The Gingerbread Martini is your perfect holiday cocktail—rich, creamy, and bursting with festive spice. Blending Baileys, vodka, Kahlúa, and a homemade gingerbread syrup with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert drink is like sipping a gingerbread cookie straight from a martini glass. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, cozying up by the fire, or looking for an elegant after-dinner sip, this seasonal cocktail brings joy to every swirl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday flavor in a glass – Warm spices, creamy liqueurs, and a nostalgic cookie-like finish
- Easy to make ahead – Prep the syrup in advance and shake up drinks to order
- Instagram-worthy – Cookie rim, whipped cream, and mini gingerbread men = photo gold
- Dessert & drink in one – Sweet, spiked, and indulgent
- Festive party crowd-pleaser – Scalable for groups and great for entertaining
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Cocktail:
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (or 2 tbsp melted)
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz Kahlúa
- 1 oz gingerbread simple syrup
- Ice
For Garnish:
- Crushed gingerbread cookies (for rimming)
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon
- Mini gingerbread cookie (optional)
Instructions
- Make the syrup
In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and strain. - Prepare the glass
Dip the rim of a martini glass in gingerbread syrup, then into crushed cookies. Set aside. - Shake the cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine ice cream, Baileys, vodka, KahlĂşa, and syrup with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy and chilled. - Serve
Strain into the prepared martini glass. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a gingerbread cookie.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for syrup)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail (syrup makes ~6)
Nutrition Facts (Per Cocktail – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 22g
- Alcohol: ~15% ABV
- Fat: 8g
Note: Nutrition varies based on brands and ice cream used.
Tips & Variations
- Make it a mocktail: Use coffee, milk, and a dash of vanilla in place of spirits
- Use ice cream liqueur: Try RumChata or a gingerbread liqueur for added depth
- Batch it: Blend ingredients (minus ice) in a large pitcher for party-sized servings
- Garnish creatively: Crystallized ginger or chocolate shavings make fun toppings
- Syrup storage: Keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks in an airtight jar
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gingerbread syrup?
Yes, but homemade syrup gives a richer, fresher flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free ice cream and liqueur alternatives (like almond milk-based Baileys).
Can I serve this warm?
This version is best chilled, but you can skip the ice and gently heat the mixture for a cozy spin.
Conclusion
This Gingerbread Martini is a merry mix of cozy spice, creamy indulgence, and a boozy holiday hug in a glass. It’s as fun to serve as it is to sip—whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or creating a signature cocktail for your next holiday gathering. Cheers to festive flavors and stress-free entertaining!