The holidays are built on small rituals – cookies cooling on the counter, a familiar playlist in the background, and a glass poured once the day finally slows down. Bourbon fits effortlessly into these moments, especially when paired with classic holiday cookies.
With natural notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and oak, bourbon enhances the flavors you already love – adding warmth, depth, and just enough indulgence to feel special. Here’s how to pair your favorite holiday cookies with bourbon styles that bring out the best in every bite.
Sugar Cookies & Soft, Vanilla-Forward Bourbon
Simple, buttery sugar cookies shine with a gentle bourbon that doesn’t overpower their delicate sweetness.
Why it works: Vanilla, honey, and light oak notes echo the cookie’s clean flavor, letting the butter and sugar remain the star.
Best style to look for: Lower-proof, corn-forward bourbons with soft oak influence.
Serve it: Neat or with a small cube for an elegant, easy pairing.
Gingerbread Cookies & Spice-Driven Bourbon
Bold, spiced gingerbread needs a bourbon that can keep up.
Why it works: Bourbons with prominent baking spice, clove, cinnamon, and pepper amplify gingerbread’s warmth while adding structure.
Best style to look for: Bourbons with rye influence or higher spice expression.
Serve it: Neat, or slightly warmed in the glass for maximum aroma.
Chocolate Chip Cookies & Rich, Oaky Bourbon
Classic chocolate chip cookies (gooey or crisp) pair beautifully with fuller-bodied bourbons.
Why it works: Toasted oak, brown sugar, and cocoa-adjacent notes deepen the chocolate and balance sweetness.
Best style to look for: Mid-to-higher proof bourbons with extended barrel influence.
Serve it: Neat after dinner, when both cookie and bourbon can linger.
Snickerdoodles & Baking-Spice Bourbon
Cinnamon sugar meets bourbon spice in one of the most satisfying holiday pairings.
Why it works: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla notes mirror the cookie’s spice while extending the finish.
Best style to look for: Balanced bourbons with noticeable spice but a soft mouthfeel.
Serve it: With a single ice cube to soften the spice and highlight sweetness.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies & Bright, Clean Bourbon
Cool peppermint and creamy white chocolate need a bourbon with clarity and restraint.
Why it works: Light caramel, vanilla, and subtle oak keep the pairing refreshing without competing with mint.
Best style to look for: Younger or lighter-profile bourbons with minimal heavy char.
Serve it: Chilled slightly or over a large cube for a crisp contrast.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies & Dessert-Style Bourbon
These rich, cocoa-forward cookies call for a bourbon that leans indulgent.
Why it works: Notes of cocoa, toasted sugar, and warm oak complement the cookie’s richness and powdered sugar finish.
Best style to look for: Bourbons with deeper barrel influence or dessert-like sweetness.
Serve it: Neat, this pairing deserves your full attention.
Shortbread Cookies & Soft, Corn-Forward Bourbon
Buttery shortbread is all about texture, and bourbon can elevate it beautifully.
Why it works: Corn sweetness and gentle oak enhance the cookie’s richness without overpowering its simplicity.
Best style to look for: Lower-proof bourbons with minimal spice and a round profile.
Serve it: Early evening, neat or with a splash of water.
Make It a Holiday Tasting Moment
Turn cookie night into something memorable:
- Set out 3–4 cookie styles
- Pour ½ oz. pours of contrasting bourbons
- Sip, snack, and notice how flavors shift
Because bourbon, like the holidays, is best enjoyed slowly and together.