Celebrate the holidays with this creamy and chocolatey cocktail. Leave one out for Santa, too.
It’s Christmas Eve and I can’t sleep. How can anyone get any shuteye on this magical night? The blankets and pillows on my bed are thrown and tangled, kicked around from my tossing and turning. Whenever my eyes would get heavy, the twinkling of the string lights outside my window catch my attention, and my jimmy legs involuntarily sling more of my sheets into disarray. I sit bolt upright and turn my attention to the falling snow. The scene is perfect, only making my excitement grow.
This is ridiculous, I think to myself. I’m a grown-up, a sort of responsible adult. There’s no reason for me to be anxious, I know I’ve been good all year. Santa will definitely show, and maybe I’ll get that Aston Martin I’ve been asking for. Or not. I’m not sure how North Pole magic works, but the Kringle probably can’t fit a DB12 in the back of his sleigh. I shake my head and push these silly thoughts out of it. Jumping to my feet, I head out into the kitchen.
The house is so quiet you can almost hear the snow softly falling all around it. A low, eerie blue light comes in through the windows, the moon reflected off the white outside. The only other noise is the crackling of the fireplace by the Christmas tree, patiently awaiting gifts to be left beneath it. A loud THUMP on the roof, accompanied by the sound of sleigh bells catches my attention. My heart starts pounding, and suddenly I am struck with an idea.
I race to my home bar, grabbing a martini glass and an armful of bottles. I even manage to grab my shaker, too. I begin mixing what I have like a mad person… vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, white crème de cacao and half-and-half from the fridge. As I shook the ingredients vigorously, the sound of boots shuffling overhead quickened my pulse. I grabbed the glass and rimmed it with sugar before pouring the white and frothy cocktail into it. Like a thief, I ran over to the little end table near the tree and placed the drink. The sound of someone, or something, falling through the chimney made me launch myself behind the couch.
Staying out of sight, I heard the jolly old elf get to work. A little, soft “ho ho ho” was heard here and there as he pattered around, along with the sounds of boxes and gifts being placed under the tree. And then there was silence, followed by a hushed “oooooh”. I peeked over the back of the sofa and saw the red-suited legend taking the Christmas Martini I had made for him, admiring it before slowly draining it in one long gulp. With a satisfied “ahhhhhhhhh” and a smack of his lips, he placed the glass back down… and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
I ran over to the still-lit fireplace, marveling at all the beautifully wrapped boxes that now filled the room. On the little table was the empty glass, and a note that read “Thanks for the treat. Hope you like yours.”
Next to the note was a Lego Aston Martin DB5. Close enough, Santa.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Christmas Martini?
The best holiday indulgences are always the sweetest, and the Christmas Martini is one of my favorites. I’ll often suggest an unflavored vodka when mixing up any cocktail that uses it as its base. But this one is a little different. Using a vanilla-flavored spirit along with the white chocolate liqueur and white crème de cacao, help make this sugary tipple a very extravagant and dessert-style beverage. Just add a plate of cookies on the side and you’ll be set.
Ingredients
- Honey for the rim
- Coarse sugar for the rim
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces white chocolate liqueur
- 1 ounce white crème de cacao
- 1 ounce half-and-half
Instructions
- Dip the rim of your martini glass in honey, then into coarse sugar to create a festive sugared rim. Set the glass aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, white crème de cacao, and half-and-half.
- Shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass and serve immediately.
Nutrition
What kind of glass and garnish is used?
Chill a martini glass in your freezer for up to fifteen minutes or more before serving. Coat the rim with sugar, pour and enjoy.
Can other holiday flavors be included in this drink?
Of course. You can add peppermint, gingerbread or butterscotch syrup for simple variations on this festive cocktail.
Similar Cocktails to the Christmas Martini
If you’re looking to get into Mr. Claus’s good graces, milk and cookies will probably only get you so far. When the snow is falling and the stars are shining, having a few seasonal sippers on hand for St. Nick will make his once-a-year job go a little smoother. And who knows what you’ll find in your stocking the next morning. Twist & Toast can help you out by providing some Christmas cheer. Check these recipes out and give them a try.
- Mulled Wine Sangria – Tart and strong, this cranberry-flavored cocktail is sure to warm you up.
- Limoncello Spritz – A favorite of mine after eating a large holiday meal. Crisp and refreshing.
- Cranberry Whiskey Sour – A perfect drink to relax with on a cold winter’s night.
- Pomegranate Margarita – Margaritas aren’t just for the warmer season, as this version is best enjoyed around the Christmas tree.
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