📖 Instructions

1. First, let's make the gingerbread syrup! In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
2. Next, add the ginger. Stir in 1/4 cup of finely grated fresh ginger, and continue to simmer gently for another 10 minutes. This allows the ginger to infuse its delicious flavor into the syrup. You'll notice a beautiful aromatic steam rising—it's intoxicating!
3. Time to spice things up! Reduce the heat to low, and add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Stir well, ensuring that all the spices are incorporated into the syrup. This is where the magic happens; your kitchen will smell like Christmas!
4. Let's remove from heat and let it cool. Take the saucepan off the stove and set it aside to cool completely. You can speed up this process by transferring the syrup to a heat-safe bowl and placing it in an ice bath, making sure to stir every so often.
5. Once the syrup has cooled, it's time to strain it. Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of ginger or spice particles. This step ensures a smooth and clean-tasting final product. It's a small step, but it makes a huge difference!
6. Finally, assemble the shots! In each shot glass, add 1.5 ounces of your favorite bourbon or whiskey (or even rum if that's your jam!). Top it up with the strained gingerbread syrup. Garnish with a small piece of candied ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you're feeling fancy.
7. And there you have it! Your delicious homemade Gingerbread Shots are ready to be enjoyed. Remember, these are best served immediately, but hey, if you have some leftovers, store the syrup separately and make another batch when the mood strikes!