This gingerbread martini is sweet and spicy just like your favorite holiday cookie!
I’m capping off unofficial “gingerbread week” with this baby – a gingerbread martini. Now I know there are martini purists who will want to yell about how this is NOT a martini, and they would be right, technically. But you guys, I’m a crazy rule breaker, so I don’t care what all those martini purists say, I’m still calling this a martini because it is best served in a – you guessed it – martini glass.
These would be fun for a holiday get together, or you know, just a Tuesday night decorating the tree. Or you could leave this out for Santa with some soft and chewy ginger cookies and he will definitely put you on the nice list next year.
A big part of the holidays for me is Christmas music. Despite years of working retail, I still don’t hate Christmas music, which is a miracle. Let me tell you, there is a LOT of terrible Christmas music out there. Of course, tastes vary, but I tend to prefer the jazzy and bluesy variety. I’m not a big fan of pop in general, and I can do without most pop Christmas covers. Part of the nostalgia of Christmas comes from hearing the same songs every year, so that is probably why I like the more old-fashioned Christmas music. I think I may drive my husband crazy with all the Christmas music, but he is a good sport about it and never complains (although he is ready to go back to regular music on December 26th!).
So, since I love it so much, I wanted to make a Christmas playlist for you all! I just love making playlists, what can I say? I hope you enjoy it, you can find it at the bottom of this post.
This martini is really easy if you have already made the syrup for the gingerbread latte that I shared a few days ago. It uses the exact same syrup. See, that is a multi use recipe! You can start your day with a gingerbread latte and end it with a gingerbread martini. If you whip up a batch of the syrup before hand then it takes about 1 minute to make this drink, and you could make a few at a time if you are serving them at a party.
I used some whipped flavored vodka here, but I’m sure you can sub with vanilla or marshmallow or any of the other similar flavors of vodka. I do think there is even a gingerbread flavored vodka, but that might actually make the flavors a little overwhelming, since the syrup already has a really nice, strong flavor. Just add the vodka, syrup and some half and half to an ice filled martini shaker, give it a shake until it is nice and cold and pour it into a martini glass. I garnished it with a little fresh nutmeg. Also you might want to serve these with a few snacks because people are probably going to want more than one drink, so that will keep them from falling out of their chairs (not that that’s ever happened to me).
Gingerbread Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces whipped flavored vodka or can sub vanilla flavored
- 1 ounce gingerbread syrup see recipe below
- 1.5 ounces half and half
- fresh nutmeg optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a martini shaker with ice. Shake until cold.
- Pour into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh nutmeg, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Gingerbread Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 inch piece of ginger peeled and sliced
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 2 teaspoons whole allspice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- When mixture is simmering, reduce heat and simmer on low for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off heat and allow to steep for about an hour.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids, store in a sealed container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Do you like Christmas music or do you avoid it as much as possible? What are your favorite Christmas carols?
Here is your playlist!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Creamy Beet Hummus with Yogurt
Spanish Gin Tonics
Ashleigh @Dash of Evans says
We are loving the playlist! THANK YOU! Now time to make the syrup…
Meghan says
YAY! I am so glad you love the playlist! It has been on repeat at my house 🙂 The syrup is super quick, you will love it!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
This is SO awesome! I’ve never seen gingerbread liquor – I’ll have to keep an eye out for it! Thanks for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party xx
Meghan says
I think I saw some from Three Olives vodka, but you don’t need it for this martini! Thanks Lucy!
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry says
Gingerbread PLUS a martini? I’m in!! Great Christmas playlist by the way! I just swoon for ‘Let It Snow’ by Frank Sinatra!
Meghan says
Thank you Lisa! Frank Sinatra croons a pretty good Christmas song. I’m so glad you stopped by!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
Currently listening to your AWESOME playlist while making banana bread. Thanks for the tunes and yummy martini recipe dear! Happy Monday and cheers to a lovely week!! 🙂
Meghan says
Hey, thanks sweets! I’m so glad you like it, Happy Monday to you!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Martini purists can kiss it, because this martini looks amazing, girl! Gingerbread in cocktail form?!! Yeah, I need like seven of these! Pinned! Cheers, chicka and thanks for the playlist!! <3
Meghan says
It is that time of year Cheyanne! One more coktail, please! Thanks so much for the pin, lady!!
Annie says
Gingerbread Martini?! Whoa! This is fantastic! We are having our girls holiday party next weekend and now I know what I am bringing!
Meghan says
Yes! I hope you ladies love it! Thanks Annie!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Meghan, now I am craving for martini now. These look and sound wonderful. A perfect Christmas drink. Beautiful share. 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks so much Anu!
Izzy @ She Likes Food says
These martinis sound like the best drink ever!! Like Christmas in a glass! I’m kind of obsessed with Christmas music so I’m loving your playlist 🙂
Meghan says
Yay! Thank you Izzy, I’m so glad you love it!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
What a fun drink! And who cares about the rules anyway? Looks like a martini to me!
Meghan says
Thanks Kathy!
Ashleigh says
Yay! A new playlist! I do have some whipped vodka, I’ll have to try the drink!
Meghan says
Yes, give it a try Ashleigh, I hope you love it!
Cakespy says
You have given me the gift of something to drink and to listen to to get all cozy while doing holiday crafts and baking – you rule!
Meghan says
Wow, thank you so much Jessie! I’m sort of fan girling over here, and so glad you like them!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I have never had a gingerbread martini. I am by no means a martini purist, so a gingerbread-flavored one sounds marvelous to me.
Love your playlist. Santa Baby is one of my favs! 🙂
Meghan says
Thank you Cristin! The gingerbread martini is for sure s sweet dessert type drink, but pretty fun. And I’m so glad you like the playlist, Eartha Kitt is the best 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Oooh I love this…from lattes to martinis! 🙂 I am deeeefinitely making a batch.
Meghan says
Yay! Thanks Rachel!
Ashlyn | Dollop of Yum says
I will definitely be listening to this playlist! So awesome Meghan!
Meghan says
Thank you Ashlyn! I hope you enjoy it!
E.A. says
HA!!???? Mr. Briar is a Hoot!
Meghan says
🙂 🙂
Mr Briar says
It’s the mooooost wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeaaaaaaaaaaarrr..
Bartender! One more please.
Meghan says
🙂 🙂 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love your recipe along with the playlist, such a great idea to get us in the mood. This is the best time of the year so I can’t wait to dance around with your music picked!
Meghan says
Thanks Pamela! I loved your video of you dancing with your cats!
annie says
Silly martini purists, what do they know? They are missing out on this wonderful cocktail! I have been meaning to try whipped flavored vodka forever, and now I have zero excuses not to. I also love Christmas music…thanks for the cheery playlist! I think my favorite traditional carol is “Do you hear?” and my favorite non-traditional carol is “Boogie to the Elf Dance” by Sufjan.
Meghan says
Exactly Annie! They might change their tune if they try this. The whipped vodka is good for frou frou cocktails like this. I don’t keep it in the house all the time, but I bought a bottle to make this and for a few other drinks I have planned this month.
My Dish is Bomb says
Mmmmm….I am totally making this soon since I now own a cocktail shaker. I love christmas drinks that look like milkshakes! I’m a fan of Christmas music, but I tend to like the old stuff, too. The new pop songs just don’t have that same nostalgia, and even kids Christmas songs from my childhood I like to re-listen to!
Meghan says
Yes, Christmas is the time of year that I like to listen to the same music over and over, haha! This does look and taste like a milkshake, so I bet you will love it 🙂