8 Must-Try Christmas Martinis for the Holiday Season!
It’s cocktail season! If you’re looking for fun and festive tipples to serve up for your guests, you really can’t go wrong with a martini. They’re elegant, they’re sophisticated, and with a little creativity, you can whip up a showstopper of a cocktail that’s sure to be a talking point at your party.
In this collection, I’m sharing my 8 favorite Christmas martini recipes that I think you’ll love.
It’s worth noting that martinis are more typically made with gin, though vodka variations have been increasingly popular over recent years. (A fun fact: James Bond drinks both. In total, he orders 19 vodka martinis and 16 gin martinis throughout Ian Fleming’s novels and short stories). In this guide, you’ll find recipes for both! Without any further ado, let’s get started…
1. Candy Cane Martini
This festive martini captures the essence of Christmas with its minty flavor and candy cane garnish. It’s a fun and sweet way to indulge your holiday spirit—perfect for sipping while unwrapping presents!
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 2 oz white chocolate liqueur
- Crushed candy canes for rim
- Mini candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the martini glasses with crushed candy canes by wetting the rim with water and dipping it in the candy.
- In a shaker, combine vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into the prepared glasses and garnish with mini candy canes.
2. Baileys Espresso Martini
This rich and creamy martini combines the boldness of espresso with the smoothness of Baileys for a delightful pick-me-up. It’s the perfect indulgence for coffee lovers looking to add a little cheer to their holiday celebrations!
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Baileys, and espresso. Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into chilled martini glasses and garnish with coffee beans.
3. Mistletoe Martini
This elegant martini features cranberry juice and gin, giving it a festive twist that’s perfect for holiday parties. It’s a sophisticated drink that looks as beautiful as it tastes—ideal for toasting under the mistletoe!
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 oz gin
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake well.
- Strain into martini glasses and garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedges.
4. Christmas Cookie Martini
Indulge in the flavors of holiday baking with this delicious martini that tastes like a cookie in a glass. It’s a playful and sweet way to celebrate the holiday season—no baking required!
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed cookies for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and butterscotch schnapps. Shake well.
- Strain into martini glasses, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with crushed cookies.
5. Cranberry Martini
This refreshing cocktail combines gin and cranberry for a vibrant and fruity holiday drink. It’s simple yet delicious—perfect for getting into the festive spirit!
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 oz gin
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur. Shake well.
- Strain into chilled martini glasses and garnish with fresh cranberries.
6. Peppermint Mocha Martini
This decadent drink combines coffee, chocolate, and peppermint for a delightful holiday treat! It’s creamy and indulgent, and it’s a great choice if you love a dessert cocktail.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 2 oz chocolate syrup
- 2 oz peppermint schnapps
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed peppermint for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup, and peppermint schnapps. Shake well.
- Strain into martini glasses, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
7. Gingerbread Martini
This festive martini captures the cozy flavors of gingerbread cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations! It’s a deliciously spiced drink that brings the warmth of the holidays to your glass.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz cream
- Ground ginger for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, gingerbread syrup, and cream. Shake well.
- Strain into chilled martini glasses and sprinkle with ground ginger.
8. White Chocolate Cherry Martini
This indulgent cocktail combines white chocolate and cherry for a sweet and festive holiday treat.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz cherry juice
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and cherry juice. Shake well.
- Strain into martini glasses and garnish with maraschino cherries.
These 10 Best Christmas Martini Recipes are super simple to make, flavorsome, and always a hit with a crowd. Try a couple – I think you’ll love them!