Mistletoe Martini

The best Mistletoe Martini recipe ever

This simple Christmas cranberry cocktail only needs vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Making this festive cocktail is a (wintery) breeze, and drinking it is even more pleasant. You can’t go wrong with our recipe for the Mistletoe Martini. It’ll be love at first sip. 

History of this festive Martini cocktail

This holiday Martini recipe gives a festive outfit to the classic Cosmopolitan, enhancing the wintery flavors with extra cranberry and mint. It’s one of many fruity Martini variations, and its history is a little muddled.   

While we’re not quite sure who invented the Mistletoe Martini first, we know that everyone loves it, including pro mixologists who have given this holiday sipper their own signature twists. One example is the Granite City Mistletoe Martini recipe that features fruit-infused vodka, raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon sour, and Champagne.

Gorgeous variations  to try at home

The Mistletoe Martini is just one of many festive martinis that you can serve at your holiday parties. Here are some tasty variations to try.   

Peppermint Martini

The combination of chocolate and mint is a classic match, and it comes together beautifully in a Peppermint Martini. This velvety cocktail combines vodka, peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, and heavy cream for the ultimate treat with fresh notes of mint. Garnished with a crushed peppermint candy rim, this festive cocktail will be the cherry on top of your holiday cheer. 

Cranberry Martini

The Cranberry Martini is a deliciously festive fuss-free drink to shake up when you have to serve a crowd. Featuring vodka, cranberry juice, Grand Marnier, and lime juice, it brims with all the seasonal flavors we’ve come to love during Christmas.   

More cranberry goodness: 13 Cranberry Cocktails for Christmas

Eggnog Martini

It wouldn’t be Christmas without eggnog, and this modern Eggnog Martini recipe is a decadent dessert cocktail that everyone will love. The best part? You don’t have to make your own eggnog, but can use a good quality store-bought eggnog instead. Your secret is safe with us.  

More inspiration: 9 Best Christmas Cocktails (2024)

Pineapple Martini

If you’re dreaming about summer during the cold winter holidays, then the Pineapple Martini should lift your spirits. Made with vodka, fresh pineapple juice, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a tropical festive drink that will surprise your guests and will tame those cravings for a beach holiday. 

For the pineapple lovers: 15 Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice Cocktails

Make this Christmas Martini for a crowd

Making your Mistletoe Martini ahead of time is easy. It saves you a lot of hassle, especially if you’re caught in the kitchen when your guests arrive. Our tip is to calculate how many drinks you’ll need to serve and multiply that by the quantities provided. Once you’ve done the math, mix all the ingredients in a large pitcher (without any ice) and let it chill in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, shake your martinis individually in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Simple, delicious, and oozing with Christmas spirit. 

Read next: Pitcher-Perfect Batching Cocktails for a Crowd

Holiday food pairing suggestions for the Mistletoe Martini

The Mistletoe Martini brings a festive touch to any holiday gathering, and the right food pairings can elevate the experience. Here’s a variety of appetizers, mains, and desserts that complement the drink’s vibrant cranberry and elderflower notes:

Appetizers

• Cranberry brie bites. These bite-sized treats, featuring flaky pastry, creamy brie, and a dollop of cranberry sauce, echo the tart cranberry flavors in the Martini.
• Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. Salty prosciutto balances the sweetness of the drink, while the asparagus adds a crisp, fresh element.
• Herb-infused goat cheese crostini. Tangy goat cheese with a sprinkle of rosemary or mint pairs well with the herbal garnish and elderflower liqueur in the cocktail.

Also see: 18 Festive Christmas Gin Cocktails to Deck the Halls

Main dishes

• Roast turkey with cranberry glaze. A twist on the classic holiday turkey, this dish mirrors the Martini’s cranberry flavors while offering savory depth.
• Honey-glazed ham. The sweet, smoky glaze contrasts beautifully with the drink’s tart and floral notes.
• Stuffed acorn squash. Filled with wild rice, dried cranberries, and nuts, this vegetarian option is earthy and flavorful, matching the sipper’s festive feel.

Read next: 19 Best Vodka Christmas Cocktails

Desserts

• White chocolate cranberry cheesecake. Creamy and indulgent, with tart bursts of cranberry, this dessert is a perfect companion for the Martini’s fruity undertones.
• Sugar-dusted shortbread cookies. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies let the cocktail shine while adding a subtle, sweet pairing.
• Mint chocolate tart. The cool mint in this dessert harmonizes with the cocktail’s mint garnish, while rich chocolate provides a luxurious finish.

Flower power: 13 Tasty Elderflower Cocktails You’ll Adore

More Martini magic this way

Feeling curious about all the Martini options out there? Check these articles out for some tasty inspiration.

The Dirty Martini Reimagined
Vodka Martini or Gin Martini: How to Choose the Right One for You
26 Types of Martinis You Should Know

Now you know! Are your ready to whip up a batch of Mistletoe Martinis yet? Tag us when you share your pictures on Instagram, and remember to sign up for our newsletter to receive the freshest drinkspiration hot off the presses. In the meantime, pop on over to the SKYY Vodka website if you want to learn more about the art of making top-tier vodka clinkers.