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 glass and serve with 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 twist. The combination of SKYY Vanilla Vodka, Irish cream, and amaretto gives you creamy, nutty, and spiced notes that echo the flavors of classic gingerbread cookies. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels indulgent, but still easy to whip up when friends swing by.
Also see: 10 Best Holiday Martinis for This Season
What’s the best vodka to use in a Gingerbread Martini?
Flavored vodka makes all the difference here. A smooth vanilla vodka like SKYY adds depth and warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy liqueurs and spiced cookie rim. Don’t have vanilla vodka? You can use a high-quality plain vodka and add a drop or two of vanilla extract to mimic that cozy flavor. But if you’re going for peak holiday vibes, vanilla is the move.
Read next: 17 Must Try Cocktails with Flavored Vodka
How to batch it for a party
Making drinks one by one is great, but if you’re throwing a holiday party, batching is a total time-saver. To serve eight, just multiply your ingredients by eight and mix everything in a large pitcher without ice. Store it in the fridge until it’s go time, then shake each serving with ice before pouring into your rimmed glasses. You can even prep and chill your glasses ahead of time for that 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 cookies or spiced shortbread. Double down on those familiar holiday flavors.
- 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 boozy holiday brunch or late-night snack.
- Cheese board with dried fruit and spiced chutney. If you want something a little more savory to balance the sweetness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely! If you don’t have half-and-half, you can mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream to make your own. Just keep in mind that heavy cream on its own will make the drink a bit thicker—still tasty, just richer.
Yes! Swap the vodka and liqueurs for non-alcoholic alternatives, or mix vanilla almond milk with a splash of gingerbread syrup and cream for a booze-free mocktail that still brings those festive dessert vibes.
Traditional gingerbread cookies are the obvious go-to, but gingersnaps or speculaas also work great. You want something crunchy with strong spice, crushed finely enough to stick well to the maple syrup rim.
You sure can. Mix up the cocktail without ice and keep it chilled in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready to serve, give it a proper shake with ice to bring it all together and pour into your prepped glasses.
