Christmas Martini Recipe

This is a memorable holiday cocktail that your guests will enjoy! There’s nothing thing better than this Christmas Martini: sweet, tart, delightful, and beautifully festive! 

When the Christmas season is upon us, this is your cocktail to make. Just imagine, sitting by a roaring fire, sipping a Christmas martini. It’s the perfect holiday cocktail.

Also, check out my favorite gingerbread martini, classic peppermint martini, Christmas cocktails, and the best vodka cocktails! 

This is the perfect cocktail for a festive Christmas brunch or holiday party. It’s easy to make and you can shake them up ahead of time too. It would pair perfectly with a Christmas dessert table or if you’re just relaxing and watching a Christmas movie.

Christmas Martini: Everything You Need To Know

Ingredients

• Vodka – Vodka is a mild spirit that goes well with mixers. We use good quality, regular vodka when making this martini. If you want a hint of vanilla, use vanilla vodka.

• Cranberry Juice – Sweetened Cranberry juice like Ocean Spray.

• Orange Liqueur – Orange liqueur is a sweetened distilled spirit that is flavored with oranges. You can use Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier.

• Tangerine Juice – This juice is less sour, as well as sweeter and stronger, than orange juice. However, you can use orange juice as well.

• Cinnamon Stick – Cinnamon is a spice that brings all the holiday flavor. We use a cinnamon stick in the cocktail when it’s shaken to give it spice.

How to Make This Christmas Martini Recipe

Making a martini is easy! You’ll need a cocktail shaker, cocktail jigger, and a martini glass. 

Shake – In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients (including the cinnamon stick) and shake with ice for 30 seconds, then strain. 

Strain – Strain the cocktail into a martini glass, with or without ice. 

Garnish – Add a festive garnish over the top! This drink works well with sugared berries, orange zest, a mini candy cane, or a cinnamon stick.

Tips for Making this Christmas Martini Recipe

• Make sure to shake for at least 30 seconds to blend the flavors and allow the cinnamon to infuse the drink. 

• Garnish with sugared berries and orange zest for the best flavor. 

• The ice in this martini recipe is optional. Most martini recipes do not have ice, however, we really loved how the ice looks in this and it chilled it nicely making it very refreshing. 

• Double the recipe and shake two cocktails at once.

• If you like a sweeter cocktail, add a dash of simple syrup. Better yet, try our cranberry simple syrup

• You can also use gin instead of vodka to make this drink.

A Christmas Martini Mocktail

Turn this drink into a mocktail by replacing the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit like Amass or Ritual Zero Proof. It’s always a good idea to have a non-alcoholic spirit on hand for any guests who don’t want alcohol in their drink.

Cocktail Garnishes

A beautiful presentation is the key to making a holiday martini. Here are some ideas for making festive drinks:

• Sprig of Rosemary

• Fresh Orange Wedge

• Dried Orange Slice

• Sugared Cranberries

• Mini Candy Canes

• Orange Zest

What to Serve with a Delicious Christmas Drink

It’s all about holiday festivities and this martini is great served with these recipes:

Christmas Cookies

Holiday Cheese Platter

Christmas Appetizers

Crudité Wreath