If you’re like me and love a good festive drink, then you’ve probably heard about the Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini recipe. It’s a fun, tasty twist on a classic cocktail with a gingerbread flavor that feels just like the holidays in a glass. Trust me, this martini is one of those drinks that makes you feel cozy, relaxed, and ready to celebrate.
Especially around Christmas, the Outback Gingerbread Martini is a must-have. But let’s be real—most of us, especially busy moms, don’t always have the time to head out to a restaurant during the holiday rush. That’s why I decided to make this copycat version right at home, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
It’s simple, delicious, and brings all the holiday vibes straight to your table without the hassle of going out. Plus, once you see how easy it is, you’ll want to make it for every festive occasion
What Does the Gingerbread Martini Taste Like?
If you’re a fan of gingerbread, you will love this martini. The creamy blend of Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, and gingerbread syrup creates a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for sipping by the fire.
The vodka adds a little bit of a punch, and the scoop of vanilla ice cream gives it a silky smooth texture. This martini is sweet, slightly spicy, and oh-so-creamy—a real dessert in a glass.
What Is in the Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini?
- Vodka (1 oz): Adds the right amount of strength to balance the sweetness. You can use regular vodka, but vanilla vodka works well too if you want a sweeter touch.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream (1 oz): This creamy liqueur gives the martini a smooth, luxurious texture. It’s slightly sweet and adds a bit of richness to the drink.
- Kahlua (1/2 oz): A coffee-flavored liqueur that complements the spices in the gingerbread syrup perfectly. It adds depth and a hint of coffee to the mix.
- Gingerbread Syrup (1/2 oz): The star of the show! This syrup brings all those warm, cozy spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the drink. You can add more syrup if you like a stronger gingerbread flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (1/2 scoop): This makes the drink extra creamy and thick, turning it into a dessert-like experience. You can use sugar-free ice cream if you’re watching calories.
- Optional Gingerbread Cookie: Perfect for garnishing your glass. It adds a little crunch and makes the martini look festive.
Recipe Substitutions
- Vodka: Swap regular vodka for vanilla vodka if you want a sweeter drink. It’s perfect for enhancing the gingerbread flavor.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: If you need a lactose-free option, use a non-dairy Irish cream alternative. They taste just as rich and creamy.
- Ice Cream: For vegan options, Use coconut milk ice cream instead. It will still give your martini that smooth, creamy texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker: For mixing all the ingredients together.
- Jigger or shot glass: To measure out the ingredients.
- Martini glass: To serve your delicious drink.
- Ice cube tray: To chill the glass and cocktail.
- Microwave (optional): To soften the ice cream if needed.
- Ramekin (optional): For holding any garnishes like the gingerbread cookie.
How to Make the Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini
Step 01 | Chill the Glass
Start by filling your martini glass with ice cubes and set it aside to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 02 | Add Ingredients
In the cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of Bailey’s Irish Cream, 1/2 oz of Kahlua, and 1/2 oz of gingerbread syrup.
Step 03 | Soften the Ice Cream
Take 1/2 scoop of vanilla ice cream and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. You can also microwave it for 5-10 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
Step 04 | Shake It Up
Add the softened ice cream to the shaker. Shake everything together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and chilled.
Step 05 | Strain and Serve
Empty the ice from your martini glass, and strain the cocktail into the glass. Optional Garnish: If you like, garnish the glass with a gingerbread cookie on the rim for that festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade gingerbread martini.
Recipe Notes
Chill the Glass: For an extra cold martini, place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the drink.
Extra Gingerbread Flavor: If you really love that gingerbread taste, feel free to add an extra 1/4 oz of syrup.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different flavored vodkas like caramel or cinnamon for a unique twist.
Storage of Bailey’s: Remember to refrigerate your Bailey’s Irish Cream after opening to keep it fresh.
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Spiced Rim: Dip the rim of your martini glass in honey and coat it with crushed gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sugar for an extra festive touch.
- Different Ice Creams: Try experimenting with different ice cream flavors like eggnog, cinnamon, or even coffee ice cream for a new take on this cocktail.
- Alcohol-Free Version: If you’re serving someone who prefers a non-alcoholic drink, swap the alcohol with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a little cream for a mocktail version.
Serving Suggestion
With a Gingerbread Cookie: Pair it with a classic gingerbread cookie or any spiced cookie to enhance the warm, festive flavors. Just like in the martini, the ginger and spice flavors complement each other perfectly.
As a Dessert Drink: This martini is rich enough to serve as a dessert itself. Consider pairing it with lighter, less sweet dishes like a fruit salad or some simple sugar cookies to balance the richness of the drink.
With Savory Snacks: If you prefer a little contrast, serve this cocktail with salty snacks. Something like Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread recipe or Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppy recipe would offer a nice savory balance to the sweet and spiced flavors.
Holiday Parties: This martini is a festive drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. If you’re serving appetizers, try it alongside Cheddar’s Bourbon Glaze recipe for an extra indulgent combo.
Storage Tips
Bailey’s Mixture: Mix the vodka, Bailey’s, Kahlua, and gingerbread syrup and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add the softened ice cream and shake.
Gingerbread Syrup: If you have leftover syrup, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Use it to make more martinis or drizzle it over pancakes.
Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini FAQs
Can I make the Gingerbread Martini non-alcoholic?
Yes! To make a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey’s. Replace them with more gingerbread syrup and a splash of cold brew coffee for a tasty mocktail.
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
No worries! You can use a mason jar with a lid to shake up the ingredients.
What kind of vodka is best for this recipe?
Plain vodka works perfectly, but vanilla-flavored vodka adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the gingerbread flavor.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix everything in a large pitcher.
What can I use instead of Bailey’s Irish Cream?
You can try other cream liqueurs or non-dairy alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant.
Can I use a different kind of cookie for garnish?
Any spiced cookie, like snickerdoodles or molasses cookies, would work as a festive garnish.
Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Recipe
If you’re craving a holiday-inspired cocktail, the Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini recipe is a must-try. It blends creamy Bailey’s, spicy gingerbread syrup, vodka, and Kahlua, making it a sweet and festive treat. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this martini is perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz Bailey's Irish Cream (refrigerate)
- 1/2 oz Kahlua
- 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup
- 1/2 scoop vanilla ice cream (I used sugar-free to save a few calories)
- Optional garnish: Gingerbread cookie for decoration
Substitutions:
- Vodka: Replace with vanilla vodka for an extra sweet twist
- Bailey's: Use a non-dairy Irish cream alternative for a lactose-free version
- Ice cream: Substitute with coconut milk ice cream for a vegan option
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Martini glass
- Ice cube tray
- Microwave (optional)
- Ramekin (optional)
Instructions
- Start by filling your martini glass with ice cubes and set it aside to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
- In the cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of Bailey's Irish Cream, 1/2 oz of Kahlua, and 1/2 oz of gingerbread syrup.
- Take 1/2 scoop of vanilla ice cream and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. You can also microwave it for 5-10 seconds if you're in a hurry.
- Add the softened ice cream to the shaker. Shake everything together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and chilled.
- Empty the ice from your martini glass, and strain the cocktail into the glass. Optional Garnish: If you like, garnish the glass with a gingerbread cookie on the rim for that festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade gingerbread martini.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgCarbohydrates: 25gSugar: 20gProtein: 2g
Conclusion
This Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini recipe is the perfect holiday drink that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy richness of Bailey’s and Kahlua. It’s easy to make, and you can even tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I hope you give this recipe a try—it’s sure to impress.
Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes.
