Around the holidays, there’s nothing that warms my soul more than a delicious Gingerbread Martini! This tequila-based cocktail is made with homemade ginger syrup that’s endlessly versatile (hello, Moscow Mule!). It’s a warming cocktail that’s sure to get the party started!
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What’s in This Gingerbread Martini Recipe?
If you are looking for a show-stopping cocktail to serve up this holiday season, you are going to love these gingerbread martinis! Super easy to make and they are so festive! No too sweet with just the right amount of kick!
- Ginger Syrup: This simple syrup (pun intended!) is made from sugar, water, ground ginger, molasses, and a cinnamon stick. It has a festive holiday flavor but also works in any drink that calls for ginger beer or ginger ale.
- Tequila: In testing, I found that reposado (aka: aged) tequila worked best with the ginger flavor. I used El Mayor, but any brand will work.
- Tuaca Liqueur: This Italian sweet brandy has a vanilla-forward flavor with a hint of citrus and spice. If you can’t find it, vanilla vodka is the next best thing.
- Whipped Cream: Regular whipped cream or Cool Whip from the store both work well to add creaminess to this cocktail. You can also make your own stabilized whipped cream that holds up super well as a garnish.
How to Store Homemade Ginger Syrup
Each drink is best shaken and poured just before serving, but you can get ahead of things by making the ginger syrup beforehand. Store it in an airtight container (I like a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cocktail Garnishes
I like to make these martinis super fun and festive with a few simple garnishes!
- Dip each glass in molasses, then dip in crushed gingerbread cookies.
- Top the drinks with whipped cream for a really indulgent treat.
- Finish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a delicious aroma.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
If you pour this martini over ice, it will dilute the flavor of the drink as it melts. Plus ice could cause the cream to separate when shaking. Keep things smooth and leave out the ice.
Gingerbread Martini Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ginger Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
- 1 cinnamon stick
For the Gingerbread Martini
- 1½ ounces tequila We used El Mayor Reposado
- ¾ ounce Tuaca liqueur can sub vanilla vodka
- ¾ ounce ginger syrup (from above)
- 1 tablespoon whipped cream or Cool Whip
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon sticks
- Crushed or whole gingerbread cookies
Instructions
For the Gingerbread Syrup
- Heat all ingredients for syrup in a small saucepan over medium/high heat. Whisk to combine.1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses, 1 cinnamon stick
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow to come to room temperature before storing in the fridge in an airtight container until use.
For the Martini
- Rim a martini glass with molasses and then dip in crushed gingerbread cookies (optional).
- In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, Tuaca, ginger syrup, and whipped cream. Shake vigorously to combine.1½ ounces tequila, ¾ ounce Tuaca liqueur, ¾ ounce ginger syrup, 1 tablespoon whipped cream
- Top with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and crushed or whole gingerbread cookies (optional).Whipped cream, Cinnamon sticks, Crushed or whole gingerbread cookies
Becky’s Tips
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid to shake the ingredients together. Shaking is an important step so that the flavors are well blended.
- I find that ground ginger gives the simple syrup the best flavor, but you can use chopped fresh ginger if that’s what you have.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How many drinks does this serve? I’m thinking of making this for out annual friends giving?
Hi Amy, this recipe is for one cocktail, but the ginger syrup recipe should make enough for 6-8 drinks!
Hi. I am not a fan of tequila, but I just had to comment on your goregous photography! Your photos alone make me want to give tequila another try. :-)
Thank you so much, Lara!