Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Recipe

A creamy, chilled dessert-style drink can turn a cold day into a nice and comforting moment. That is exactly what the Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini is – a smooth, rich cocktail full of holiday flavor.

I wanted this drink, but it wasn’t available near me. It only shows up for a short time on the holiday menu, and people wait all year for it.

Each winter, this drink gets a lot of love. It has that soft gingerbread flavor mixed with a smooth, creamy sip.

I kept thinking about it and wanted a way to have it any time. So, I worked on a simple copycat version at home.

Now, I can mix it up with easy ingredients and get that same rich flavor. This Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Recipe feels just like the one from Outback, but I can have it whenever I want, not just during the holiday season.

What to Expect From the First Sip of a Gingerbread Martini

The first thing you will notice is the color – a deep, warm caramel brown with a creamy white top from the whipped cream. It looks stunning in a martini glass.

As you keep sipping, the flavor stays balanced. It is not too strong and not too sweet. You get a gentle mix of spice and cream in every sip.

The Baileys Irish Cream gives it a creamy softness. The Kahlua adds a light coffee taste. Then the gingerbread syrup comes in with that soft holiday spice. It is smooth, sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coarsely grated peeled fresh ginger: Fresh ginger gives the syrup a warm, spicy flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger if fresh is not available, but fresh ginger gives a more fresh and lively taste.
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks slowly release a rich, warm spice as the syrup cooks. Use ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon if sticks are not on hand, though the flavor will be slightly stronger.
• 4 whole cloves: Cloves add a deep, rich spice that completes the gingerbread flavor. A small pinch of ground cloves works if needed.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens and thickens the syrup so it coats the drink nicely. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• 1½ cups water: Plain water is the base of the syrup.
• 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream: Baileys adds a smooth, creamy, slightly sweet flavor that makes the drink rich and dessert-like. Any Irish cream liqueur works as a substitute.
• 1 oz. vodka: Vodka is the base spirit that carries the other flavors without overpowering them. Vanilla vodka can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.
• 1 oz. Kahlua: Kahlua adds a coffee flavor with a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness. Any coffee liqueur like Tia Maria works well.
• Gingerbread syrup (to taste): Add as much or as little as you like to control the sweetness. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust.
• Ice: Ice chills the cocktail and makes it smoother to sip. Use regular ice cubes.
• ½ cup crushed gingerbread cookies: Crushed cookies coat the rim and add a spiced crunch. Graham crackers with a pinch of cinnamon can be used instead.

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Small saucepan — for making the syrup
2. Fine-mesh sieve — strains out spices cleanly
3. Airtight jar — stores syrup in the fridge
4. Cocktail shaker — chills and mixes the drink
5. Jigger or measuring shot glass — measures 1 oz. precisely
6. Martini glass — the correct shape for serving
7. Two shallow plates — one for syrup, one for crumbs
8. Rolling pin or food processor — crushes the cookies
9. Cocktail strainer — strains ice while pouring

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini

Step 1 | Boil the Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of coarsely grated peeled ginger, 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and 1½ cups of water.

Bring everything to a full boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for about 20 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half.

Step 2 | Dissolve the Sugar

Remove the saucepan from heat and add ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar fully dissolves. Let the syrup cool for about 10 minutes.

Then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or jar, pressing to get all the liquid out. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool for about 10 minutes

Step 3 | Rim the Glass

Place ½ cup of crushed gingerbread cookies on a shallow plate. Pour a little gingerbread syrup onto another plate.

Dip the rim of your martini glass into the syrup first, then into the crushed cookies. Turn the glass slowly to coat the rim evenly. Set aside for a minute.

Step 4 | Mix the Drink

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream, 1 oz. vodka, and 1 oz. Kahlua. For extra sweetness, add about 1 tablespoon of gingerbread syrup, or more to taste.

Step 5 | Shake Well

Close the shaker and shake hard for about 20 seconds. This chills the drink and mixes everything well. It also creates a light foam on top.

Step 6 | Serve

Strain the drink into your prepared martini glass. Top with whipped cream. Add a small gingerbread cookie on top. Serve right away and enjoy while cold.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Martini

• Chill Your Glass First: Place your martini glass in the freezer for five minutes before making the drink for maximum coldness.
• Don’t Skip the Syrup Straining: Straining removes bitter pieces and creates a smooth, clean syrup that makes your drink taste professional.
• Make Syrup Ahead: Prepare your gingerbread syrup the day before so you can relax when making the actual drink.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: Add more syrup if you want it sweeter or less if you prefer less sugar.
• Use Fresh Whipped Cream: Real whipped cream tastes so much better than the canned version for this special drink.

