Creating festive drinks is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. Nothing says “Christmas cheer” like a delightful Christmas Cherry Martini 🍸. This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in. With a mix of cherry flavors and a splash of citrus, it feels like Christmas in a glass.
Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! I like to add fresh cherries or a twist of lime. 🎄✨This martini is not only delicious but also stunning, making it a surefire way to impress your guests. Drop a comment to let me know how yours turns out!
Christmas Cherry Martini Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- First, grab a cocktail shaker to mix everything up. A shaker with a built-in strainer is helpful, but not required.
- You’ll also want a jigger for measuring the liquids precisely.
- A fine mesh strainer ensures no ice pieces end up in your drink.
- Don’t forget a martini glass to complete the classy look. Make sure your glass is chilled by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious cocktail:
- 2 oz cherry vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup you can make this by boiling equal parts sugar and water
- 1/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1-2 maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice cubes
These ingredients create a sweet and tangy drink. If you want to switch things up, try using flavored vodka for a different twist. But the cherry flavor is my go-to for that holiday feel. 🍒
Instructions
Here’s how I make a Christmas Cherry Martini:
- Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker.
- Pour in cherry vodka, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lime juice using a jigger.
- Shake well for about 15-20 seconds. This ensures your drink is cold and blended smoothly.
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass to get a clean look.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick for a cute touch.
Enjoy your festive drink! 🎉 Serve right away, and watch the smiles appear.
Notes
For a fresh twist, use natural cherry juice instead of flavored vodka.
Make the drink alcohol-free by replacing vodka with a cherry soda or juice!
Feel free to comment on how your cocktail turned out or share any changes you made. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This Christmas Cherry Martini is such a treat! 🍒 The first sip is a blend of sweet and tart flavors. I can taste the rich cherries mixed with a hint of vodka.
The drink has a smooth finish that pairs nicely with cool, crisp notes. It’s like enjoying a festive holiday dessert in a glass.
- Aroma: The smell of juicy cherries fills the air. Delightful!
- Texture: It’s both silky and refreshing. Perfect for sipping.
- Color: A stunning, deep red that adds a festive touch to any gathering.
I love how this martini adds a sparkle to the party. It’s perfect for gathering with friends and spreading holiday cheer. 🎉
True to its name, this cocktail screams Christmas. ❄️ It’s a joy to sip on while sitting by the fireplace or at a holiday dinner.
Pro Tip: A cherry on top not only looks good but tastes great too! 🍒
What do you think of this cocktail? Share your thoughts or any tweaks you might make in the comments below! 💬
Substitute
I know how hard it can be to find all the ingredients sometimes. No worries; I’ve got some easy substitutes for you! 😊
Cherry Liqueur:
If you can’t find cherry liqueur, try using a bit of grenadine syrup for a similar taste. It will still give you that sweet cherry flavor.
Vodka:
No vodka? White rum works great instead. It adds a nice kick without changing the drink too much. 🍹
Vermouth:
Dry vermouth can be replaced with a little bit of apple cider vinegar mixed with water. It’s a handy swap that adds a similar depth.
Fresh Cherries:
If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries are a fab replacement. They’re just as good, and nobody will notice the difference.
Lemon Twist:
A lime twist can easily stand in for a lemon twist. It adds some citrusy freshness and looks pretty, too! 🍋
Share with Me!
I’d love to hear about your creative swaps! Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about your favorite twists on my Christmas Cherry Martini. Cheers! 🍸
Don’t hesitate to mix and match these swaps. Making it your own is the best part!

Tips & Tricks
Creating a delicious Christmas Cherry Martini can be so much fun! Let me share a few tips to make your cocktail perfect. 🍸
- Chill your glass: I always pop my martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries can really enhance the flavor. Give it a try if you can find them! 🍒
Mixing your cocktail well is key.
- Shake, shake, shake! I recommend using a cocktail shaker with ice for the best flavor. It blends everything together beautifully.
- Add a sprig of mint for an extra pop of color and flavor. It’s so festive!
Garnishing is another way to impress.
- Rim the glass: I like to use a bit of sugar on the rim for a sweet touch. 😋 It’s both pretty and tasty!
- Fancy a sweeter drink? Add a splash of cherry juice.
Experiment! Sometimes, adding a little twist, like a dash of vanilla, can make your drink stand out.
I hope you enjoy making your Christmas Cherry Martini as much as I do. Share your creations in the comments! 🎉