Looking to booze up your holiday this year? Replace your Christmas mimosa with this Gingerbread Espresso Martini this year!
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I don’t know what it is, but espresso martinis are trendy this year! If you want to be that girl, you’ll be sipping on an espresso martini. This recipe has a holiday twist to an already beloved beverage.
If you normally whip up a Christmas morning mimosa or throw some baileys in your coffee – why not mix it up with a Gingerbread Espresso Martini this year!? Espresso plus booze while you watch your kids open Christmas presents? YES PLEASE!
In this recipe, I use my salt-free, sugar-free Gingerbread spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free, sugar-free Gingerbread seasoning on the market. But you can always swap this for plain cinnamon or come up with a Gingerbread spice blend at home!
This post is all about Gingerbread Espresso Martini!
All About Martinis
In the realm of classic cocktails, the martini stands as a timeless icon of sophistication and refinement. Martinis have a simple yet elusive charm. They make you feel like that girl. Let’s dive into what makes a classic martini and how we can get creative with this iconic drink:
The Classic Foundation
At its core, a classic martini is a marriage of gin and dry vermouth. The precise ratio is a matter of personal taste, ranging from a drier concoction with less vermouth to a more balanced blend. The choice of gin is crucial because it carries a distinctive flavor that elevates the overall experience.
Shaken or Stirred
The eternal debate—shaken or stirred? Shaking introduces aeration and a slightly different texture while stirring maintains a silky smoothness. Martini enthusiasts may argue for the latter, emphasizing a gentler approach to preserve the spirit’s integrity.
Vodka Martinis
For those who prefer a departure from gin, the vodka martini steps into the spotlight. Vodka’s neutral profile allows vermouth and garnishes to shine, offering a clean canvas for customization. Experimentation is encouraged to find the perfect balance that suits individual palates.
Espresso Martini Elegance
Picture this—a velvety blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso, shaken to perfection. The result is a harmonious convergence of bitterness, sweetness, and a caffeine kick, served in the iconic martini glass. The espresso martini caters to both coffee enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs, offering a delightful departure from tradition.
Garnishes Galore
The finishing touch—the garnish—adds visual appeal and aromatic complexity. The classic choice is an olive or a lemon twist. Olives bring a briny contrast, while a twist of lemon zest imparts a burst of citrus essence. For an espresso martini, chocolate shavings, coffee beans, or a light dusting of cocoa powder add a touch of decadence. Make sure that your garnish meshes with the flavors of your unique martini and feel free to get adventurous!
The glassware
Fun glassware can overall enhance the experience of any cocktail. It’s important to choose glassware that complements the drink’s elegance. Here are a few of my favorite martini glasses from Amazon:
- Art Deco Martini Glasses
- Bubble Martini Glasses
- Z-Stem Martini Glasses
- Vintage Martini Glasses
- If you are looking for something different, check out these Octopus Martini Glasses!
Gingerbread Sugar Rim
A special rim elevates the cocktail experience. A classic rim is usually applied with either a citrus wedge or simple syrup and dipped in salt. But depending on the cocktail, you can get creative with your rim. I’ve seen sugar cookie cocktails garnished with a sprinkle rim attached with icing. In short, you need something sticky and something to stick to the sticky substance.
If you want to spice up your rim, combine brown sugar with my gingerbread spice and a dash of salt and stick it to our martini glasses using molasses!
Homemade Gingerbread Simple Syrup
It just takes 3 ingredients and a few minutes to make a gingerbread simple syrup. Here’s how:
- In a saucepan, combine equal parts brown sugar and water (1 cup brown sugar + 1 cup water + 2 tsp gingerbread spice).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight glass container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
You Might Also Like
If you like this recipe, you will also like:
- Gingerbread Popcorn
- Gingerbread Smoothie
- Gingerbread Banana Bread
- Gingerbread Overnight Oats
- Gingerbread Monkey Bread
- Gingerbread Energy Bites
- Skinny Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
OR click here for the entire Gingerbread category!
Storage
I don’t recommend storing this recipe – it is best enjoyed right away. However, you can pre-make the homemade gingerbread simple syrup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Having this simple syrup ready to go is a great idea, especially if you are hosting a dinner party or holiday party!
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Ingredients
Homemade Gingerbread Simple Syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Gingerbread Spice
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz Bailey's (Irish Cream liqueur)
- 1 oz Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
- 1 oz Homemade Gingerbread Simple Syrup
- 2 oz cooled espresso
Instructions
Make Your Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and gingerbread spice over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight glass container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Make The Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add all the ingredients listed under "Gingerbread Espresso Martini". Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Pour into your prepped martini glass, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
The glassware
Fun glassware can overall enhance the experience of any cocktail. It's important to choose glassware that complements the drink's elegance. Here are a few of my favorite martini glasses from Amazon:- Art Deco Martini Glasses
- Bubble Martini Glasses
- Z-Stem Martini Glasses
- Vintage Martini Glasses
- If you are looking for something different, check out these Octopus Martini Glasses!
Storage
I don't recommend storing this recipe - it is best enjoyed right away. However, you can pre-make the homemade gingerbread simple syrup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Having this simple syrup ready to go is a great idea, especially if you are hosting a dinner party or holiday party!This post was all about Gingerbread Espresso Martini!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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