What to Enjoy With a Gingerbread Martini

At Outback Steakhouse, this martini pairs perfectly with dessert items or light appetizers. The sweet, creamy drink tastes best as an after-dinner treat or holiday celebration drink.

Here are some of my favorite ideas to enjoy with this martini:

• Gingerbread Cookies: Serve warm gingerbread cookies on the side for dunking or eating between sips for extra holiday flavor.
• Brownies: Fudgy chocolate brownies pair beautifully with the creamy spiced flavors in this martini.
• Chocolate Truffles: Rich, smooth chocolate truffles match the elegant, fancy nature of this cocktail perfectly.
• Pecan Pie: Warm pecan pie with the gingerbread martini creates a complete holiday dessert combination.
• Spiced Nuts: Warm cinnamon or lightly sugared nuts add a crunchy texture and a hint of spice that matches the gingerbread flavor without being too heavy.

Variations & Customization

Non-alcoholic (Mocktail): Mix 2 oz milk, 1 oz coffee syrup, and 1 oz gingerbread syrup with ice. Shake well and strain. Top with whipped cream for a similar creamy taste without alcohol.

Dairy-free Version: Use 1 oz dairy-free Irish cream and coconut whipped topping. Keep the other ingredients the same. This keeps the drink creamy without milk products.

Frozen Gingerbread Martini: Blend 1 cup ice, 1 oz Baileys, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlúa, and 2 tbsp syrup. Blend until smooth and thick, then pour into a chilled glass.

Gingerbread Espresso Martini: Add 1 oz fresh espresso to the shaker with the other ingredients. This gives a bold coffee flavor with the warm spice mix.

Low-calorie Version: Use sugar-free syrup and light cream liqueur. Reduce the syrup to 1 tbsp. This helps lower sugar while keeping the flavor close.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Can you prep in advance

Yes, absolutely. The gingerbread syrup is the most time-consuming part of this recipe, and it can be made up to 2 weeks ahead. Just store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. When you are ready to mix the cocktail, everything else comes together in under 5 minutes.

How long does it last

The gingerbread syrup lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. The mixed cocktail should be served immediately after shaking and pouring.

Best way to store ingredients

Keep the Baileys Irish Cream in the fridge after opening – it lasts about 6 months. Vodka and Kahlua can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Keep crushed cookies in a sealed zip-lock bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Recipe Faq

1. How sweet is this drink?

The sweetness depends on the syrup amount. Adding less syrup gives a lighter taste, while more syrup makes it sweeter. It can be adjusted easily.

2. Can this be served warm?

This drink is best served cold. The chilled texture helps keep the creamy feel and balanced taste.

3. Is this drink strong?

It has a mild strength due to the cream and syrup. The alcohol taste is smooth and not too sharp, making it easy to drink.

4. How do I fix a drink that is too strong?

If the drink feels too strong, add a little more gingerbread syrup or a splash of milk or cream. This softens the alcohol taste and makes the drink smoother and lighter.

5. Why strain the syrup after cooking?

Straining removes ginger pieces and spices. This gives a smooth syrup without bits in the drink. It also keeps the texture clean and easy to mix.

6. How do I get a stronger coffee flavor?

Add a little extra Kahlúa or include a small shot of espresso. This increases the coffee notes and gives a deeper, richer flavor profile.

Continue to Content

Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a creamy Gingerbread Martini ready in 45 minutes - rich, spiced, and smooth with Baileys and Kahlua. Perfect cozy holiday cocktail at home.

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Ingredients

Gingerbread Syrup

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• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, coarsely grated
• 2 cinnamon sticks (3-inch each)
• 4 whole cloves
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cups water

Cocktail

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• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz Kahlua
• 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup (or to taste)
• Ice (as needed)

Rim & Garnish

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• ½ cup crushed gingerbread cookies
• Extra gingerbread syrup (for rimming)
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Small gingerbread cookie (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, add grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Let it sit for a few minutes, then strain the syrup into a bowl or jar, discarding the spices. Allow it to cool completely.
3. Pour some gingerbread syrup onto a small plate and crushed gingerbread cookies onto another. Dip the rim of a martini glass in syrup first, then coat it with cookie crumbs. Set aside.
4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Baileys, vodka, Kahlua, and a splash of gingerbread syrup (adjust to taste).
5. Shake well for about 15–20 seconds until the drink is cold and lightly frothy.
6. Strain into the prepared glass. Top with whipped cream and a small gingerbread cookie, then serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: (Per Serving)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 330Saturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 60mgCarbohydrates: 32gSugar: 28gSugar Alcohols: 14gProtein: 2g

Try this Outback Steakhouse Gingerbread Martini Recipe at home tonight. It brings the holiday spirit without leaving your house. Simple steps, one glass, and that creamy cookie taste.

Share this recipe with a friend who loves sweet winter drinks.