White Cranberry Martini Cocktail Recipe

I love mixing up cocktails at home, and honestly, the White Cranberry Martini has become one of my go-to drinks. There’s something about the way it looks—so elegant—and the taste is just super refreshing.

It’s surprisingly easy to make, too. You get a drink that feels a little fancy, but it’s not complicated at all.

That white cranberry juice gives the martini this lighter color and a crisp flavor that I think really stands out compared to the regular kind. It’s got that balance of tart and sweet, so it works for a get-together or just a quiet night in.

I’m sharing my exact recipe here, along with the equipment and ingredients you’ll need. I’ll walk you through the steps, and I’ll throw in a few tasting notes so you know what you’re in for with that first sip.

White Cranberry Martini Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I make this drink a lot because it’s crisp and refreshing, and it doesn’t take much effort. The combo of vodka, white cranberry juice, and citrus just hits the spot, whether you’re hanging out with friends or keeping it low-key.

Equipment

You don’t need much for this—just a couple of basic bar tools. The cocktail shaker is key, since it chills and blends everything fast.

I use a jigger for measuring, mainly because I’m not great at eyeballing amounts and I like the flavor to be balanced.

• Cocktail shaker with strainer
• Jigger or a small measuring cup
• Martini glass (if you can chill it, even better)
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Small plate for rimming the glass (totally optional)
• Citrus juicer or reamer for fresh lime juice

Having everything set out before you start makes things smoother. I always chill the glass if I remember, since it makes the drink taste sharper.

Ingredients

Fresh, simple ingredients really make a difference here. White cranberry juice is lighter than the red kind, and it gives the martini a clear look and a softer flavor.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz white cranberry juice (not the cranberry juice cocktail stuff)
• 0.5 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Frozen cranberries for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedge for garnish (optional)

If you use frozen cranberries instead of ice in the glass, the drink stays cold without getting watered down. Fresh lime juice is a must—it just tastes better than the bottled kind.

Instructions

The steps are pretty simple. Shaking with ice gets the drink cold and helps blend the citrus and vodka together.

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Pour in the vodka, white cranberry juice, Cointreau (or triple sec), and lime juice.
• Pop the lid on and shake hard for about 15 seconds.
• Strain everything into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a frozen cranberry or a lime wedge, if you feel like it.

I try to shake it long enough so it’s super cold and has a bit of froth on top. Straining keeps out the ice bits, so you get a nice, smooth pour.

Notes

I’ll swap between Cointreau and triple sec, depending on what’s in my cabinet. Both add that hint of orange, which just works with the cranberry and lime.

If I’m craving something sweeter, I’ll use a splash of cranberry juice cocktail instead of straight white cranberry juice. For a drier martini, I stick to the original.

Frozen cranberries look cute and keep the drink cold, but if I’m out, a lime wedge is fine too. Chilled glasses make a difference—they keep everything fresh and icy for longer.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip? It’s honestly crisp and refreshing—kind of wakes up your taste buds.

White cranberry juice brings this lighter touch, way less intense than regular cranberry, so it doesn’t bulldoze the other flavors.

The vodka’s in there too, offering a clean, smooth base. I don’t find it sharp or harsh; it just lets the fruit notes have their moment.

There’s this soft sweetness that balances out the tart cranberry edge. It’s easy to drink, nothing heavy or cloying.

And then, the citrus twist—yeah, that’s what brightens everything up. I get a little zing of zest at the end, which keeps things lively.

Flavor highlights I pick up:

• Light tartness from the cranberry
• Smooth warmth from the vodka
• Gentle sweetness that rounds everything out
• Citrus spark for a clean finish

Texture-wise, it’s pretty silky. Not too thick, definitely not watery, just smooth as you sip.

If you chill it well, the drink stays crisp and refreshing. Honestly, I love how the cold brings out the flavors and keeps everything balanced.