'Tis the season for wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and, of course ... making Christmas cocktails! Whether you're decorating the house or hosting guests, this trio of festive drinks will hit the spot this holiday season.
If you love warm flavors and creamy beverages, you'll adore our gingerbread martini, complete with a homemade gingerbread syrup. Looking for a more posh option? Try our cinnamon Manhattan for a spiced version of the classic drink. And if you're craving something bubbly, make a peppermint Moscow mule to savor the best flavors of the season.
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Each recipe yields two drinks, and you can easily halve or double the ingredients. You can even turn each drink into a mocktail by swapping out the alcohol. Cheers!
Gingerbread Martini
Things You'll Need
1 cup water
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 in. fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
4 allspice berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs, for garnish
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 oz. vodka
2 oz. Irish cream
4 oz. milk or heavy cream
Whipped cream, for garnish
Tip
To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and Irish cream with more milk or heavy cream. You can also use Bailey's-flavored coffee creamer.
1. Make the gingerbread syrup
In a small pot or pan over medium heat, combine the water and brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.
Add the ginger, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, cloves, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the syrup thickens.
Strain the syrup into a glass jar or bottle. Let cool.
Tip
Store gingerbread syrup in the refrigerator for two weeks. Use it in coffee, tea, or more martinis!
2. Rim the martini glasses
Spread gingerbread syrup on a plate. Dip the rim of a martini glass in the syrup.
On a separate plate, add a layer of gingerbread cookie crumbs. Dip the rim of the martini glass in the crumbs until coated.
Repeat with the second martini glass.
3. Prepare the martini
Add 1/2 cup of ice to a cocktail shaker. Follow with the vodka, Irish cream, milk or heavy cream, and 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of the gingerbread syrup. Secure the lid and shake the ingredients.
4. Pour and serve
Divide the cocktail between two martini glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, gingerbread cookies, and more crumbs, if desired.
Cinnamon Manhattan
Things You'll Need
1 cup water
1 cup white granulated sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 oz. bourbon
2 oz. sweet vermouth
4 dashes Angostura bitters
1/2 cup ice
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Orange peel, for garnish
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Tip
To make a mocktail version, replace the alcohol with non-alcoholic bourbon or whiskey. You can also use strong black tea or barley tea.
1. Make the cinnamon syrup
In a small pot or pan, combine the water and sugar.
Add the cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the syrup is thick.
Strain the syrup into a jar or bottle. Let cool.
Tip
Refrigerate leftover cinnamon syrup for up to two weeks. Enjoy it in coffee, tea, or other cocktails. It's also delicious drizzled on top of waffles and pancakes!
2. Prepare the cinnamon Manhattan
In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) cinnamon syrup. Stir to combine.
Add ice, then mix again to chill the drink.
3. Garnish and serve
Strain the cocktail and divide between two coupe glasses. Garnish each drink with a cinnamon stick, maraschino cherry, and orange peel.
Peppermint Moscow Mule
Things You'll Need
4 oz. vodka
2 oz. peppermint schnapps
8 oz. ginger beer
Juice of 1 lime (optional)
1 cup ice
Fresh mint, for garnish
Candy canes, for garnish
Tip
If you'd like to make a mocktail, use plain seltzer or tonic water instead of vodka. For the peppermint flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract per drink.
1. Mix the ingredients
In a copper mug, add 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce peppermint schnapps, 4 ounces ginger beer, and the juice of 1/2 lime.
Mix well, add 1/2 cup of ice, then stir to chill the drink.
2. Garnish and serve
Add a sprig of fresh peppermint and a candy cane. Repeat to make the second drink.
