Festive Cranberry Peppermint Martini: The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Recipe

Step into the holiday spirit with a dazzling Cranberry Peppermint Martini, a drink that truly embodies the magic of Christmas in every sip. Imagine a vibrant green cocktail, glistening with a frosted sugar rim like freshly fallen snow, and crowned with a playful candy cane. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a festive experience, instantly whisking you away to cozy gatherings by a crackling fireplace, surrounded by laughter and good cheer.

This exquisite Cranberry Peppermint Martini captures everything delightful about the festive season: the irresistible flavors, the cheerful colors, and that distinct peppermint sparkle that makes each taste feel like a holiday celebration. As someone who finds joy in decorating my home with twinkling lights and festive ornaments as early as November, I love extending that same holiday spirit into my culinary creations and cocktails.

My childhood in Austria instilled in me a deep appreciation for traditions steeped in comforting scents and indulgent flavors. I’m thrilled to share a cocktail that infuses a touch of that old-world Christmas charm into your modern holiday gatherings. This year, let’s transform the season into a wonderland of tastes, from warm cinnamon-spiced treats to this show-stopping Cranberry Peppermint Martini. It’s a remarkably easy cocktail to prepare, yet it delivers an unforgettable taste experience.

Why This Cranberry Peppermint Martini is Your Holiday Essential

The Cranberry Peppermint Martini isn’t just another drink; it’s a festive statement. Its vibrant green hue, courtesy of peppermint liqueur, immediately conjures images of pine trees and holiday wreaths, while the sugared rim mimics glistening snow. The crisp, cool burst of peppermint perfectly complements the tart sweetness of cranberry, creating a balanced and exhilarating flavor profile that’s unmistakably Christmassy. This cocktail is a fantastic way to greet guests, offer a unique twist on classic holiday beverages, or simply enjoy a quiet evening by the fire. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with both sweet and savory holiday treats.

Crafting Your Christmas Martini: Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafted with readily available ingredients, this Cranberry Peppermint Martini is surprisingly simple to shake up. You’ll need just a few key components to create this masterpiece. The core of this cocktail is its thoughtful blend of vibrant Bols Peppermint Liqueur, smooth vodka, crisp cranberry juice, and a bright splash of fresh lime. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of holiday flavor. For garnishing, a simple granulated sugar rim and a festive candy cane elevate the presentation from good to absolutely spectacular.

🥘 Key Ingredients Explained

• Cubed ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail thoroughly in the shaker, ensuring a crisp, refreshing drink.
• Vodka: A neutral spirit that provides the alcoholic base without overpowering the cranberry and peppermint. Choose a good quality vodka for the best results, as its smoothness will contribute to the overall martini experience.
• Bols peppermint green liqueur (Crème de Menthe): This is the star ingredient for both flavor and color. Bols is a well-regarded brand known for its authentic peppermint taste and vibrant green hue, making it perfect for a visually striking holiday drink.
• Cranberry juice: Provides the tart, fruity balance to the sweet peppermint. Opt for 100% cranberry juice for a bolder, less sugary flavor, or a cranberry cocktail blend for a sweeter profile. You can explore more cranberry options in our Cranberry Gin Spritz recipe.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds a crucial zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Fresh is always best for cocktails!
• Granulated sugar & lime wedge for the rim: These elements create the iconic frosted rim, adding both visual appeal and a delightful sweet crunch with every sip. The lime juice helps the sugar adhere perfectly.
• Candy cane garnish: Not just for looks, a candy cane adds an extra touch of festive whimsy and a hint of minty aroma as you sip. It also doubles as a stirrer!

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Martini

Creating this festive cocktail is a delightful process. Follow these simple steps to ensure your Cranberry Peppermint Martini turns out perfectly, dazzling both your taste buds and your guests.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lime Juice. Begin by halving a fresh lime. Squeeze out the juice from both halves into a small bowl or a measuring cup, setting it aside like a little bit of sunshine, ready to brighten up your cocktail with its fresh, citrusy zing.

Step 2: Rim Your Glass with Holiday “Snow.” Take one of the squeezed lime halves and cut a small wedge. Gently run this lime wedge around the entire rim of your martini glass. This creates a slightly sticky, moist surface that will act as the perfect adhesive for our festive sugar rim, making it look like a snowy winter wonderland.

Step 3: Create the Sparkling Sugar Rim. Pour a thin layer of granulated sugar onto a small, flat plate. Carefully invert your martini glass and dip its moistened rim into the sugar, twisting it gently to ensure an even coating. Lift the glass and give it a gentle tap to shake off any extra sugar, leaving a beautifully frosted edge that sparkles just right. Set this prepared glass aside to admire its festive finish.

Step 4: Combine the Cocktail Ingredients. In a sturdy cocktail shaker, pour in the vodka, the vibrant peppermint liqueur (crème de menthe), the tart cranberry juice, and your freshly squeezed lime juice. This careful layering of liquids is key to developing the full flavor profile.

Step 5: Shake it Up! Fill your cocktail shaker generously with cubed ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This is where the magic happens: the ingredients become perfectly chilled and thoroughly combined, infusing each sip with that delightful holiday cheer.

