Ginger Snap Martini

Ginger Holiday drink

Evan Sklar / Getty Images

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

A very interesting seasonal cocktail, this ginger snap martini is a culmination of all the flavors and spices associated with the cold days of winter. It also does a wonderful job of recreating one of the favorite holiday treats in liquid form.

It was created by mixologist Nick Mautone (author of the 2004 book "Raising the Bar"). He has masterfully layered a lot of flavor into the drink, bringing the taste of fresh-baked ginger snaps to life. It pairs Grey Goose La Poire Vodka with molasses, fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for an intriguing martini you'll want to share at any winter party.

Ingredients

  • 3 (1/4-inch thick) slices fresh ginger, divided

  • 1/2 ounce molasses

  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup

  • 1 pinch ground allspice

  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon

  • 1 pinch ground cloves

  • 2 ounces pear vodka

  • 1 ounce amaretto liqueur

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, place 2 slices of ginger, molasses, simple syrup, and spices. Muddle well.

  3. Add the pear vodka and amaretto and fill the shaker with ice.

  4. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted.

  5. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

  6. Garnish with the remaining slice of ginger. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • You can use whole allspice. The whole berries offer more flavor and can be broken with a muddler if you're forceful. The same advice pertains to whole cloves.
  • Both spices are rather pungent. If you're using a ground version, just a pinch will do. A couple of whole pieces will offer a good flavor, especially if you crush them and let them rest for a minute or two in the syrup and molasses.
  • Choose either light or dark molasses for this recipe. The dark variety will produce a more intense flavor. Blackstrap molasses is not recommended because it's much stronger. If that's your only option, decrease the amount by at least half.

Recipe Variations

  • Sweeten this martini to suit your taste. You can add as much as 1 ounce each of molasses and simple syrup.
  • Pear is not a flavor found in ginger snap cookies, though it does add an interesting dimension to this cocktail. Pour an unflavored vodka if you prefer.
  • For a fun twist, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Mix 2 parts white granulated sugar with 1 part ground cinnamon until you get an even light brown color. Wet the rim by dipping it into a shallow dish of either simple syrup or amaretto, then roll it in the spiced sugar.

How Strong Is a Ginger Snap Martini?

This cocktail may offer a sweet taste, but it's also rather potent. Similar to other vodka martinis, when made with the recommended brands of liquor, its alcohol content falls in the 24 percent ABV (48 proof) range.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
383 Calories
1g Fat
55g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 383
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 23mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 55g 20%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 35g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 7mg 37%
Calcium 57mg 4%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 698mg 15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)