10 Classic Christmas Martini Recipes

Are you planning to host an unforgettable Christmas party? You’ll prepare many things like food, invitations, and decor. But don’t worry about the drinks, as you have the best and most classic Christmas martinis for you to try here. 

Why would you need these martinis? Firstly, an adult party night is not complete without a round of alcohol. Secondly, your choice of drinks should also be unique and on point with the occasion. 

Inventing Christmas-y beverages can be challenging. Thus, I’m making this post so you don’t have to. Choose your favorite drink and get the martini glass ready!

1. Cherry Christmas Martini

Poinsettias, Christmas hats, and Santa Claus’s costumes are just a few of the many red things during Christmas. This bright shade is a favorite for the holidays. Thus, a cherry red drink is perfect for the occasion. 

This cherry Christmas martini from Maine Spirits features bright, fruity flavors and a deep red palette. Fresh in a martini glass topped with cherries and mint leaves, it’s nothing short of elegant and perfect. 

To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, elderflower liqueur, and cherry juice. Combine everything in a cocktail shaker, pour into a prepared martini glass, and then enjoy!

2. White Christmas Martini

Red is a favorite during this holiday season. However, others prefer a more simple yet luxurious shade: white. A white Christmas celebration is minimalist yet classy, lowkey yet elegant. 

Match your theme with this white Christmas martini and its elevated milkshake flavors. It comes in a pure white color and has a sparkling rim. It feels like Christmas heaven with a glass of this in your hand. 

You’ll need vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, white creme de cacao, half-and-half, honey, and coarse sanding sugar to make this drink. All these come together to create a creamy and clean flavor profile.

3. Christmas Cookie Martini

Christmas cookies are a fond holiday treat. Bring your childhood flavors to adulthood by making this Christmas cookie martini. It tastes as sweet and unique as your beloved sugary delight. 

To make this cocktail drink, you’ll need cake drip (or vanilla frosting), holiday sprinkles, Baileys Irish Cream, half-and-half, vanilla vodka, and amaretto (almond liqueur). For a dairy-free option, swap the half-and-half for coconut and dairy-free milk. 

Prepare the glass by rimming it with cake drip and sprinkles. Combine the rest in a cocktail shaker and add ice. Shake the cocktail shaker, strain it into the glass, then enjoy!

4. Mistletoe Martini

Many couples and brave souls will have someone to kiss under the mistletoe. If you’re neither of those, that’s alright. Instead of finding love under a holiday ornament, you can make a drink. 

This mistletoe martini derives its sweet and sour flavors from vodka, cherry brandy, lime juice, and simple syrup. You can use your favorite vodka, but the author recommends Grey Goose. For garnishes, you’ll need a rosemary sprig and a spear of raspberries for each glass. 

To prepare, use ice to fill your cocktail shaker halfway. Then, add the ingredients, shake, strain, and serve this cool and clear drink.

5. Gingersnap Martini

The smell of gingersnap often brings back feelings of holiday cheer. Sweet, spicy, and homey, it’s a treat that warms the heart, leaving a good and fuzzy feeling. Now that you’re older, you can bring that feeling back another way.

These gingersnap martinis take the essence of the cookies and distill it into a drink. The recipe uses ginger ale, spiced rum, cream liqueur, half-and-half, and cloves to do so. 

You can line the rims of glasses with honey and gingersnap crumbs for texture and flavor. Sprinkle ground cloves on top, and you’ve made yourself a homey yet classy cocktail.

6. Christmas Cranberry Martini 

You’ll find the perfect balance of tart and sweet in every glass of this Christmas cranberry martini. The flavors are on point and reminiscent of a Cosmo, as is the color of this drink. Indeed, it’s one of the best holiday cocktails. 

You’ll need vodka, 100% cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple or maple syrup to make this drink. Cointreau is an orange liqueur, so swap it for similar brands if you don’t have any. 

Garnish every serving with a few cranberries and a rosemary sprig. A round of this martini surely brightens up the holiday party.

7. Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini

The red and green colors of poinsettias have made them a traditional ornament for the holiday season. Inspired by the occasion’s favorite plant, we have this poinsettia pomegranate martini. 

Contrary to the name, this martini has no actual poinsettia. Instead, this drink is the perfect blend of pomegranate and lime. The reddish pink and green color palette is reminiscent of the flower. 

The ingredients list includes gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. The pomegranate juice gives the primary flavors and reddish color of the drink. Add a lime wedge on top for a splash of green and acidity.

8. Peppermint Martini

Peppermint candy canes are among the most iconic sweet treats for the season. Their simple and sweet flavors, along with eye-catching red and white stripes, endears them to many. This martini may not have that classic color palette, but it surely has minty candy cane flavors. 

Peppermint martini features creamy, sweet, and minty flavors. You’ll need peppermint schnapps, vodka, creme de cacao, and heavy cream to achieve that. You can substitute white Creme de Menthe for peppermint schnapps. 

Before anything, prepare the martini glass first. You can use grenadine and crushed peppermint candy canes to line the rim. 

9. Eggnog Martini

Eggnog is a classic drink every Christmas. Its creamy and comforting flavors make it a perfect treat for the cold season. You can elevate your favorite eggnog drink with a kick of alcohol. 

Only three ingredients are essential for this martini: eggnog, vanilla vodka, and amaretto liqueur. Substitute vanilla vodka for caramel, cinnamon, or plain vodka. You can use ground nutmeg for garnish and then serve in a chilled martini glass. 

Traditionally, eggnog consists of raw eggs, milk, sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Hence, you can expect a sweet, creamy, and spicy flavor profile with hints of almond and vanilla. 

10. Candy Cane Chocolate Martini

Satisfy for Christmas and sweet tooth cravings in one drink. This candy cane chocolate martini combines our favorite flavors and textures. 

To make this creamy and sweet drink, you’ll need light cream, chocolate syrup, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, vanilla vodka, creme de menthe, candy canes, and ice cubes. For garnish instructions, drizzle syrup on the glass before filling. 

For the best look, use a rimmed martini glass. Prepare that by using a shallow plate and filling it with chocolate syrup. Get another dish and fill it with crushed candy canes. Dip the martini glass in syrup, then the candies.

10 Classic Christmas Martini Recipes

10 Classic Christmas Martini Recipes

Recipe by Brenda

Serve boozy and delicious holiday cheer in a glass with these Christmas martinis!

Ingredients

  • Cherry Christmas Martini

  • White Christmas Martini

  • Christmas Cookie Martini

  • Mistletoe Martini

  • Gingersnap Martini

  • Christmas Cranberry Martini 

  • Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini

  • Peppermint Martini

  • Eggnog Martini

  • Candy Cane Chocolate Martini

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a Christmas martini in 30 minutes or less!
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