Easy Christmas Martini

Holiday drinks at our house meant hot cocoa or apple cider – my mom wasn’t exactly known for her cocktail-making skills. When someone brought a fancy Christmas martini to a party last year, I couldn’t believe how simple it actually was to make.

It turns out that creating a festive martini doesn’t require bartending school or complicated techniques. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can make a drink that’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the tree. And unlike my first attempts at making cocktails (which were pretty terrible), this recipe is really hard to mess up.

christmas martini

 

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Martini

  • Quick preparation – This festive cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes – perfect when you need a holiday drink without the fuss.
  • Simple ingredients – With just 5 basic ingredients plus garnishes, you can easily keep these items stocked for impromptu holiday gatherings.
  • Beautiful presentation – The red cranberries and green rosemary sprig create a naturally festive look that’s perfect for holiday parties – no fancy bartending skills needed.
  • Customizable sweetness – You can easily adjust the sweetness by using either simple syrup or maple syrup, making it just right for your taste preferences.
 

What Type of Vodka Works Best?

For a Christmas martini, you’ll want to reach for a quality vodka since it’s one of the main spirits in this cocktail.

A mid-range vodka like Tito’s, Ketel One, or Stolichnaya works perfectly here – there’s no need to splurge on top-shelf options since we’re mixing it with other flavors.

The most important thing is to choose a vodka that’s clean-tasting and smooth, avoiding anything that has a harsh or burning finish.

If you prefer, you could even use a vanilla-flavored vodka to add an extra touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with the cranberry juice.

christmas martini
 

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with this festive cocktail? Here are some handy swaps you can try:

  • Vodka: While vodka makes a clean base for this cocktail, you can use gin for a more herbal flavor, or white rum for a slightly sweeter profile.
  • Unsweetened cranberry juice: If you only have sweetened cranberry juice, that’s fine – just reduce or skip the simple syrup. You can also use pomegranate juice for a different twist.
  • Cointreau: Any orange liqueur works here – Triple Sec or Grand Marnier are good alternatives. If you want to skip the alcohol, try using orange juice with a dash of orange extract.
  • Simple syrup: Maple syrup adds a nice warmth, but honey or agave nectar work too. Just start with less and adjust to taste since they’re sweeter than simple syrup.
  • Garnish: No fresh cranberries? Try a twist of orange peel, or swap the rosemary for a sprig of thyme or mint. You could also rim the glass with sugar for extra festive flair.
 

Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: Want to get ahead for your holiday party? You can mix the cocktail ingredients (except garnishes) in a large batch up to 24 hours before serving. Just multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need and keep the mixture chilled in a sealed container in the fridge.

Serve: When party time rolls around, give your pre-mixed cocktail a good shake with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into chilled martini glasses. Add your fresh garnishes just before serving – this keeps the rosemary sprigs perky and the cranberries looking their best!

Quick Tip: If you have any leftover cranberry juice mixture, keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, so try to make only what you’ll serve that day for the most festive flavors.

christmas martini
 

Christmas Martini FAQ

Why is my martini cloudy instead of clear?

The cloudiness in your martini is likely from shaking it too vigorously or not straining it properly. I recommend using a double-straining method – first through your cocktail strainer, then through a fine-mesh strainer – to achieve that crystal-clear appearance. This extra step removes any tiny ice shards that can make your drink look cloudy.

Do I need to use a cocktail shaker for this recipe?

Yes, a cocktail shaker is necessary for this Christmas martini. The shaking process doesn’t just mix the ingredients – it also properly chills the drink and creates the right amount of dilution from the ice. If you don’t have a proper cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute.

How long should I shake the martini?

I shake my Christmas martini for about 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels very cold. This timing ensures all ingredients are well combined and properly chilled. Shaking for too long can over-dilute your drink, while not shaking enough might leave you with a warm martini that’s not well mixed.

 
Preparation Time5-10 minutes
Cooking Time0 minutes
Total Time5-10 minutes
Level of DifficultyEasy
 

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 150-200
  • Protein: 0-1 g
  • Fat: 0-1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vodka (1 ounce)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cranberry juice (1 ounce)
  • 1 tablespoon cointreau (1/2 ounce)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (1/2 ounce)
  • 2 teaspoons of simple syrup or pure maple syrup
  • To garnish: cranberries and a sprig of rosemary
 

Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and syrup.

Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker.

 

Step 2: Shake the Cocktail

Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

This ensures the ingredients are well mixed and chilled to the perfect serving temperature.

 

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Using a strainer, pour the shaken cocktail into a waiting cocktail or martini glass, removing any ice shards or large chunks for a smooth sipping experience.

 

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish the drink with a few cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic and festive touch.

Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing cocktail!


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