Gingerbread Cookie Shot: Your New Christmas Crush!
If you ask me what Christmas tastes like, I’ll tell you it’s a perfectly balanced blend of warming spices, smooth vanilla, and a hint of something sweet and creamy. This Gingerbread Cookie Shot captures that flavor perfectly. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it’s the ideal way to kick off any holiday gathering. Forget the complicated cocktails—this one is simple, decadent, and delivers a huge punch of holiday cheer.
Authored by Jason Griffith
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of holiday baking, but sometimes you need a quick, impressive treat that doesn’t involve flour dust and hours in the kitchen. This Gingerbread Cookie Shot is my answer. It takes the familiar, cozy flavor of a gingerbread man and transforms it into a smooth, creamy, adults-only indulgence.
- Ultimate Holiday Vibe: From the crushed cookie rim to the miniature gingerbread man garnish, this shot is pure Christmas aesthetic.
- Insanely Simple: With only four liquid ingredients, you can batch this quickly for a party or shake up a single serving in minutes.
- The Perfect Dessert Drink: It’s sweet, spiced, and rich enough to serve as a liquid dessert, saving you time and oven space.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: I have yet to serve these at a party where they didn’t disappear instantly. It’s a true conversation starter!
I often serve this alongside simple, savory appetizers like my Baked Brie Appetizer to keep things balanced while everyone is mingling.
🍪 Gingerbread Cookie Shot Ingredients
This recipe is designed for a single shot, but you can easily scale it up for a large batch to serve at a party!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Vanilla Vodka | 1 oz | High-quality vodka is best for a smooth finish. |
| Irish Cream Liqueur | 1 oz | Classic Irish cream adds creaminess and depth. |
| Gingerbread Syrup | 1 oz | You can find this near the coffee syrups section. Essential for that strong gingerbread flavor. |
| Heavy Cream | Splash (about 1/2 oz) | Just enough to enhance the richness and body. |
| Crushed Gingerbread Cookies | 2-3 cookies | For the festive rim. Crush them finely! |
| Mini Gingerbread Cookie | 1 per shot | For garnish—this is mandatory for the “cookie shot” aesthetic. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Spice Level: If you want a deeper spice, add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the shaker before you mix.
- Gingerbread Syrup Substitute: If you can’t find the syrup, you can use plain simple syrup and add 1/4 teaspoon of gingerbread spice blend or equal parts ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Make it Non-Alcoholic: For a family-friendly version, swap the vanilla vodka and Irish cream for vanilla milk or creamer and a little extra heavy cream. The gingerbread syrup will still carry the flavor!
- Rim Prep: To help the crushed cookies stick to the rim, lightly dip the glass rim in a thin layer of simple syrup or plain honey before dipping it into the crumbs.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
This couldn’t be easier. Just a few steps stand between you and a glass of liquid Christmas joy!
Step 1: Prep the Glass
Place the crushed gingerbread cookies on a small, flat plate. Moisten the rim of your shot glass (or small festive glass) by gently rubbing it with a lemon wedge or dipping it in a tiny bit of water or simple syrup. Immediately turn the glass upside down and press the rim into the crushed cookies until it’s evenly coated.
Step 2: Combine the Liquids
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the 1 oz of vanilla vodka, 1 oz of Irish cream liqueur, 1 oz of gingerbread syrup, and a generous splash of heavy cream.
Step 3: Shake
Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want the mixture to be well-chilled and slightly frothy, which indicates a good emulsification of the cream.
Step 4: Strain and Garnish
Strain the mixture into your prepared, cookie-rimmed glass. Place one mini gingerbread cookie on the rim or floating gently on top as the final, perfect flourish.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve immediately and watch your guests’ eyes light up.
✨ Tips for Success
- Chill Your Ingredients: The colder the liquids are before you shake, the creamier and more delicious the final shot will be. Keep the vodka and Irish cream in the fridge or freezer.
- Use a Fresh Cookie Rim: Prep the rims right before serving. If you do it too far in advance, the sugar and cookies can start to dissolve or harden.
- For a Crowd (Batching): To make a pitcher for a party, simply multiply the measurements by the number of servings. Mix the liquids in a large pitcher (without ice). Store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, stir the mixture well and pour over ice, or use the shaker method in smaller batches.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This shot is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other holiday flavors and treats.
- Chocolate: Nothing goes with gingerbread like rich chocolate. Serve this alongside a platter of easy no-bake treats, or maybe some Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups.
- Dessert Bars: This shot is rich, so a slice of something less creamy makes a great counterpoint. Try these delicious, make-ahead Pecan Pie Bars.
- Drinks: If you need a contrasting cocktail, a vibrant and tart Classic Margarita or a Sparkling Cranberry Juiceoffers a nice palate cleanse.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on standard ingredients and does not account for specific brands or variations.
| Component | Estimate |
| Calories | 180−200 |
| Carbohydrates | 15−20 g |
| Sugar | 12−16 g |
| Alcohol Content | Approx. 1.5 standard drinks |
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🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
Because this is a dairy-based drink, it’s best consumed immediately.
- Leftover Mixture (Pre-Mixed): If you made a large batch and have leftovers, store the liquid mixture (without the cookie rim) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving.
- Cookie Rims: You cannot store a glass with a prepared rim. The moisture from the refrigerator will cause the cookie crumbs to get soggy. Only rim the glasses right before serving.
🥳 More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this festive sipper, you’ll definitely want to check out these other crowd-pleasing recipes for your next get-together:
- For a refreshing non-alcoholic option: This Blueberry Lemonade is my favorite refreshing drink for sunny days
- If you need an effortless appetizer: This baked brie appetizer is my favorite effortless way to impress guests
- For the holiday dessert table: These pecan pie bars are my favorite make-ahead holiday dessert
Final Thoughts
The Gingerbread Cookie Shot isn’t just a drink; it’s a little bit of holiday magic in a glass. It captures the cozy, comforting spirit of Christmas in a smooth, sweet, and perfectly spiced shot. I hope this becomes your new favorite tradition!
If you try this recipe, please let me know what you thought! Did you get the perfect cookie rim? Tag me on social media or leave a comment below.
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