Cranberry Martini is my go-to cocktail for Christmas celebrations. Its deep red color feels festive and cozy. The tangy cranberry flavor pairs perfectly with smooth vodka. This drink is a must-have for my holiday parties.
Contents
Cranberry Martini recipe
Cranberry Martini, also known as a Crantini, is a delightful variation of the classic martini. This festive cocktail offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors. This makes it a popular choice during the holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s.
This Cranberry Mistletoe Martini combines vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and often simple syrup for sweetness. The tangy cranberry flavor pairs perfectly with smooth vodka. Fresh lime juice adds brightness to the overall taste. A sugar-rimmed glass makes it look elegant and holiday-ready.
Here is how to make Cranberry Martini:
Cranberry Martini
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice you can use cranberry juice cocktail instead
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur such as Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries and a twist of lime peel for garnish optional
Instructions
- Start by chilling a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass keeps your martini crisp and refreshing.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
- Secure the shaker's lid tightly and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the martini but also combines the flavors.
- Remove the chilled martini glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail into it. Use a cocktail strainer or a fine-mesh strainer to catch any ice shards or pulp from the lime juice.
- If desired, garnish your cranberry Martini with a few fresh cranberries and a twist of lime peel.
- Your Cranberry Martini is ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
- Adjust the cranberry juice to your taste; more cranberry juice for a fruitier and less strong martini, less for a drier martini.
- To control the sweetness, you can also add simple syrup if desired. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
- For a festive touch, you can rim the martini glass with sugar before pouring in the cocktail.
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to pair
Cranberry Martini can be served with many dishes. Here are some recommended food pairings:
- Main Courses
- Cranberry acidity balances the meat richness of roasted turkey or chicken.
- Ham glaze resonates with martini flavors.
- The drink’s sweetness complements the grilled salmon flavor.
- Desserts
- Cranberry cheesecake reflects the drink’s main ingredient.
- Chocolate mousse richness contrasts with cranberry tartness.
- Appetizers
- Brie complements cranberry tartness, enhancing flavor.
- Soft cheeses complement the drink’s sweetness.
- Shrimp cocktail flavor enhances the martini’s fruity notes.
- Salads
- Spinach salad enhances drink flavors.
- Beet salad earthiness pairs with cranberry.
Variations
If you don’t like the basic Cranberry Martini recipe, you can try its other versions. These variations use gin, rum, fruit juices, and fresh herbs or spices. You can choose a sweeter or drier Cranberry Martini.
- Cranberry Cosmopolitan recipe
- Add cranberry vodka and cranberry liqueur.
- This variation is a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan.
- Cranberry Orange cocktail
- Infuse the martini with orange juice instead of lime.
- This alternative balances cranberry tartness with a sweet, orangey twist.
- Cranberry Apple Martini
- Combine cranberry juice and apple vodka for fall flavors.
- This variation offers a blend of sweet and tart notes.
- Frozen Cranberry Martini
- Blend ingredients with ice to make a frozen cranberry cocktail.
- This version is frosty and refreshing for summer days.
- Cranberry Spiced Martini
- Add holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the original recipe.
- Muddle spices with a shaker or use spiced cranberry juice for warmth.