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With gingerbread syrup, Baileys, vodka and cream, this gingerbread martini tastes like the famous cookie in cocktail form. It is a great drink to celebrate the holidays.
When it comes to the holidays, you can never go wrong with a cocktail - from a white Christmas margarita to a cranberry mimosa to a chocolate peppermint martini to a white chocolate martini.
I'm always on the lookout for inspiration this time of year. And the latest actually came from some gingerbread men cookies I just recently made.
I thought it would be fun to try to make a cocktail version of it. And let me tell you. If you close your eyes and take a sip, it tastes just like gingerbread cookies.
That wonderful flavor comes from the homemade gingerbread syrup, which is the star of this martini. I mean when it comes to the cookies the main ingredients are sugar, molasses and spices and that's what is in this syrup.
Also let's be honest, Baileys makes everything better. So if you're craving a cocktail this holiday season, this gingerbread martini should be at the top of the list.
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Martini
- Perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
- If you are a fan of gingerbread, this drink is for you.
- This versatile drink serves as both a standalone dessert or a dessert cocktail.
Ingredient Notes
- Irish cream - I always have Baileys but a store-brand works just as well. You could also make your own.
- Vodka - You want to use quality vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere. This just is used to up the booze a little bit.
- Gingerbread syrup - I like to take the time to make my own as you really infuse some gingerbread flavor.
- Heavy cream - Mellows out the martini but also adds creaminess. You can also use milk or half-and-half.
- Vanilla extract - Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Whipped cream - If you really want to fancy this drink up, homemade whipped cream makes it even better.
Variations
Like any cocktail, you can mix up some of the ingredients for this gingerbread martini. Some variations include:
- Try Rumchata in place of Baileys for a more rum/cinnamon forward flavor.
- If you don't want to make your own gingerbread syrup, try Torani.
- I like to use heavy cream for added creaminess, but milk works too.
How to Make a Gingerbread Martini
Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.
Make the syrup heating the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add the martini ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Cocktail FAQs
I like it for its creaminess and feel like it pairs well with gingerbread syrup. Another liqueur to try is RumChata, which is a combination of rum, cream, cinnamon and vanilla.
No. I mentioned above that you can buy some from Torani but it is easy to prepare and so tasty and just puts this gingerbread martini over the top.
I know not everyone has cocktail shakers. Just add your ingredients for the martini to a mug with some ice, screw the lid on tightly and start shaking.
While it's best to serve fresh, you can prepare the base mixture (excluding ice) in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Shake the mixture with ice just before serving to ensure the ideal texture and temperature.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Place the martini glass in the freezer for an hour so it keeps your martini chilled.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- If you want even more vanilla flavor, increase the vanilla extract to ½ tsp.
- If you don't make or have gingerbread cookies, try gingersnap or Biscoff cookies.
Gingerbread Martini
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Martini
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 ½ oz gingerbread syrup
- 1 oz heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish
- whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the water, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Baileys, vodka, gingerbread syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract and some ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with some whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies.
Notes
- Place the martini glass in the freezer for an hour so it keeps your martini chilled.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- If you want even more vanilla flavor, increase the vanilla extract to ½ tsp.
- If you don't make or have gingerbread cookies, try gingersnap or Biscoff cookies.
Debra Rogers says
I made this for the holidays last year and plan to make it again this year! It was fabulously delicious!!!!
Ryan says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Janet says
So good!
Ryan says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jenny says
Yum! We garnished it with a Pepperidge Farms gingerbread man. So good!
Ryan says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Doreen says
Nice dessert cocktail. I made the gingerbread spice syrup. Good balance of flavor. Did not add the whipped cream and used half and half vs heavy cream. Delicious!
Ryan says
Glad you enjoyed!