Gingerbread Martini

If you prefer a Christmas cocktail over dessert after a big holiday dinner, try this gingerbread martini. It’s a simple four-ingredient sipper with a foolproof formula: equal parts of vodka, creme de cacao, homemade gingerbread syrup, and half-and-half. Just shake it all up until creamy and frothy! Top each martini with a dollop of whipped cream and serve with a freshly-baked gingerbread cookie for a festive Christmas treat. You can easily shake up several batches in mere minutes if you're serving a crowd!

What does a gingerbread martini taste like?

This cocktail is far from traditional gin or vodka martinis seasoned simply with dry vermouth and a citrus twist. This holiday libation is closer in taste to an espresso martini, but without all the caffeine. The cocktail is rich from creme de cacao, boozy from vodka, and sweet and spicy from the homemade gingerbread syrup.

Can you use milk instead of half-and-half?

Yes! The martini won't turn out as rich and creamy, but it'll still be delicious. We recommend using whole milk. On the other hand, if you prefer an extra thick, luscious cocktail, heavy cream can be used instead of the half-and-half.

What is creme de cacao?

Creme de cacao is a chocolate flavored liqueur which normally includes a small amount of vanilla flavor as well. It can be made clear or chocolate-colored (brown). It’s pleasantly sweet and a perfect addition to a dessert cocktail or night cap. Or, try it in grasshopper pie!

Do I have to make gingerbread syrup?

This drink wouldn’t quite be the same without the spices included in gingerbread syrup. That said, there are many store bought syrups in the supermarket. Swap in a pre-made syrup to save time for wrapping presents!

Can you make gingerbread martinis ahead of time?

You'll want to shake these up just before serving to get that frothy finish. That being said, the gingerbread syrup can be made up to a month in advance which will give you a major head start in making these cocktails. You can also pre-measure the ingredients and add them to a pitcher, cover, and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to shake them up. This is especially helpful if you're making several batches, just be sure to shake up one batch at a time.