This gingerbread martini is rich, creamy, and full of bold holiday spice — made with Baileys, vodka, and just enough gingerbread syrup to taste like dessert in a glass. No fancy tools, no syrup drama, just a quick shake and it’s ready to serve. It’s easy, indulgent, and dangerously festive.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: none
- Flavor: creamy, spicy-sweet, warm (but cold)
- Great for: holiday parties, solo nights, dessert replacements
Why I Like This Recipe
Some drinks are just… extra. This one’s like a holiday cookie with edge. I didn’t even bother with whipped cream or garnish — just shook it up, poured it cold, and it hit. It’s cozy but kind of unhinged (in a good way). Plus, it takes five minutes, no cleanup, and somehow feels like you made an effort.
Ingredients
- Ice (enough to fill your shaker halfway)
- 2 oz Baileys
- 1 oz vodka
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 1 tbsp gingerbread syrup (adjust to taste)
Optional Extras
- Crushed gingerbread cookies (for the rim)
- Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Candy cane for the vibe
How To Make Gingerbread Martini
- Chill your glass: Pop your martini glass in the freezer while you prep. Trust — it’s worth it.
- Add to shaker: Fill it halfway with ice. Pour in the Baileys, vodka, cream, and gingerbread syrup.
- Shake like you mean it: Shake hard for 30–45 seconds. You want it frothy and freezing.
- Strain into your glass: If you prepped a cookie-rim, now’s the moment. Strain the drink in slow like you own a cocktail bar.
- Top it off: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or float a tiny gingerbread cookie. Or don’t. It’s good either way.

Tips for Success
- Use cold ingredients — it helps the drink emulsify.
- Shake longer than you think. Froth = texture.
- Taste before serving — some syrups are sweeter than others.
- You can swap Baileys with any Irish cream, but Baileys hits best.
- If using a rim, dip in simple syrup first, then crushed cookies.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: If you somehow have leftovers (??), seal and store in a jar. Shake before drinking again.
- Freezer: Can pour leftovers into popsicle molds for a cheeky frozen treat.
- Reheat: You don’t. This one stays cold. Or pour over ice cream if you’re chaotic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it without gingerbread syrup?
You can sub with maple + spices in a pinch, but honestly… the syrup makes it. - What’s the best vodka for this?
Whatever you’ve got. Vanilla vodka works if you want it sweeter. - Can I make a big batch?
Yep — scale it up, shake in two rounds, or stir in a pitcher and chill. - Does this need whipped cream?
Nah. It’s already rich. But if it makes you feel festive, go for it. - Can I use dairy-free subs?
Sure. Coconut cream + dairy-free Baileys = still good, just different.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Using warm cream: Room temp cream makes the drink separate. Always go cold.
- Not shaking long enough: If it’s flat, you didn’t shake it enough. You want a little froth on top.
- Adding too much syrup: Sweetness can overpower everything. Start with 1 tbsp, then adjust.
- Skipping the taste test: Some syrups and vodkas hit different. A sip before serving helps.
- Forgetting the garnish: Optional, but it adds that holiday touch. Doesn’t have to be fancy — even a cinnamon dash works.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Potassium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
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Gingerbread Martini– Easy Outback Steakhouse Copycat
Course: DessertCuisine: British-AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes500
kcalA sweet, creamy martini spiced with gingerbread syrup and finished with Baileys and vodka — festive chaos in a chilled glass.
Ingredients
Ice
2 oz Baileys
1 oz vodka
2 oz heavy cream
1 tbsp gingerbread syrup
Optional: cookie rim, cinnamon, or candy cane
Directions
- Add ice, Baileys, vodka, cream, and syrup to a shaker.
- Shake hard for 30–45 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish if desired.
- Sip slowly (or don’t). It’s yours.
Notes
- Cold ingredients mix better and stay smooth.
- Taste and adjust syrup for sweetness.
- Don’t skip the shake — it changes the whole texture.
- Rim your glass for extra flair, but it’s optional.