Imagine the warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, fresh from the oven and slathered in a thick, creamy glaze. Now, envision that beloved breakfast and dessert experience transformed into a decadent, sipable, and decidedly adult indulgence. This is the Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink. It is a liquid dessert that captures the very soul of the iconic pastry in a glass, blending the rich, caramel-like warmth of rum with the sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon and the luxurious creaminess of a bakery-fresh frosting.
Why Is This Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink So Popular?
The Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink has skyrocketed in popularity because it masterfully taps into powerful sensory nostalgia while offering a uniquely indulgent and social drinking experience. First, it is an instant and potent nostalgia trigger. The flavor combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy icing is deeply embedded in our collective memory, evoking feelings of weekend mornings, family gatherings, and cherished holiday traditions. This cocktail doesn’t just remind you of a cinnamon roll; it convincingly replicates its essence, creating a powerful emotional connection that is both comforting and celebratory.
Secondly, it represents the ultimate in “dessert in a glass” luxury. In an era where experiential dining and cocktails are prized, this drink delivers a full sensory journey. It satisfies a sweet tooth while providing a gentle, warming buzz, effectively replacing the need for a separate dessert course. Its richness and depth make it feel like a special treat, an indulgence that is perfect for toasting, savoring, and sharing, making any moment feel more festive and special.
Finally, its versatility and approachability are key to its widespread appeal. It can be served shaken and chilled like a classic cocktail, blended with ice for a frozen treat, or even served warm like a sophisticated, spiked cider. It appeals to both cocktail novices who might be wary of spirit-forward drinks and seasoned enthusiasts who can appreciate the balance and creativity of the flavor profile. This broad appeal, combined with its irresistible theme, ensures its place as a modern classic.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink:
You will love this recipe because it empowers you to become a master of liquid pastry, creating a drink that tastes like it came from a high-end cocktail lounge with just a few simple steps. You will love the creative process—from making a homemade cinnamon syrup to the final, artistic drizzle of icing. You will appreciate the absolute control you have to tailor it to your taste, adjusting the sweetness, spice level, and creaminess to create your perfect version of this beloved flavor.
But beyond the technical creation and customization, you will love the sheer joy and comfort it brings. Serving this drink is an act of generous hospitality. It’s a gesture that says, “Let’s relax and indulge together.” The warm, spicy, and sweet aroma that rises from the glass is incredibly inviting, and the first rich, smooth sip is an undeniable moment of bliss. It’s a recipe that feels both impressively gourmet and wonderfully approachable, a combination that is the true spirit of great hosting. The smiles and delighted reactions from your friends and family will be your greatest reward.
Here’s what you’ll need:
The magic of this drink lies in the harmony of its components. Using high-quality ingredients, especially a good rum, is the key to achieving a sophisticated result, not just a cloyingly sweet one.
The Core Spirits & Liqueurs:
-
2 oz Spiced Rum or Gold Rum: Spiced rum (like Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry) naturally complements the cinnamon roll theme. For a purer, more caramel-forward note, a good-quality gold rum (like Appleton Estate Signature Blend) is also an excellent choice.
-
1 oz Coffee Liqueur: This is the secret ingredient that mimics the deep, slightly bitter notes of the baked dough and provides a robust base. Kahlúa is the classic choice.
-
1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur: This provides the creamy, vanilla-and-whiskey notes that are essential for the “frosting” flavor. Baileys is the standard-bearer.
The Creamy Elements:
-
2 oz Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: This creates the body of the drink. For an ultra-rich and decadent texture, use heavy cream.
-
1 oz Cinnamon Syrup: This is the heart of the “cinnamon roll” flavor. You can use a store-bought version, but a quick homemade syrup is vastly superior (see recipe below).
The Flavor Enhancers:
-
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the bakery-style sweetness.
-
A Pinch of Fine Sea Salt: This is a critical ingredient. It cuts the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors, just as salt does in baking.
For the Cinnamon Syrup (Homemade is Best):
-
1/2 cup Water
-
1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
-
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
-
3-4 Cinnamon Sticks, lightly crushed
-
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For the “Cream Cheese Icing” Drizzle & Garnish:
-
2 oz Cream Cheese, softened
-
1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
-
1-2 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream
-
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
-
Additional Ground Cinnamon, for dusting
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a master mixologist!
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup (Can be done ahead)
In a small saucepan, combine the water, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and crushed cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool completely. Strain out the cinnamon sticks. The syrup can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Step 2: Prepare the “Cream Cheese Icing” Drizzle
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth. If it’s too thick to drizzle, add the remaining milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable but still thick consistency. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glassware
Take a chilled rocks glass or a coupe glass. Using a spoon, drizzle the inside of the glass with the cream cheese icing, creating artistic swirls. This ensures the “frosting” flavor is present in every single sip.
