Christmas Martini

A Christmas Martini brings instant holiday spirit to the table. The bright color fits winter celebrations, and the rosemary gives a calm scent that feels right for December nights. I made my first Christmas martini recipe during a simple family dinner when I wanted something quick but still pretty enough for the holiday table.

The mix of cranberry, vodka, and citrus creates a bright and refreshing holiday martini that tastes clean without feeling heavy. Even people who do not usually order martinis enjoy this one because the flavor stays smooth and balanced.

I love this festive martini because it takes only a few minutes to shake and pour. On busy days, that matters. It works for Christmas parties, quiet evenings at home, and winter gatherings when you want something fresh and seasonal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This

A Christmas Martini has the brightness of cranberry, the smooth base of vodka, and a citrus edge that makes each sip feel lively. It fits almost any holiday plan, from casual nights to small gatherings.

Some reasons people love it

• Quick to shake and pour
• Uses easy ingredients you can find anywhere
• Refreshing tart flavor that fits winter
• Clean look with cranberries and rosemary
• Easy to adjust for sweeter or brighter versions
• Great for holiday parties or simple evenings at home

Once you try it, it becomes a steady favorite in your winter cocktail lineup.

Ingredients

This Christmas Martini balances tart fruit, citrus, and a smooth vodka base. Each part matters, and together they create a holiday cocktail that feels crisp and seasonal.

• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce cranberry juice unsweetened
• 0.5 ounce Cointreau
• 0.5 ounce lemon juice
• 0.5 ounce simple syrup
• cranberries for garnish
• rosemary sprig for garnish

Vodka keeps the drink crisp. Unsweetened cranberry gives the color and tart flavor. Cointreau adds a gentle orange note. Lemon juice brightens the mix. Simple syrup softens the edges. The garnish brings the visual “holiday” moment.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Smooth spirits help the Christmas Martini taste clean. You do not need top shelf, but quality helps the cranberry and citrus shine.

• Tito’s Vodka, clean and easy to mix
• Ketel One, softer finish for a smoother sip
• Absolut, balanced, and reliable
• Cointreau, best orange liqueur for martinis
• Triple sec, good budget option
• Lime juice, swap for lemon if you want sharper citrus

If you only have a cranberry cocktail, lower the simple syrup so it does not turn too sweet.

Equipment and Glassware

Most home bars have everything needed for this holiday cocktail.

Helpful items

• Cocktail Shaker
• Strainer
• Martini Glass
• Jigger

A chilled martini glass shows off the cranberry color and keeps the drink crisp.

How to Make It

A Christmas Martini mixes quickly, which makes it great for nights when you do not want extra steps.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake until the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.

If you want a sweeter drink, add a little more simple syrup. For a brighter sip, add a touch more lemon juice.

Pro Tips

Simple habits can lift the flavor and look of this Christmas Martini.

• Chill the martini glass before pouring
• Use clear ice for a colder shake
• Shake longer for a smoother blend
• Taste before garnishing and adjust the sweetness
• Use fresh lemon juice for a cleaner flavor
• Choose a sturdy rosemary sprig so it stands tall
• Add a light orange twist for extra aroma

Once you get comfortable, you can shift the balance to fit your taste.

Variations

This recipe is easy to adjust so that you can make a few fun twists.

• Sparkling Christmas Martini, add a splash of prosecco
• White Christmas Martini, use white cranberry juice
• Spiced rim, coat the rim with cinnamon sugar
• Herbal version, muddle a small rosemary piece in the shaker
• Zero proof, use non alcoholic vodka and orange syrup

Each variation keeps the holiday feel.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Christmas Martini is perfect for holiday dinners, game nights, small gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. It works before dinner or as a slow sip later in the night.

Pair it with

• brie and cranberry bites
• sugar cookies
• roasted nuts
• lemon tarts
• charcuterie boards

It also pairs well with other holiday cocktails featured on the site.

Storage and Serving Notes

This winter cocktail tastes best when shaken fresh. Once ice melts, the martini loses its structure. You can mix the base ingredients in advance and keep them cold. Shake each serving with ice right before pouring.

If you are making multiple glasses, batch the base in a pitcher and shake per serving for texture.

FAQs

Can I use cranberry cocktail instead of unsweetened cranberry juice?
Yes, just reduce the simple syrup so the drink stays balanced.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, it gives a sharper citrus edge.

How strong is this martini?
It is smoother than a classic martini but still has a steady kick.

Can I make it sweeter?
Add a splash of simple syrup or use a cranberry cocktail.

Do I need Cointreau?
It adds a bright orange note, but triple sec works just as well.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked this Christmas Martini, these holiday drinks share the same fresh, festive style.

• Frosty Lemonade
• White Clausmopolitan
• Red Hot Santa Tini
• Snow Miser Cocktail
• Peppermint Bark Martini