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Gingerbread Martini

This gingerbread martini is a seasonal dessert cocktail. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy that tastes just like the holidays! 

Gingerbread Martini in a small martini glass.

Are you ready for the BEST gingerbread martini you will ever have? Well, look no further than this classic cocktail recipe!

If you have never had a gingerbread cocktail before, you’re in for a treat!

This gingerbread martini is a delightful and festive cocktail that captures the warm, spicy flavors reminiscent of gingerbread cookies.

Making it the perfect drink for the holiday season or any time you’re in the mood for a cozy, flavorful cocktail.

I used my homemade gingerbread syrup for this cocktail to ensure it was packed with molasses and spice flavor.

Gingerbread Martini topped with whipped cream.

Gingerbread martini ingredients

  • Vodka – I always have plain vodka on hand, but you could also substitute it with vanilla vodka. I think a marshmallow-flavored vodka could also work really well here.
  • Irish cream liqueur – I’m using Bailey’s brand of Irish cream for this cocktail, but any brand of Irish cream will work. My husband’s personal favorite is Saint Brendan’s.
  • Coffee liqueur – I’m using Kahlua for this martini, but again, any brand of coffee liqueur will work well.
  • Gingerbread syrup – I’m using my homemade gingerbread syrup for this cocktail, but you can easily use storebought gingerbread syrup that you would typically use for coffee.
  • Vanilla ice cream – You’ll use softened vanilla ice cream for this cocktail. You can use heavy cream as a substitute, but the vanilla ice cream gives this drink a lovely texture and flavor.
  • Whipped cream – Optional, but it makes for a nice topping.
Gingerbread Martini in a glass.

How to make a gingerbread martini

This cocktail could not be easier!

Add all your ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake, pour into a chilled martini glass, and SIP AWAY!

I like to top mine with a little whipped cream and festive sprinkles, but that is optional, although it is cute and festive.

Why use ice cream

A lot of gingerbread martinis call for heavy cream, and while that works, I think the richness of soft vanilla ice cream works best.

It keeps the martini chilled and gives a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the molasses and spiced flavor of the gingerbread syrup.

Variations and substitutions

While I’m happy with this martini cocktail as is, here are a few ways to change it up:

  • Use flavored vodka in place of plain vodka. Vanilla, marshmallow, or even cinnamon could work well here. Just remember, swapping out the plain vodka will add a different flavor to the as-written cocktail recipe.
  • If you do not like ice cream-based drinks, try using heavy cream instead. However, this drink does not have the texture of a milkshake, so don’t worry if that is your concern.
  • Swap out the Irish cream for another creamy liqueur like Rumchata.
Gingerbread Martini topped with whipped cream and colored sugar.

More gingerbread inspired recipes

Gingerbread Martini

This gingerbread martini is a seasonal dessert cocktail. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy that tastes just like the holidays!
4.74 from 26 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
  • 1/2 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
  • 1/2 ounce gingerbread syrup
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla ice cream softened
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
  • Shake until smooth and pour into chilled glass.
  • Top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • Softened vanilla ice cream gives this drink the lusciousness you want in a holiday cocktail. You could also use heavy cream in its place, but I really like the texture of the soft vanilla ice cream. 
  • Vanilla vodka would also work well in this cocktail. 
  • You do not specifically have to use Bailey’s Irish cream – any Irish Cream liqueur will work well. 
  • I’m using my homemade gingerbread syrup, but you can also use storebought gingerbread syrup. The common ones you find are for flavoring coffee. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 10mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword alcoholic gingerbread, gingerbread cocktail, gingerbread martini, martini recipes
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
gingerbread martini pin for pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Vicki b

Saturday 3rd of February 2018

Tell me please what is/are the sprinkles on top just sugar or ginger flavored? Thank you

nutmegnanny

Sunday 11th of February 2018

Hi Vicki - they are just sugar sprinkles in the color gold.

Lauren @ Hall Nesting

Friday 15th of December 2017

Seasonal cocktails are my jam!

Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling

Monday 11th of December 2017

I NEED THESE in my holiday season!!!

Jessica | The Novice Chef

Monday 11th of December 2017

Christmas Cocktails are totally my jam right now!

Krista

Sunday 10th of December 2017

What a great flavor in a cocktail!

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