Gingerbread Martini Recipe (Easy Christmas Cocktail!)

Bar Tools Needed

This is a very straightforward cocktail recipe that you can make without special cocktail tools. However, having at least a cocktail shaker on hand makes preparing and serving gingerbread cookie Martinis much easier. 

Here’s what I recommend using to make this Christmas martini: 

• Cocktail shaker with strainer — You’ll be shaking the cocktail with ice, so be sure your shaker comes with a strainer. 
• Jigger — For easy measuring. 
• Measuring spoon — For the gingerbread syrup. 
• Martini glasses — You can rim the glasses with a mixture of sugar and gingerbread spice for added festive flavor. 

Gingerbread Martini Ingredients 

Essentially this is a Baileys cocktail with vodka, flavored syrup, and cream mixed in. It’s not too sweet, and the gingerbread syrup adds a lovely spiciness without overpowering the Baileys.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the cocktail: 

• Ice — Use any kind you like for shaking the cocktail.
• Baileys Irish Cream — An Irish cream liqueur. It’s made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa and is light brown in color. For a liqueur, it has a lower ABV (17%). It boasts a creamy, sweet flavor with distinct chocolate undertones. If you don’t have Baileys on hand, you can substitute it with Arran Gold, Magnum Cream Liqueur, or another favorite cream liqueur.  
• Vodka — Feel free to use your favorite. Pretty much any brand will work, just don’t get the absolute cheapest variety as it won’t taste the best! 
• Heavy Cream — Heavy cream results in a truly indulgent Martini. However, you’re welcome to use half and half, whole milk, or another milk of your choosing. 
• Gingerbread Syrup — Depending on how much time I have, I’ll either buy this gingerbread syrup from the store or I’ll make my own gingerbread simple syrup from scratch. Do whatever is easiest for you!

How to Make a Gingerbread Cookie Martini 

This Baileys Christmas cocktail may have a few extra bells and whistles than the classic Martini, but it’s not more difficult to prepare! 

1. First, you’ll fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 
2. Then, measure all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. 
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously before straining in to a Martini glass. 

The above is simply a quick summary of this festive gingerbread martini. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Optional Garnishes to Try 

This Martini is perfect as is, but you’re welcome to add one or more of the following garnishes: 

• Mix sugar with gingerbread spice to rim the glasses  
• Garnish with a tiny gingerbread cookie (homemade or store-bought) 
• Dollop with whipped cream and then dust with gingerbread spice
• Add a cinnamon stick

Recipe Tips

Is the Cocktail Served Over Ice? 

No! The Martini is shaken with ice to chill it, but you do not want to serve the cocktail directly over ice. If you do that, the creamy Martini will become watered down as the ice melts. 

For an extra cold Martini, pre-chill your glasses before serving. 

Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version?

If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can use Almond Baileys and a plant-based milk instead. I recommend oat milk for best results. 

Can I Make This Cocktail Alcohol-Free? 

Yes! To make this a non-alcoholic Christmas cocktail you’ll have to replace the Baileys and vodka with alcohol-free alternatives. 

• Vodka: Try using Strykk or CleanCo instead. 
• Baileys: Use Baileys Coffee Creamer. You may need to replace some or all of the heavy cream with Baileys Coffee Creamer. I haven’t tested this recipe with non-alcoholic Baileys Coffee Creamer before, so I’m not sure how strong of an Irish cream flavor it has. 

What to Serve with a Gingerbread Martini

If you’re going to be sipping on a Christmas cookie-flavored cocktail, it’s only fitting that you pair it with some actual Christmas cookies too! 

Enjoy one or more of the following festive desserts with your Baileys and vodka cocktail: 

• Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies – these would taste so good dipped in your Christmas cocktail!
• Bittersweet Fruit and Nut Bark – you can never go wrong with chocolate bark at Christmas time!
• Chocolate Gingerbread Cake – this chocolate version of gingerbread cake is decadent and delicious!
• Cinnamon Glazed Nuts – I always love glazed nuts to snack on at Christmas!
• Caramel Pecan Thumbprints – these cookies are like soft gingersnaps and caramel turtles in one cookie recipe!
• Pumpkin Molasses Cookies – still need your pumpkin spice at Christmas? This version of gingersnaps will be right up your alley!