Step 4: Combine the Liquid Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine the 2 oz of spiced rum, 1 oz of coffee liqueur, 1 oz of Irish cream, 2 oz of half-and-half, 1 oz of the homemade cinnamon syrup, the vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt.
Step 5: The “Dry” Shake for a Perfect Emulsion
Secure the lid on your shaker tightly and shake the mixture without ice for about 15 seconds. This “dry shake” is crucial for creamy cocktails. It emulsifies the dairy with the spirits, creating a smoother, frothier, and more integrated texture, preventing any separation.
Step 6: The Iced Shake for Chill and Dilution
Now, open your shaker, add a generous scoop of fresh, high-quality ice, and secure the lid again. Shake this mixture vigorously and with purpose for a full 20-30 seconds. The shaker should become very cold to the touch. This chills the drink and provides the necessary dilution from the melting ice, which mellows the alcohol and harmonizes the flavors.
Step 7: The Strain, Pour, and Grand Finale
Double-strain the cocktail into your prepared glass: use your Hawthorne strainer to hold back the ice and a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small ice chips, ensuring a perfectly smooth pour. For the final touch, drizzle more of the cream cheese icing over the top of the drink in a cross-hatch pattern. Finish with a lavish dusting of ground cinnamon over the entire surface.
Tips for Success:
-
Chill Your Glass: A frosty glass is non-negotiable for keeping this rich drink cold. Place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before you start.
-
Taste Your Syrup: The homemade cinnamon syrup is your primary sweetener. Taste it and adjust the drink accordingly. If it’s very sweet, you might reduce the amount to 3/4 oz.
-
Quality Matters: The coffee liqueur is a key flavor component. A cheap, artificially flavored liqueur will be noticeable. Stick with a reputable brand.
-
Shake with Vigor: Don’t be timid. A vigorous shake is what creates the perfect, light texture and ensures everything is perfectly combined.
-
The Salt is Key: Do not omit the pinch of salt. It is the secret that keeps the drink from tasting one-dimensional and overly sweet, elevating it to a professional level.
Equipment Needed:
-
Cocktail Shaker
-
Hawthorne Strainer & Fine-Mesh Strainer
-
Jigger
-
Small Saucepan
-
Whisk & Small Bowls
-
Chilled Rocks or Coupe Glasses
Variations of Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink:
-
Frozen Cinnamon Roll: Blend all the liquid ingredients (including the syrup) with 1.5 cups of ice until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with the icing drizzle.
-
Warm Cinnamon Roll Toddy: Skip the shaking. Gently warm the rum, liqueurs, syrup, and milk in a saucepan over low heat (do not boil). Pour into a mug and top with the icing and cinnamon.
-
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based spiced rum, a vegan coffee liqueur, and replace the Irish cream with a vegan Irish cream alternative. Use oat or coconut milk for the cream and a vegan cream cheese for the icing.
-
The “Sticky Bun”: Add 0.5 oz of butterscotch schnapps to the shaker and garnish with a toasted pecan on the rim.
-
Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the rum and liqueurs. Replace with 2 oz of cold brew coffee, 1 oz of non-alcoholic vanilla syrup, and 1 oz of non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup. Use the milk, cinnamon syrup, and follow the same shaking process.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink:
This cocktail is a dessert in itself, but it pairs beautifully with other cozy treats. Serve it alongside a plate of actual cinnamon rolls for a meta-experience, with biscotti for dipping, or with a small plate of dark chocolate truffles. It is the perfect nightcap after a holiday dinner or the star of a festive brunch spread. For the ultimate experience, serve it in a glass with a cinnamon sugar rim.
Prep Time:
10 minutes (plus syrup-making time)
Cooking Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Please note: This is a general estimate for one cocktail.)
-
Calories: ~380-450
-
Protein: 3g
-
Sodium: 120mg
-
Sugar: 35g
-
Fat: 10g
-
Carbohydrates: 40g
-
Fiber: 0g
FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink:
Q: Can I make a large batch of this for a party?
A: Absolutely! Multiply the ingredient quantities (excluding the ice, milk, and icing) by the number of servings and mix them in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add the milk just before serving and stir well. Then, shake individual servings with ice and strain into the pre-drizzled glasses.
Q: I don’t have time to make the cinnamon syrup. What can I use?
A: You can use 3/4 oz of store-bought cinnamon syrup and add 1/4 oz of simple syrup to approximate the sweetness. You can also muddle a teaspoon of brown sugar in the shaker before adding the other ingredients, though the texture and integration won’t be as perfect.
Q: My cream cheese icing is clumpy. How can I fix it?
A: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. If it’s still clumpy, the best fix is to press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer using a spatula. A tiny immersion blender also works wonders.
