Hellooo, holidays! We don’t know about you, but there’s just something about cold nights, crackling fires and good friends that makes us want to shake up decadent drinks. If you know what we’re talking about, then you’re going to want to add this Gingerbread Martini to your cocktail list this holiday season.
Gingerbread Martini
PREP TIME 10 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add some maple syrup to a bowl that will fit the rim of your glass
02
2.
Add the crushed gingerbread to another bowl
03
3.
Dip the rim of a coupe glass into the maple syrup, and then into the crushed biscuits to coat, then pop the glass into the freezer to chill
04
4.
To make the cocktail, add the vodka, Irish cream liqueur, amaretto and half-and-half to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
05
5.
Shake the cocktail for about 30 seconds, or until the shaker is frosty on the outside
06
6.
Strain into your chilled coupe and serve with a gingerbread on the side
Why this cocktail tastes like holiday magic
The Gingerbread Martini brings together everything you love about the festive season in one delicious drink. It’s like dessert in a glass—but with a boozy kick. The combination of SKYY Vanilla Vodka, Irish cream and amaretto gives you creamy, nutty, and spiced notes that echo the flavours of classic gingerbread biscuits. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels indulgent, but still easy to make when friends pop by.
Also see: 10 Best Holiday Martinis for This Season
What is the best vodka to use in a Gingerbread Martini?
Flavoured vodka makes all the difference here. A smooth vanilla vodka like SKYY adds depth and warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements and spiced cookie rim. If you don’t have vanilla vodka on hand, you could use a quality plain vodka and add a drop or two of vanilla extract to mimic the same vibe. But if you’re going for full festive flair, vanilla is the way to go.
Read next: 17 Must Try Cocktails with Flavoured Vodka
How to batch it for a party
Making cocktails one at a time is fun, but if you’re hosting a crowd, batching is your best friend. To serve eight, simply multiply your ingredients by eight and mix them all in a jug without ice. Keep it in the fridge until serving time, then shake each portion with ice before pouring into prepared glasses. You can even pre-rim your glasses ahead of time and store them in the freezer for that extra frosty finish.
Go pro: Summer Batch Cocktails for Hosting at Home
More cocktails to try if you’re in a dessert mood
If creamy, sweet cocktails are your thing, here are a few more indulgent sips to add to your list:
Espresso Martini. Smooth, strong, and oh-so-satisfying.
Brandy Alexander. A chocolatey, nutmeg-dusted classic.
White Russian. A retro icon made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
Mudslide. A decadent blend of Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and vodka.
Perfect pairings for your Gingerbread Martini
This cocktail is basically dessert with a kick, so it makes sense to serve it with snacks and sweets that lean into the same warm, spiced energy. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or curling up with a movie, here are some tasty ideas that go beautifully with your Gingerbread Martini:
- Mini gingerbread men or spiced biscuits. Double down on those familiar festive flavours.
- Dark chocolate truffles. The richness of chocolate and cream is a decadent match.
- Sticky toffee pudding bites. If you’re going all in, a warm toffee treat makes an amazing duo.
- Cinnamon sugar doughnuts. For a brunch twist or late-night snack.
- Cheese board with dried fruit and spiced chutney. If you want something a little more savoury to balance the sweetness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! If you live outside the US don’t have access to half-and-half, you can mix equal parts full-cream milk and single cream to get a similar consistency. Double cream can be used sparingly for a richer drink, but it may overpower the balance.
Definitely. You can swap the vodka and liqueurs for alcohol-free alternatives, or mix vanilla almond milk with a dash of gingerbread syrup and cream for a dessert-style mocktail that still brings the festive vibes.
Traditional gingerbread biscuits are ideal, but you could also use gingersnaps or even spiced speculaas cookies. The key is getting a fine crumb that sticks well to the maple syrup rim.
You can pre-mix the cocktail (minus the ice) a few hours in advance and keep it chilled. Just give it a good shake with ice before serving to keep the texture light and smooth.
