Mistletoe Martini

The Mistletoe Martini is a festive and elegant cocktail that perfectly captures the joy of the holiday season. It combines smooth vodka with the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur and the tart, fruity taste of cranberry juice for a balanced and refreshing flavor. The mix of sweet and tangy notes makes it a delightful choice for Christmas parties or cozy nights with friends. Garnished with fresh cranberries and mint leaves, it looks as festive as it tastes. Simple to make and full of seasonal charm, the Mistletoe Martini is sure to add a touch of sparkle to any holiday celebration.

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Tasting Notes

The Mistletoe Martini is light, floral, and festive with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Vodka provides a crisp, smooth foundation, while elderflower liqueur adds a soft floral note that complements the bright cranberry flavor. The cranberry juice gives the drink its signature blush color and a refreshing tang, while the simple syrup smooths everything out with gentle sweetness. Garnished with fresh cranberries and mint, this martini looks as cheerful as it tastes. Each sip feels bright and refreshing an elegant cocktail that captures the holiday spirit without being overly sweet or heavy.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Mistletoe Martini, you’ll need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly. A jigger ensures precise measurement for a balanced flavor profile, and a strainer allows a smooth pour into the glass. A chilled martini glass is ideal it keeps the drink cold while highlighting the cocktail’s rich color. Use a small bar spoon or cocktail pick to add the cranberries for garnish. A paring knife and cutting board come in handy if you want to trim the mint leaves neatly for presentation. Keep all tools and ingredients cold for the best result.

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces vodka
• ½ ounce elderflower liqueur
• 1½ ounces cranberry juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Begin by filling a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Measure and add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
• Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.
• Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and float mint leaves on the surface for a festive touch.

Pro Tips

• Chill your martini glass before serving for a smooth, cold finish.
• Use high-quality vodka for a cleaner, more balanced flavor.
• Fresh cranberry juice gives a sharper, brighter taste than bottled blends.
• Adjust simple syrup to your sweetness preference.
• For a sparkling variation, top with a splash of Prosecco or club soda.
• Gently slap the mint leaves before garnishing to release their aroma.
• Use sugared cranberries for a frosted, decorative look.
• Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and presentation.

When to Serve

The Mistletoe Martini is perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas dinners, or winter cocktail parties. Its bright red color and aromatic garnishes make it an ideal festive centerpiece. Serve it as a welcome drink to set a cheerful tone or as a pre-dinner cocktail paired with appetizers like cheese boards or light canapés. It’s also great for romantic evenings or cozy nights by the fire. Refreshing yet sophisticated, this martini captures the balance of holiday joy and seasonal elegance in one stylish glass.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Vodka: Grey Goose, Tito’s, or Ketel One for smooth, clean character.
• Elderflower Liqueur: St-Germain or Chase Elderflower for delicate floral notes.
• Cranberry Juice: Ocean Spray or Lakewood Organic for vibrant color and tartness.
• Simple Syrup: Homemade (equal parts sugar and water) for best freshness.
• Garnishes: Use fresh cranberries and mint leaves for aroma and presentation.

Similar Cocktails

• White Peach Vodka Fizz
• Honeydew Mint Vodka Splash
• Cranberry Vodka Sour
• Jingle Juice Cocktail
• Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail