Gingerbread Martini Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

For the gingerbread syrup:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 tbs. molasses
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

For the martini:

• 2 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1.5 ounces Kahlua
• 1.5 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream
• 3 tbs. gingerbread syrup (or to taste)
• 2.5 ounces half and half (plus about 2 tbs. for the rim)
• gingerbread cookies (for the rim and for garnish)(I like Pepperidge Farm)
• whipped cream (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

For the syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon on medium heat until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).

For the martini:

1. Crush about 2-3 small gingerbread cookies in a zip lock bag with a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a saucer and set aside.
2. Pour the 2 tablespoons of half and half into a small saucer. Dip the rims of the martini glasses into the half and half. Then dip into the gingerbread crumbs and set the glasses aside.
3. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine, the vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup, and the half and half. Shake well and pour into martini glasses. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top and then place a gingerbread cookie on top of the whipped cream and serve.