Creamy Holiday Cocktail

Featured in Delicious Refreshing Drinks.

This festive Gingerbread Martini combines the holiday flavors of ginger and cinnamon with creamy liqueurs. Rimmed with white chocolate and crushed cookies, topped with whipped cream, it's a decadent Christmas cocktail that doubles as dessert.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:44 GMT
A festive cocktail garnished with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie sits in front of a blurred holiday-themed background. Pin it
A festive cocktail garnished with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie sits in front of a blurred holiday-themed background. | recipesbyclare.com

The Gingerbread Martini is the ultimate festive cocktail, combining creamy, spiced, and sweet flavors to celebrate the holiday season. With its beautiful presentation and warming gingerbread flavor, this drink is perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Gingerbread Martini is a show-stopping holiday cocktail that's as delicious as it is eye-catching. The combination of spiced gingerbread vodka, creamy Irish liqueur, and crushed gingerbread cookie rims makes it a festive centerpiece. It's easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for serving at holiday parties.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Base Spirits:
    • Gingerbread vodka: 2 oz (60ml) at 32-40°F (0-4°C)
    • Irish cream liqueur: 1 oz (30ml) at 32-40°F (0-4°C)
    • Coffee liqueur: 1 oz (30ml) at 32-40°F (0-4°C)
  • Dairy Components:
    • Half and half: 1 oz (30ml) at 35°F (2°C)
    • Heavy whipping cream: 2 oz (60ml) for garnish, whipped to soft peaks
  • Spice Elements:
    • Ground ginger: ⅛ teaspoon (0.6g) fresh and aromatic
    • Ground cinnamon: ⅛ teaspoon (0.6g) for garnish
    • Optional: nutmeg: pinch (0.1g) freshly grated
  • Garnish Components:
    • White chocolate: 2 oz (56g) melted at 88-90°F (31-32°C)
    • Gingerbread cookies: 2 cookies (30g) crushed to 1/16-inch crumbs
    • Cinnamon stick: 1 (4-inch length) for optional garnish

Step By Step Instructions

Glass Preparation
Chill martini glass to 35°F (2°C). Melt white chocolate using double boiler or microwave to 88-90°F (31-32°C). Dip rim to 1/8-inch depth, then immediately coat with cookie crumbs. Set at 65°F (18°C) for 5 minutes to harden.
Cocktail Assembly
In shaker tin, combine: 1. Gingerbread vodka at 35°F (2°C) 2. Irish cream liqueur at 35°F (2°C) 3. Coffee liqueur at 35°F (2°C) 4. Half and half at 35°F (2°C) 5. Ground ginger Add ice to 3/4 full (approximately 4 oz/113g)
Mixing Protocol
Shake vigorously for exactly 12-15 seconds until external shaker temperature reaches 30°F (-1°C). Double strain through fine-mesh strainer into prepared glass.
Final Presentation
Top with whipped cream peaked at 1-inch height. Dust with ground cinnamon using fine-mesh sieve. Garnish with cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately while temperature is 35-38°F (2-3°C).

Tips for Success

Adjust the sweetness by tweaking the amount of ground ginger (0.3-0.9g) or adding more cream (15-30ml). For a stronger cocktail, increase the gingerbread vodka by 0.5 oz (15ml). Ensure the gingerbread cookies are finely crushed for a smooth, evenly coated rim.

Non-Alcoholic Version

To make a non-alcoholic version:

  • Replace vodka with 2 oz (60ml) gingerbread syrup
  • Substitute Irish cream with 1 oz (30ml) vanilla syrup
  • Replace coffee liqueur with 1 oz (30ml) cold brew concentrate

Maintain same temperature specifications for optimal results.

Garnishing Ideas

Make the martini extra festive by garnishing with a cinnamon stick, a gingerbread cookie man, or a light drizzle of caramel. The gingerbread cookie rim is a sweet treat that makes this cocktail truly stand out at any holiday party.

A festive cocktail adorned with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie sits on a table decorated with holiday treats and ornaments. Pin it
A festive cocktail adorned with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie sits on a table decorated with holiday treats and ornaments. | recipesbyclare.com

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Gingerbread Martini immediately for optimal temperature (35-38°F/2-3°C). For batch preparation, combine liquids up to 2 hours ahead and store at 35°F (2°C). Rim glasses and shake individual portions to order for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without gingerbread vodka?

Use regular vodka and add extra ginger and a splash of molasses to create that gingerbread flavor. You can also infuse vodka with gingerbread cookies overnight.

→ How far ahead can I rim the glasses?

Rim glasses up to 2 hours before serving. Keep at room temperature. Any longer and the chocolate might start to look cloudy.

→ What can I substitute for Irish cream?

Try Rumchata, vanilla coffee creamer, or any cream liqueur. For non-alcoholic version, use regular cream with vanilla and sugar.

→ Can I make a batch for a party?

Mix all ingredients except whipped cream and multiply by needed servings. Keep chilled and shake with ice before serving.

→ What kind of gingerbread cookies work best?

Any crispy gingerbread cookies work well. Gingersnaps are perfect, just make sure to crush them finely for the rim.

Gingerbread Martini

A creamy holiday cocktail blending gingerbread vodka with Irish cream and coffee liqueur, topped with whipped cream and served in a cookie-rimmed glass.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes

Category: Refreshing Drinks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 113.4g gingerbread vodka.
02 2 teaspoons ground ginger.
03 56.7g coffee liqueur.
04 56.7g Irish cream liqueur.
05 113.4g half and half or cream.
06 ½ cup whipped cream for garnish.
07 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for garnish.
08 ½ cup white chocolate, melted for rim.
09 1 cup gingerbread cookies, crushed.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt white chocolate.

Step 02

Dip glass rims in melted chocolate and roll them in crushed gingerbread cookies.

Step 03

Add to shaker: gingerbread vodka, half and half, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, ground ginger, and ice.

Step 04

Shake hard for 15-20 seconds.

Step 05

Strain into rimmed glasses.

Step 06

Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve right away.

Notes

  1. Best served fresh and cold.
  2. Make sure chocolate rim is set before pouring drink.
  3. Shake well with ice for proper mixing and chill.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cocktail shaker.
  • Martini glasses.
  • Small bowl for melting chocolate.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, white chocolate).
  • Wheat (gingerbread cookies).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 4 g