Paul Kushner
The Christmas Martini is a festive and elegant cocktail that captures the joyful spirit of the holidays in every sip. It blends tart cranberry juice, smooth vodka, and bright Cointreau to create a balanced mix of sweet and citrusy flavors. A splash of simple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness, while a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary gives it a classic holiday look. This cocktail is ideal for Christmas parties, winter dinners, or cozy nights by the fire. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, it’s a stylish way to toast the season with friends and family.
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Tasting Notes
The Christmas Martini is crisp, bright, and perfectly balanced with a mix of tart cranberry, smooth vodka, and citrusy sweetness. The Cointreau adds a subtle orange note that ties everything together, while the lemon juice gives the drink a lively kick. It’s refreshing without being too sharp, and the simple syrup softens the acidity just enough. Fresh cranberries and rosemary add a holiday aroma and make the drink look like something straight from a winter celebration. Each sip feels clean and festive ideal for toasting the season with friends or family.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a few bar basics to make this Christmas Martini shine. A cocktail shaker is essential for chilling and blending the ingredients evenly. Use a jigger for accurate measuring and a fine mesh strainer to achieve a smooth pour with no ice shards. Serve the drink in a chilled martini glass to maintain its crisp temperature and classic look. For garnish, have cocktail picks or small skewers ready for the cranberries and rosemary sprig. If you’re making several at once, chill your glasses in advance for an extra frosty touch.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cranberry juice unsweetened
- 0.5 ounce Cointreau
- 0.5 ounce lemon juice
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup
- cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake the shaker vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive presentation. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring.
- Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a cleaner, less sugary taste.
- Adjust the simple syrup slightly to match your preferred sweetness.
- Try a splash of sparkling wine on top for a bubbly twist.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries for extra sparkle.
When to Serve
The Christmas Martini is ideal for any holiday gathering cocktail parties, Christmas Eve dinners, or even as a welcome drink before a festive meal. Its bright color and aromatic garnish make it a standout on the table. It’s also perfect for New Year’s celebrations or winter brunches when you want something refreshing but still seasonal. The light, citrusy flavor keeps it easy to sip, and the presentation fits beautifully with twinkling lights and cheerful company. It’s a simple way to bring holiday cheer to any occasion.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Grey Goose Vodka: Clean and smooth, great for crisp martinis.
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Balanced flavor with a soft finish.
- Absolut Vodka: Affordable and versatile for holiday cocktails.
- Cointreau: The classic orange liqueur for perfect citrus balance.
- Triple Sec (as an alternative): Works well if you prefer a milder orange note.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cranberry juice unsweetened
- 0.5 ounce Cointreau
- 0.5 ounce lemon juice
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup
- cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake the shaker vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a burst of extra flavor, lightly muddle the rosemary in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
- Use a sugar-coated rosemary sprig for added sparkle and sweetness.
