Classic Cranberry Martini
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This cranberry martini is fun holiday version of the vodka martini classic cocktail. With a pretty red color and boozy cranberry taste, it’s an easy and delicious drink that you’ll want to make all season long!
I love a good martini, especially for the Christmas. This Peppermint White Chocolate Martini is a hit at any holiday party but if you’re looking for a drink with all the classic holiday flavors, you can never go wrong with a delicious Cranberry Martini!
The sweet tart flavor pairs perfectly with all kinds of desserts and cocktail recipes this time of year. This festive cocktail starts with cranberry juice and vodka, then triple sec adds sweetness and a hint of orange flavor.
It’s also incredibly simple to make, so there’s no need to wait for a special occasion or a cocktail party to enjoy one. Skip the pricey bars this holiday season and make this delicious cranberry martini recipe for a happy hour or an after-dinner drink any time you want.
Why We Love This Recipe
It’s Easy – With just a few simple ingredients and very little prep time, making this cranberry cocktail is just as easy as pouring a glass of wine!
Perfect for the Holidays – The addition of festive cranberry flavor is a great way to turn a basic martini into the perfect holiday cocktail.
Great for Parties – With its beautiful red color and a delicious sweet and tart flavor, this easy drink is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great choice for your next party.
Ingredients
- Vodka
- Triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- Cranberry juice
- Ice
- Sugar for the rim
- Corn syrup for the rim
- Sugared cranberries for garnish
- Orange slices or fresh orange zest for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Martinis
Step 1: Add ice cubes and vodka to your cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Add cranberry juice and triple sec. Shake well.
Step 3: Pour a layer of sugar into a shallow saucer, then add a shallow layer of corn syrup to a second saucer. Dip the rim of the martini glasses into the corn syrup, then into the sugar.
Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass and garnish with sugared cranberries. Optional – add an orange slice or additional fresh cranberries.
Tips & Tricks
- There are a variety of cranberry juice mixes (such as cranberry apple) that you can use in place of the plain cranberry juice. Or if you don’t have cranberry, pomegranate would also be delicious and is perfect for the holidays.
- If you don’t have corn syrup, you can rim the glass by running a lime wedge around the rim of each glass before dipping it in the sugar.
- Try serving these in mini mason jars rimmed with red or green cocktail rimming sugar for an extra festive holiday look.
- You can buy a cranberry juice that has been sweetened with sugar or with other fruit juices like apple or pear. Just don’t use unsweetened cranberry juice in this recipe, as it will be too tart.
What Kind of Vodka Should I Use?
I used Pinnacle brand, but you can choose any mid-priced band of vodka that you prefer. A vanilla or cranberry vodka would also work in this recipe.
Can I Make these in Advance?
For best results, your cocktails should be mixed well and chilled. I recommend serving them right out of the shaker, rather than trying to make them in advance.
More Holiday Drinks
- 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails
- Peppermint Shot Recipe
- Apple Cider Jello Shots
- Vanilla Pomegranate Holiday Punch
- Vanilla Spiced Eggnog
- Grinch Punch
- Christmas Jello Shots
Cranberry Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ice
- 2 oz. vodka
- 2 oz. cranberry juice
- ½ oz. triple sec
- Sugar for the rim
- Corn syrup for the rim
- Sugared cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice cubes and vodka to your cocktail shaker.2 oz. vodka, 1 cup Ice
- Pour cranberry juice and triple sec over the ice, then shake well.2 oz. cranberry juice, ½ oz. triple sec
- Pour a layer of sugar into a shallow saucer, then add a shallow layer of corn syrup to a second saucer. Dip the rim of the martini glasses into the corn syrup, then into the sugar.Sugar for the rim, Corn syrup for the rim
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass and garnish with sugared cranberries. Optional – add an orange slice or additional fresh cranberries.Sugared cranberries for garnish
Notes
- Don’t have corn syrup? You can also rim the glass by running a lime wedge around the rim before dipping it in the sugar.
Nutrition
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