Instead of diving into holiday baking, kick back and sip on this gingerbread martini instead! It’s all the flavors of the classic cookie in cocktail format. In fact, my version is a copycat of the Outback Steakhouse seasonal drink, and always a fan favorite for the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A gingerbread martini is a fun and festive Christmas cocktail, and this version will transport you right to Outback Steakhouse without even leaving your house (or waiting for the seasonal menu to drop)!
It delivers that cozy, bakery-warm gingerbread spice flavor without being heavy, blending the classic spices with molasses-like sweetness and rich creaminess into something that tastes like a holiday dessert in a glass.
Making a copycat at home means you get all the charm of the restaurant version with the freedom to tweak sweetness, spice, or booziness exactly how you like it.
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Ingredients List
- 1 ounce Absolut vanilla vodka (or another brand of choice – I had Smirnoff on hand)
- 1 ounce Baileys Irish cream liqueur
- ½ ounce Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur)
- ½ ounce gingerbread simple syrup (Outback uses Monin brand)
- Whipped cream and gingerbread man cookie for topping
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Outback uses Absolut brand vodka, but you can use any kind you like (such as Smirnoff, Deep Eddy, etc). You can also use plain vodka and use a vanilla syrup (or gingerbread-vanilla syrup) to add flavoring
- While Outback uses Monin gingerbread syrup, you can use any brand you like (Torani is another popular one)! It’s often readily available during the holiday season so whatever your store has is the easiest!
- I use Pepperidge Farm gingerman cookies for my garnish (since that’s the Outback choice as well), but any similar gingerbread cookie you like is fine!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the vodka, Irish cream, Kahlua, and gingerbread syrup to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a gingerbread man cookie to garnish. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Gingerbread cookies or biscotti – Echoes the spices and enhances the cookie-in-a-glass vibe!
- Pumpkin pie or pumpkin cheesecake – The warm spices mesh perfectly with the cocktail’s ginger and cream notes
- Molasses or spice cake – Deep, rich flavors pair well with the cocktail’s sweetness
- Butter cookies or shortbread – Mild, buttery flavors balance the martini’s bold spices
Savory Snacks & Light Bites
- Spiced nuts (pecan, walnut, or almond) – The sweet-spicy crunch contrasts nicely with the creamy martini
- Charcuterie with mild cheeses (brie, gouda) – Creamy, gentle cheeses won’t compete with the drink’s spices
- Prosciutto-wrapped fruit (pear or apple) – Sweet + salty complements the gingerbread theme. My Bacon Wrapped Apples are a great choice!
Holiday Party Pairings
- Mini ham biscuits or sliders – The salty, smoky flavor offsets the sweetness of the drink. Try my Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders for a delicious option!
- Cranberry meatballs – Festive, tangy, and a great counterpoint to the creamy cocktail
- Baked brie with cranberry chutney – Warm, gooey, and perfectly seasonal with the spice notes
Recipe FAQs
What Does The Gingerbread Martini Taste Like?
It tastes like liquid gingerbread cookies; sweet, creamy, warmly spiced, and lightly boozy. You get notes of ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of coffee from the liqueurs.
Can I Make a Mocktail Version?
Yes! Mix gingerbread syrup with cream (or half-and-half), a splash of vanilla extract, and a bit of chilled coffee or decaf to mimic the depth of the liqueurs. Shake with ice or blend with ice cream and serve in a cinnamon-sugar–rimmed glass for the full festive effect!
Tips For the Best Gingerbread Martini
- This drink tastes on the stronger side due to the ratio of mixers to alcohol. For a less alcohol-forward drink, cut it with a little heavy cream or half and half!
- It’s also a sweet drink, since it’s dessert-inspired. For a less sweet option, you can also add cream to thin it, or use a sugar-free syrup
- No shaker? No problem! Use a mason jar with a lid or a similar type of container instead for equally great results
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware. Serve in a chilled martini glass or similar stemmed glass. Cold glassware keeps the drink creamy and velvety longer! Pop the glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes ahead of time for the perfect chill!
- Rim it for instant holiday flair. Dip the rim in simple syrup, then a mix of cinnamon + sugar or crushed gingerbread cookies for extra texture and aroma! You could also add a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary for seasonal flair
- Serve quickly after preparing. Whipped cream will melt into the drink over time, so it’s best enjoyed immediately!
- For parties, scale and pre-mix the alcohol base in a pitcher (store in the fridge) and then shake and garnish individual servings to order!
More Gingerbread Recipes
Final Thoughts
Get into the holiday spirit with this gingerbread martini! It’s fun, festive, and most of all – delicious! It’s a perfect dessert cocktail since it mimics the classic baked treat (but with booze this time), all with no oven required.
As an added bonus, you can enjoy this Christmas martini usually found on Outback Steakhouse’s seasonal drink menu, without a trip to the restaurant! Kick back, relax, stay in, and enjoy your favorite seasonal sip in front of the fire instead.
This gingerbread cocktail is perfect for all of winter and the holiday season, and is always a hit with guests. Make your season a little more merry and bright, and give this tasty martini a try. Cheers!
Gingerbread Martini (Outback Steakhouse Copycat)
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Martini glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Absolut vanilla vodka (or another brand of choice)
- 1 ounce Baileys Irish cream
- ½ ounce Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur)
- ½ ounce Monin gingerbread syrup (or another brand of choice)
- Whipped cream and gingerbread man cookie for topping
Instructions
- Add all drink ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes1 ounce Absolut vanilla vodka, 1 ounce Baileys Irish cream, ½ ounce Kahlua, ½ ounce Monin gingerbread syrup
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass (or similar)
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a gingerbread man cookie to garnish. Enjoy!Whipped cream and gingerbread man cookie for topping
Notes
- Outback uses Absolut brand vodka, but you can use any brand you like. You can also use plain vodka and use a ¼ ounce vanilla syrup (or use gingerbread-vanilla syrup) to add flavoring
- While Outback uses Monin gingerbread syrup, you can use any brand you like – it’s often readily available during the holiday season so whatever your store has is the easiest!
- I use Pepperidge Farm gingerman cookies for my garnish (since that’s the Outback choice as well), but any similar gingerbread cookie you like is fine!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any adjustments, garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
