Gingerbread Martini
Create a holiday favorite with our Gingerbread Martini recipe! A delicious mix of gingerbread syrup, Baileys, and vanilla vodka.
Best Gingerbread Martini Recipe
I’m all about festive holiday recipes, especially Christmas cocktails! They’re so much fun to make and have some of the best seasonal flavors.
Our gingerbread martini is no exception. It’s made with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur, vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, and our homemade gingerbread syrup.
It has a crushed gingerbread cookie rim and dreamy whipped cream on top. This drink is one of my top 3 favorite Christmas martini recipes. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Looking for more Christmas cocktails? Try our White Christmas Margarita, Peppermint Martini, and Sugar Cookie Martini.
Tips for Making the Perfect Gingerbread Cocktail
Use Fresh Gingerbread Syrup: Homemade gingerbread syrup is key to the signature flavor of this gingerbread cocktail. We recommend making it ahead of time so it has plenty of time to cool.
Prep the Glass: To make this martini really cute, rim your glass with crushed gingerbread cookies or graham crackers. Simply dip the rim in water or simple syrup, then coat it with the crushed cookies.
Swirl or Stir: While most recipes recommend shaking vigorously, we prefer to swirl or stir cream-based drinks. The fat in Irish cream liqueur tends to stick to the ice, which can cause the drink to separate.
While this separation has minimal impact on flavor, it’s much more noticeable in the drink’s appearance.
Recipe Variations
Gingerbread Martini with Vodka: This recipe uses vanilla vodka to complement the sweet, spiced flavors. For a slightly lighter version, you can swap the vanilla vodka for plain vodka or even spiced rum.
Add Cream: If you prefer a creamier cocktail, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the mix. While we make our gingerbread martini without cream, this variation adds a velvety texture that’s perfect for anyone that loves dessert cocktails!
What Kind of Vodka Works Best?
Vanilla vodka is perfect for this Christmas martini recipe because it enhances the dessert-like flavors. If you don’t have vanilla vodka, try whipped cream vodka instead.
How Can I Store Gingerbread Syrup?
Keep your gingerbread simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure to give it a good shake before using.
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Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Martini:
- Ice
- 1 ½ ounces Irish cream liqueur, similar to Baileys
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur, similar to Kahlúa
- 1 ounce gingerbread syrup, prepared earlier
- Crushed gingerbread cookies or graham crackers, for rimming the glass, optional
- Whipped cream, optional, for garnish
- Ground cinnamon, optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Gingerbread Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.½ cup water½ cup dark brown sugar1 to 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses1 teaspoon ground ginger½ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely and the ingredients are well blended.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Prepare the Martini Glass (Optional):
- If desired, lightly dip the rim of a martini glass in water or simple syrup, then press it into crushed gingerbread cookies or graham crackers to coat. Set aside.
Mix the Martini:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.Ice
- Add Irish cream liqueur, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and 1 ounce of the gingerbread syrup.1 ½ ounces Irish cream liqueur1 ounce vanilla vodka1 ounce coffee liqueur1 ounce gingerbread syrup
- Swirl gently for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the calculated value of the ingredients and a serving size of about 1 martini. Additionally, the count does NOT include garnishes since they are optional.
- The gingerbread syrup should be prepared ahead of time and cooled completely. Give it a good shake prior to using to ensure the spices are well mixed.