Ingredients
- 2/3 oz Irish Cream
- 1/3 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Instructions
Pour the Irish Cream:
- Start by filling your shot glass a little over halfway with 2/3 oz of Irish cream.
Top with Cinnamon Schnapps:
- Top off the shot with 1/3 oz of cinnamon schnapps.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor of your Cinnamon Roll Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Cinnamon Roll cocktail is a modern invention, a product of the late 20th and early 21st century bar scene. It emerged from the trend of dessert-inspired drinks and novelty shots, popular in casual bars and clubs across North America where sweet, approachable cocktails gained traction.
This drink fits squarely into the dessert cocktail family, alongside popular entries like the Mudslide or the Key Lime Pie shot. What sets the Cinnamon Roll apart is its specific focus on the interplay of vanilla and cinnamon, often with a creamy base, aiming to replicate the pastry's iconic flavor profile.
You would typically encounter a Cinnamon Roll on a dessert menu, at a lively bar, or as a specialty shot during a party. It is perfect for those moments when a rich, sweet treat is desired, especially after dinner or as a fun, themed drink during holiday gatherings.
What it tastes like
Expect a rich, sweet, and creamy profile. The vanilla vodka lays down a smooth, sweet base, reminiscent of the roll's dough. Cinnamon liqueur brings the spice and warmth, while Irish cream liqueur and a touch of dairy provide that unmistakable frosting texture and flavor. It is a full-bodied experience, sweet without being cloying, with the spice balancing the cream.
With a typical recipe using vanilla vodka, cinnamon liqueur, and Irish cream, a Cinnamon Roll cocktail usually lands around 25-28% ABV. This makes it roughly equivalent to about two to three standard light beers, so it packs a decent punch for a dessert drink. Sip smart, it goes down easy.
The technique
To build a Cinnamon Roll, combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled and well-emulsified. Strain into a chilled shot glass or a small coupe. Garnish simply with a dusting of ground cinnamon or a small cinnamon stick to lean into the theme.
The ONE technique tip that matters most for this drink is chilling. Ensure all your ingredients are cold before you start, and shake with plenty of fresh ice. This makes for a perfectly smooth, rich, and refreshing drink, preventing it from tasting watery or weak.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vanilla Vodka
- Use
- Absolut Vanilla, Ketel One Citroen (for a brighter vanilla), or Grey Goose La Poire (adds a subtle fruitiness).
- Skip
- Cheap, overly sweet vanilla vodkas that taste artificial. Avoid flavored vodkas with strong competing flavors.
- Why
- Vanilla vodka is the backbone, providing the essential 'dough' and 'frosting' sweetness without being just plain sugar. It needs to be smooth and genuine.
Cinnamon Liqueur
- Use
- Goldschlager for a strong, clear cinnamon kick, or a creamier cinnamon liqueur if available for a softer profile. Fireball works if you want a spicier, hotter edge.
- Skip
- Anything too aggressively artificial or overly sweet that lacks genuine spice depth. Avoid cinnamon schnapps that are too thin.
- Why
- This ingredient is non-negotiable for the 'cinnamon' in Cinnamon Roll. It needs to be assertive enough to cut through the cream and vanilla, providing warmth and spice.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Cinnamon Roll Martini
- A sophisticated dessert sipper.
- Serve this cocktail in a chilled martini glass, perhaps with a caramel drizzle on the inside of the glass for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Adjust proportions slightly for a larger serve.
Spiced Roll
- Adds a warming kick.
- Introduce a small dash of allspice dram or a hint of ginger liqueur to the mix. This builds on the existing cinnamon, creating a more complex, holiday-spiced profile for the drink.
Cold Brew Roll
- Coffee shop meets cocktail bar.
- Add 0.5 oz of cold brew coffee or coffee liqueur to the standard recipe. The coffee notes will blend seamlessly with the vanilla and cinnamon, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use regular vodka with a splash of vanilla extract and a touch more simple syrup.
Try a spiced rum with a dash of ground cinnamon, or a cinnamon syrup if you have one.
Heavy cream or half-and-half with a splash of almond liqueur or a little extra simple syrup will work in a pinch.
A jar with a tight-fitting lid will do the trick. Just make sure it seals well and shake vigorously with ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Cinnamon Roll?
A Cinnamon Roll cocktail typically contains vanilla vodka, cinnamon liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and sometimes a touch of half-and-half or cream.
Is the Cinnamon Roll a sweet drink?
Yes, the Cinnamon Roll is definitely a sweet drink. It is designed to emulate the flavors of the popular pastry, making it a dessert-like cocktail.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Cinnamon Roll?
You can create a virgin version using vanilla syrup, cinnamon syrup, and cream or a non-alcoholic cream liqueur. It will capture the flavor without the booze.
What kind of glass should I use for a Cinnamon Roll?
For a shot, use a shot glass. For a cocktail, a small coupe or a chilled martini glass works well.
Is a Cinnamon Roll served hot or cold?
The Cinnamon Roll cocktail is traditionally served cold, shaken with ice to achieve a refreshing, creamy consistency.
What is the best garnish for a Cinnamon Roll?
A simple dusting of ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or even a light drizzle of caramel sauce makes for an appropriate garnish.
Can I batch Cinnamon Roll cocktails for a party?
Yes, you can pre-mix the liquid ingredients and store them chilled. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice and garnish.
Is this a strong drink?
While sweet and easy to drink, the Cinnamon Roll is moderately strong, typically around 25-28% ABV. It is stronger than most beers.
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