past few years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me looking for fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the blog below, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also offer tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending.
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The Cocktail: When Santa Accidentally Dunks Cookies Into Bourbon
Imagine Santa on Christmas Eve, exhausted, slightly behind schedule, and grabbing the closest cookie to keep himself moving. In that sleepy moment, he mixes up the glass of milk and the Old Fashioned someone kindly left beside it.
One dip.
One bite.
One sip.
And somehow, magically, a cocktail is born.
That is the spirit behind Santa’s Smoky Cookie Old Fashioned — a cocktail that tastes like warm brown sugar cookies, charred edges, gentle spice, and bourbon smouldering in the background. It’s rich but not heavy, festive without being syrupy, and absolutely perfect for sipping around a summer barbecue or Christmas dinner table in Australia.
This Shake, Sip, Serve premium version is designed to be:
- cookie-spiced
- smoky but balanced
- warm in flavour but easy to drink in summer
- sophisticated
- high-impact in aroma
- perfect for Christmas entertaining
If the Grinch cocktail was cheeky, this one is indulgent and grown-up — a nod to tradition with a modern Australian twist.
Flavour Profile: Brown Sugar Cookie Meets Spiced Bourbon Smoke
This cocktail walks the line between nostalgic cookie flavour and classic Old Fashioned structure. Each element is designed to enhance the next:
Top Notes: Smoke + Toasted Spice
A controlled cold-smoke aroma or smoked glass lifts the cocktail without overpowering it.
Mid-Palate: Brown Sugar Cookie
A homemade cookie syrup delivers flavours of:
- brown sugar
- butter essence
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- vanilla
- soft spice warmth
Base: Spiced Bourbon
A bourbon with natural caramel, oak and holiday spice notes ties everything together.
Finish: Soft Sweetness and Lingering Smoke
Not too sweet, not too heavy — just the right festive balance.
This is a cocktail that feels nostalgic even if you’ve never had it before.
Ingredients (Per Serve)
Cookie Syrup (makes multiple serves)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- ½ tsp butter extract (optional but enhances “cookie” effect)
Cocktail
- 60 ml spiced bourbon
- 10–15 ml cookie syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice
Garnish
- Torched cinnamon stick
- Mini chocolate chip cookie
- Orange peel twist
For Smoke (optional)
- Smoking gun
or - Smoked glass technique (explained below)
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Old Fashioned glass
- Ice block or large cube
If you want a compact tool kit for Christmas entertaining, I’ve reviewed one here:
https://shakesipserve.com/etens-travel-bartender-kit-review/
And for gift ideas that match a cocktail like this, explore my curated list of top-rated bartender Christmas gifts:
https://shakesipserve.com/top-rated-bartender-christmas-gifts-from-amazon-buyers/
How to Make the Cookie Syrup
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan
Water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter extract, vanilla.
2. Simmer gently for 6–8 minutes
Do not boil — this keeps the syrup clean and pourable.
3. Remove from heat
Let the cinnamon stick steep for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Strain
Remove solids while keeping warmth of flavour.
5. Cool fully
Essential for Old Fashioned clarity.
This syrup tastes like brown sugar cookies fresh from the oven — but with the perfect consistency for cocktails.
How to Smoke the Cocktail (Two Methods)
Method 1: Smoking Gun (Best Aroma Control)
- Prepare your cocktail in a mixing glass.
- Smoke your Old Fashioned glass using applewood, cherrywood or maple.
- Cover and let the smoke rest for 30 seconds.
- Strain your cocktail into the smoked glass.
Method 2: The Smoked Glass Flip
No equipment needed.
- Light a cinnamon stick or small piece of baking-safe wood chip.
- Place it on a ceramic plate.
- Cover with your Old Fashioned glass.
- Trap smoke for 20–30 seconds.
- Remove, add ice, and pour cocktail.
This method adds warm spice smoke without “campfire” harshness.
How to Build Santa’s Smoky Cookie Old Fashioned
1. Chill your Old Fashioned glass
Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
2. Smoke the glass
Use your preferred method.
3. Add bourbon, cookie syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass
60 ml bourbon
10–15 ml cookie syrup
Bitters
4. Add ice & stir
Stir for 15–18 seconds.
5. Strain over a large ice cube
A single cube slows dilution and keeps the cocktail plush.
6. Garnish
Torch a cinnamon stick for smoke flare.
Add a mini cookie on the rim.
Twist orange peel over the top to release oils.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works in Summer
Even though the flavour is warm and wintery, the cocktail still suits Australia’s December heat because:
- It’s spirit-forward, not creamy
- Use of ice block keeps it cold
- Cookie syrup is light, not thick
- Smoke is aromatic, not heavy
- No dairy or heavy liqueurs
- Bourbon’s spice works beautifully with BBQ food
It feels like Christmas without weighing you down.
Variations
Mrs. Claus’ Cookie & Cream Old Fashioned
Add 10 ml white chocolate liqueur.
Rudolph’s Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned
Add 10 ml cherry syrup.
The North Pole Old Fashioned
Swap bourbon for white rum and increase vanilla.
Smoky Gingerbread Version
Replace nutmeg/cinnamon with gingerbread spice blend.
Food Pairings
Aussie Christmas Classics
- glazed ham
- BBQ prawns
- roast pork with crackling
- smoked turkey
- spiced nuts
Sweet Pairings
- molasses cookies
- chocolate truffles
- honeycomb
- Christmas shortbread
The cocktail goes especially well with anything caramelised or smoky.
RSA Notes for Safe Hosting
Because this is a strong, spirit-forward drink, always remember:
- serve with food
- offer water regularly
- avoid automatic top-ups
- be mindful of heat
- provide a mocktail version
RSA guidelines here:
https://shakesipserve.com/rsa-101-what-every-aspiring-bartender-in-australia-needs-to-know/
Conclusion
Santa’s Smoky Cookie Old Fashioned is warm, nostalgic, smoky and sweet in all the right ways — the perfect cocktail for grown-ups wanting something indulgent, flavour-forward and memorable at Christmas.
It’s a drink that brings character, aroma and a playful wink to the table.
A cocktail that feels like holiday cheer captured in a glass.
A reminder that Christmas is equal parts comfort, flavour and fun.
Your guests will want seconds… so make extra cookie syrup.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/