Food and Recipes Recipes Gingerbread Martini Be the first to rate & review! Espresso and chocolate martinis are old news compared to this snappy sipper. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on July 20, 2022 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Photographer: Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Active Time: 5 mins Total Time: 5 mins Servings: 1 Some of our fondest childhood holiday memories include decorating gingerbread houses with our families—and, of course, sneaking in a few bites of candy in the process. Now that we're grown, we couldn't let the kids have all the fun, so we developed an adult beverage that's just as warming as our childhood gingerbread memories. The next time you have friends over for a gingerbread decorating contest, whip them up one of these Gingerbread Martinis too. This Christmas cocktail is sure to secure your place as the best holiday hostess around. Espresso martinis are old news compared to this Gingerbread Martini. We'll be sipping on this snappy drink all winter long. It's cool and refreshing while still offering you a hint of warmth from the ginger syrup. The half and half adds creamy texture for a sipper that's oh-so-delicate and praise-worthy. The gingersnap cookie rim is the ideal subtle hint of spice to finish off the palate. The hardest part about making this Christmas martini is boiling the homemade ginger syrup. While your kids are busy decorating their cookie creations, test out your bartending skills and shake up a delicious and festive Gingerbread Martini. Ingredients Gingerbread Martini 4 gingersnaps, divided 1 tablespoon honey 3 tablespoons (1½ ounces) vanilla vodka 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys) 2 tablespoons Homemade Ginger Syrup (recipe follows) or store-bought ginger syrup 2 tablespoons half-and-half Whipped cream Ginger Syrup ½ cup water ½ cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger Directions For the Ginger Syrup: Stir together water, granulated sugar, and chopped fresh ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high; simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into an airtight container. Store, covered, in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. For the Gingerbread Martini: Place 3 of the gingersnaps in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal bag. Pound gingersnaps using a rolling pin or a heavy skillet until coarsely crushed. Transfer crushed cookies to a small plate (you should have about 2 tablespoons). Place honey in a small shallow bowl. Dip rim of a martini glass into honey, then into crushed cookies to lightly coat. Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice. Add vodka, liqueur, ginger syrup, and half-and-half. Place lid on shaker; shake until well combined and chilled, 1 to 2 minutes. Strain into prepared martini glass. Garnish with whipped cream and remaining gingersnap. Serve immediately. Rate it Print