There’s something fun about mixing a Mistletoe Mintini during the holidays. The color looks cheerful in the glass, and the minty aroma hits you before the first sip. I remember making this drink on a quiet December evening while finishing some gift wrapping, and it added a small spark to the moment. This seasonal sipper feels gentle yet spirited, making it a nice change from the usual Christmas treats. It’s smooth, creamy, and simple to mix even on busy nights.
What I enjoy most about this holiday cocktail is how the flavors balance. The Irish cream softens the texture, the green crème de menthe adds fresh mint, and the white crème de cacao adds a light sweetness that stays gentle. Together, these flavors make a drink that fits winter nights without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of cocktail you can serve at a relaxed gathering or enjoy by yourself while watching holiday lights.
If you’ve been looking for a mint-based holiday drink that looks festive without being complicated, the Mistletoe Mintini might be perfect for you. It works for Christmas mint cocktails, cozy evenings indoors, or any time you want something pretty, cool, and easy to mix. I love it because it feels special but doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, so you can enjoy it whenever the mood hits.
Why You’ll Love This
A Mistletoe Mintini fits so many winter moments. It’s pretty, smooth, and refreshing with a minty twist that feels right for the season.
- The Irish cream creates a soft texture
- The green crème de menthe brings fresh holiday mint
- The color makes it one of the most festive green cocktails for winter
- It works well for Christmas party cocktails
- The flavor fits holiday vodka cocktails, even though it uses other spirits
- It feels like a simple choice when you want easy Christmas cocktail ideas
The Mistletoe Mintini is the kind of drink that keeps guests smiling from the first sip.
Ingredients
The ingredients for a Mistletoe Mintini stay simple and easy to find. This makes it a great choice when you want something smooth without too much work. Each part of the recipe has a clear purpose.
You’ll need
- 1.5 oz Irish cream
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 0.5 oz white crème de cacao
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Cinnamon powder for garnish, optional
The Irish cream adds a creamy base, making the drink feel comforting. Green crème de menthe adds the bright mint flavor that makes this mix stand out in winter mint cocktails. White crème de cacao adds sweetness and a slight chocolate tone. The mint sprig helps the aroma feel clean, and the cinnamon gives a soft finish if you want a little warmth.
Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions
You can mix a Mistletoe Mintini with several brands and still keep the flavors balanced. A few small swaps can help match the drink to your taste or what you already have at home.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream makes the drink smooth and steady
- Carolans offers a lighter texture if you prefer a softer finish
- DeKuyper crème de menthe gives a bright green color for festive green cocktails
- Marie Brizard white crème de cacao creates a delicate chocolate tone
- You can replace white crème de cacao with dark crème de cacao, but the color will shift
- Skip the cinnamon if you want a cleaner mint vodka martini-style flavor
These simple choices help keep the Mistletoe Mintini flexible for holiday gatherings.
Equipment and Glassware
A Mistletoe Mintini doesn’t need much equipment. A shaker, ice, and a chilled coupe glass help the drink feel smooth from start to finish. The chilled glass keeps the creamy base cold and steady.
Helpful at-home tips
- Always shake long enough for a frosty finish
- Chill the glass for a few minutes for a cleaner look
- Small steps help the drink feel polished.
How to Make It
A Mistletoe Mintini mixes quickly and tastes best when served right away. The ingredients blend smoothly, so the method stays simple.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Irish cream, green crème de menthe, and white crème de cacao.
- Shake until the mixture feels very cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm aroma.
You can adjust the garnish or sweetness to match your taste.
Pro Tips
A few small adjustments help your Mistletoe Mintini shine even more. These ideas make the flavor cleaner and the presentation nicer.
- Shake longer for a frothier top
- Use fresh mint for a brighter scent
- Add a tiny amount of extra crème de menthe for stronger mint
- Keep your ingredients cold before shaking
- Skip the cinnamon if you want a cleaner mint holiday drink
- Add a small chocolate shaving for a richer dessert feel
- Use clear ice for a smoother texture
Try different details until you find the style you enjoy most.
Variations
A Mistletoe Mintini can take on a few twists without losing its holiday charm. These options shift the flavor while keeping the same basic feel.
- Add peppermint extract for a peppermint martini-style version
- Use coconut cream for a creamy mint cocktail with a richer base
- Add vanilla syrup for a softer, sweeter finish
- Swap Irish cream for almond liqueur to make it lighter
- Add a splash of vodka to give it a seasonal vodka drink touch
Each variation keeps the drink fun and festive.
When to Serve and Pairings
The Mistletoe Mintini works well for several holiday settings. Its creamy mint flavor balances well with desserts and small snacks.
Try pairing it with
- Chocolate truffles
- Sugar cookies
- Peppermint bark
- Cheesecake squares
- Light fruit tarts
It also works nicely with green holiday cocktails when hosting a themed night.
Storage and Serving Notes
The Mistletoe Mintini should be served fresh for the best texture. You can mix the ingredients ahead of time, but don’t shake them until you’re ready to pour. Store the combined liquids in a covered container in the fridge for up to one day. Shake with ice right before serving to keep the drink frosty.
FAQs
Many people have questions when trying a creamy holiday cocktail like the Mistletoe Mintini. These answers help you mix it with confidence.
Can I make it stronger?
Yes. Add a small amount of vodka to increase the strength without changing the flavor too much.
Can I make it sweeter?
Add a little more white crème de cacao or a touch of simple syrup.
Can I use dark crème de cacao?
You can, but it will change the color. The flavor stays pleasant and slightly richer.
Does it work without cinnamon?
Yes. The drink tastes great without it and stays clean and minty.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes. Mix everything except the ice and keep the blend cold. Shake each serving right before pouring.
More Cocktails to Try
If you like the Mistletoe Mintini, you might enjoy other mint and holiday drinks that feel cheerful and simple to mix.
- Classic Grasshoppe for a creamy mint option
- Snowjito for a cool mint drink with coconut and rum
- Peppermint Martini for a bright mint twist with a sharper edge
- Vanilla Pear and Ginger Fizz for a light winter treat
- Cranberry Jalapeno Margarita for a tart sip with a tiny kick

Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Irish cream
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 0.5 oz white crème de cacao
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Cinnamon powder for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the Irish cream, green crème de menthe, and white crème de cacao.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and frosty.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and sprinkled with cinnamon powder (optional) for a festive, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the Mistletoe Mintini—a creamy, minty delight perfect for holiday celebrations!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For an extra frosty presentation, chill the coupe glass in the freezer before serving.
- Lightly smack the mint sprig garnish before adding it to release its aroma.
- Adjust the amount of green crème de menthe based on your preference for mintiness and color intensity.



