This Gingerbread Martini is a festive drink that tastes like the holidays! It’s a tasty mix of vodka, gingerbread syrup, and a splash of cream, perfectly spiced to warm you up.
It’s like having a holiday treat in a glass! I love shaking it up and serving it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—so cozy and fun for celebrations! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use your favorite brand of vodka for a clean base. If you prefer a different spirit, try rum for a warmer note or gin for a herbaceous twist.
Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is classic here, but feel free to swap it with another coffee liqueur, or even try a chocolate liqueur for a unique flavor!
Gingerbread syrup: You can buy gingerbread syrup or make your own easily. The homemade version has fresh spice notes that add a lovely depth to your martini.
Half-and-half or heavy cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use milk or almond milk. Coconut milk can give a delightful tropical twist.
How Do You Make Homemade Gingerbread Syrup?
Making gingerbread syrup at home is super easy and provides a lot of flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- In a saucepan, mix 1 cup water with 1 cup brown sugar over medium heat until dissolved.
- Add 1 tbsp molasses, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp each of ground cloves and nutmeg, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cool, then strain into a container. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to use!
This syrup not only flavors your martini but can also be used for other cocktails or drizzled over desserts. Enjoy making it!
Gingerbread Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup (see notes for homemade syrup)
- 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for garnish)
- Mini gingerbread cookies (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass
For homemade gingerbread syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus additional time to chill the cocktail if desired. You’ll have a delicious and festive drink ready to sip in just a short while!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Gingerbread Syrup (Optional):
If you want to make homemade gingerbread syrup, start by bringing the water and brown sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then add the molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it cool. After it’s cooled, strain it into a jar or bottle and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
2. Prepare the Glass:
Chill a martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water for a few minutes. If you’d like, you can rim the glass by dipping the edge in water or simple syrup, then rolling it in crushed gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and decoration.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and half-and-half (or cream). Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds until it’s well chilled.
4. Serve the Cocktail:
Strain the shaken mixture into the chilled martini glass. Top it off with a swirl of whipped cream, a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, and the mini gingerbread cookie on the rim for a festive touch!
5. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Gingerbread Martini—perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Cheers!
Can I Use Another Type of Liqueur Instead of Coffee Liqueur?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the coffee liqueur with a chocolate liqueur for a delicious twist, or try a vanilla liqueur for a different profile. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste of the martini.
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the vodka and coffee liqueur with flavored syrups like vanilla or coffee syrup mixed with tonic water or ginger ale. Add a bit of cream for richness and enjoy a festive mocktail!
How Can I Store Leftover Gingerbread Syrup?
You can store any leftover gingerbread syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It’s great for adding flavor to other cocktails, coffee, or even drizzled over desserts!
What If I Don’t Have Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream with milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a lighter version. If you want to maintain creaminess without dairy, oat milk is a fantastic alternative too!