Step 6: Fine Strain for a Silky Smooth Serve. Remove the lid from your shaker. Using a fine strainer, pour the chilled cocktail into your prepared, sugar-rimmed martini glass. Fine straining ensures a smooth, silky pour, free from any ice shards or citrus pulp, providing that final touch of refinement.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy! Complete the holiday look by garnishing your exquisite cocktail with a classic candy cane. You can hook it over the rim or use it as a festive stirrer. Cheers to a Christmas cocktail that tastes as joyful and enchanting as it looks! Merry Christmas! 🎄

Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings

This Cranberry Peppermint Martini is not just a standalone drink; it’s a versatile companion for your holiday spread. Its refreshing and festive profile makes it an excellent choice for a variety of pairings. Serve it alongside sweet treats like chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies to keep the minty theme going strong, or pair it with rich, buttery eggnog cookies for a cozy, indulgent twist. Beyond desserts, this martini also complements lighter holiday appetizers such as mini quiches, cranberry brie bites, or even a fresh winter salad. Its bright acidity can also cut through the richness of heavier holiday dishes, making it a refreshing palate cleanser between courses. Consider offering a non-alcoholic version with cranberry juice, peppermint syrup, and sparkling water so everyone can enjoy the festive cheer!

🌿 Diving Deeper into Bols Peppermint Green Liqueur

Bols Peppermint Green Liqueur is a staple for any serious home bartender, especially during the holiday season. This vibrant, mint-flavored liqueur is celebrated for its intense and natural peppermint taste, derived from fresh mint leaves, and its striking green hue. It’s not just about the color, though it certainly adds a festive visual punch to cocktails. The rich, cool flavor of Bols Peppermint Liqueur is what truly sets it apart, providing a refreshing and invigorating kick that perfectly embodies the crispness of winter. It blends seamlessly with other spirits and mixers, making it an excellent choice for crafting holiday cocktails that demand both exceptional flavor and eye-catching presentation.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Cocktail Success

Having the right tools makes all the difference when crafting cocktails. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Cranberry Peppermint Martini:

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Lemon squeezer (for efficient lime juicing)
• Small plate (for sugaring the rim)
• Cocktail shaker (essential for chilling and mixing)
• Fine strainer (for a smooth, pulp-free drink)
• Measuring tools / Jigger (for precise measurements)
• Martini glass (to showcase your beautiful creation)

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📖 Recipe Card

Festive Cranberry Peppermint Martini

Nora

This Cranberry Peppermint Martini is a glass of pure holiday magic! A merry mix of peppermint and cranberry, topped with a candy cane and a sparkling sugar rim, it’s easy to shake up and perfect for every Christmas gathering. Enjoy the festive flavors and a touch of old-world Christmas charm in every sip!

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time

8 minutes mins

Total Time

8 minutes mins

Course
Christmas drink, Cocktails

Cuisine
Global cuisine

Servings

1 Serving

Calories

170 kcal

Equipment

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Lemon squeezer
• Small plate
• Cocktail shaker
• Fine-strainer
• Measuring tools / Jigger
• Martini glass

Ingredients

• Lime wedge for the rim
• Granulated sugar for the rim
• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 0.5 oz Peppermint liqueur I used a Bold peppermint green liqueur
• 1 oz Cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Cubed ice for the shaker
• Candy cane garnish

Instructions

• Halve a lime and squeeze out the juice, setting it aside.
• Cut a small Lime wedge from one of the lime halves and run it around the rim of a martini glass.
  Lime wedge
• Pour Granulated sugar onto a small plate, then dip the glass rim into the sugar. Tap the glass lightly to remove any excess sugar, and set it aside.
  Granulated sugar
• In a cocktail shaker, add 1.5 oz Vodka, 0.5 oz Peppermint liqueur, 1 oz Cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice.
  1.5 oz Vodka,
  0.5 oz Peppermint liqueur,
  1 oz Cranberry juice,
  0.5 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Add Cubed ice and shake well.
  Cubed ice
• Fine strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass.
• Garnish with a Candy cane Enjoy your festive creation-Merry Christmas! 🎄
  Candy cane

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Keyword
Christmas cocktail, Cranberry peppermint martini, Martini

🎥 Video: How to Make Your Cranberry Peppermint Martini

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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Serving:
1
Serving

|

Calories:
170
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
11
g

|

Protein:
0.1
g

|

Fat:
0.1
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.04
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
0.01
g

|

Sodium:
2
mg

|

Potassium:
21
mg

|

Fiber:
0.1
g

|

Sugar:
10
g

|

Vitamin A:
9
IU

|

Vitamin C:
16
mg

|

Calcium:
3
mg

|

Iron:
0.1
mg

⛑️ Food Safety and Best Practices

While making cocktails, especially those involving fresh ingredients, it’s always good to keep food safety in mind:

• Always use fresh, clean ingredients. Wash limes thoroughly before juicing.
• Ensure your cocktail shaker and martini glass are clean before use.
• Do not leave prepared cocktails sitting out at room temperature for extended periods, especially if they contain fresh fruit juices, as this can affect quality and safety.
• Use quality ice from a clean source to avoid affecting the drink’s taste or purity.
• If you’re making a large batch, prepare it in advance, but keep the liquids chilled separately and combine with ice just before serving.
• Remember that alcohol should be consumed responsibly.

For further information on general food safety, check Safe Food Handling – FDA.