Q: How can I make this cocktail less sweet?
A: The easiest way is to reduce the amount of cinnamon syrup. Start with 1/2 oz and taste. You can also use a higher-proof, unflavored rum to balance the sweetness.
Q: Can I use just heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
A: You can, but the drink will be significantly richer and thicker, almost like a sipping cream. Half-and-half provides the ideal balance of creaminess and drinkability.
Final Thoughts:
The Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream Drink is more than a recipe; it is a liquid tribute to comfort, joy, and the simple pleasures of life. It represents the beautiful alchemy of the bar, where spirits and liqueurs can be woven together to evoke the most cherished of flavors and memories. From the first aromatic hint of cinnamon and vanilla to the last rich, creamy sip that perfectly mirrors the taste of a gooey, fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll, it is a holistic experience designed for pure indulgence. So, prepare your syrup, ready your shaker, and get ready to serve up a glass of pure, unadulterated comfort. Cheers!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream: Decadent Dessert Drink
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
Indulge in Cinnamon Roll Rum Cream! This creamy, decadent liqueur tastes just like a fresh cinnamon roll. Perfect for sipping or drizzling.
Ingredients
The magic of this drink lies in the harmony of its components. Using high-quality ingredients, especially a good rum, is the key to achieving a sophisticated result, not just a cloyingly sweet one.
The Core Spirits & Liqueurs:
-
2 oz Spiced Rum or Gold Rum: Spiced rum (like Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry) naturally complements the cinnamon roll theme. For a purer, more caramel-forward note, a good-quality gold rum (like Appleton Estate Signature Blend) is also an excellent choice.
-
1 oz Coffee Liqueur: This is the secret ingredient that mimics the deep, slightly bitter notes of the baked dough and provides a robust base. Kahlúa is the classic choice.
-
1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur: This provides the creamy, vanilla-and-whiskey notes that are essential for the “frosting” flavor. Baileys is the standard-bearer.
The Creamy Elements:
-
2 oz Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: This creates the body of the drink. For an ultra-rich and decadent texture, use heavy cream.
-
1 oz Cinnamon Syrup: This is the heart of the “cinnamon roll” flavor. You can use a store-bought version, but a quick homemade syrup is vastly superior (see recipe below).
The Flavor Enhancers:
-
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the bakery-style sweetness.
-
A Pinch of Fine Sea Salt: This is a critical ingredient. It cuts the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors, just as salt does in baking.
For the Cinnamon Syrup (Homemade is Best):
-
1/2 cup Water
-
1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
-
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
-
3-4 Cinnamon Sticks, lightly crushed
-
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For the “Cream Cheese Icing” Drizzle & Garnish:
-
2 oz Cream Cheese, softened
-
1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
-
1-2 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream
-
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
-
Additional Ground Cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup (Can be done ahead)
In a small saucepan, combine the water, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and crushed cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool completely. Strain out the cinnamon sticks. The syrup can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Step 2: Prepare the “Cream Cheese Icing” Drizzle
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth. If it’s too thick to drizzle, add the remaining milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable but still thick consistency. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glassware
Take a chilled rocks glass or a coupe glass. Using a spoon, drizzle the inside of the glass with the cream cheese icing, creating artistic swirls. This ensures the “frosting” flavor is present in every single sip.
Step 4: Combine the Liquid Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine the 2 oz of spiced rum, 1 oz of coffee liqueur, 1 oz of Irish cream, 2 oz of half-and-half, 1 oz of the homemade cinnamon syrup, the vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt.
Step 5: The “Dry” Shake for a Perfect Emulsion
Secure the lid on your shaker tightly and shake the mixture without ice for about 15 seconds. This “dry shake” is crucial for creamy cocktails. It emulsifies the dairy with the spirits, creating a smoother, frothier, and more integrated texture, preventing any separation.
Step 6: The Iced Shake for Chill and Dilution
Now, open your shaker, add a generous scoop of fresh, high-quality ice, and secure the lid again. Shake this mixture vigorously and with purpose for a full 20-30 seconds. The shaker should become very cold to the touch. This chills the drink and provides the necessary dilution from the melting ice, which mellows the alcohol and harmonizes the flavors.
Step 7: The Strain, Pour, and Grand Finale
Double-strain the cocktail into your prepared glass: use your Hawthorne strainer to hold back the ice and a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small ice chips, ensuring a perfectly smooth pour. For the final touch, drizzle more of the cream cheese icing over the top of the drink in a cross-hatch pattern. Finish with a lavish dusting of ground cinnamon over the entire surface.
Notes
-
Cocktail Shaker
-
Hawthorne Strainer & Fine-Mesh Strainer
-
Jigger
-
Small Saucepan
-
Whisk & Small Bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g
