Cranberry Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Make your next martini a tart affair with this sumptuous recipe.

I love a good martini. And the best ones are often the simplest. My personal favorite is made with only gin and vermouth, usually a bianco or dry variety. Despite being a massive James Bond fan, I actually prefer to stir them. Most bartenders will tell you that shaking a martini will dilute the drink and bruise the booze, affecting and altering the flavor profile into something less robust.

That being said, why did secret agent James Bond prefer his vodka martinis “shaken, not stirred”? For a start, there’s something really cool about the phrase, and you can’t help but smirk when ordering something that calls for that. Most people associate the phrase with this popular literary and cinematic character, so the coolness more than likely stems from who popularized the phrase. There’s a theory, one that I agree with, that Bond is on the go and on the job, the world is at stake. He can enjoy a martini or two, but he’s still working. If they’re a little diluted he can still go about his mission without getting too tipsy. And if the flavors are dulled by shaking, he can probably tell if someone has poisoned his cocktail…

The beverage we’re mixing up tonight, the Cranberry Martini, takes a page right out of Bond’s playbook. Instead of stirring, our recipe calls for shaking the ingredients together. There’s a good reason for that. This cocktail isn’t a simple, two-ingredient treat. You’ll be putting vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur and vermouth together, and this combination makes for a robust and tart-tasting beverage. Shaking will “calm” the flavors down in this one, making for a more balanced and smoother sip.

If you want to experiment, definitely give this cocktail a stir instead, and see how differently the flavors play with each other. You might even prefer your Cranberry Martini to be a real eye-opener, with a more pronounced taste.

Is the Cranberry Martini a Martini?

Yes, the Cranberry Martini can be considered a variation of a traditional martini. This is mostly due to the vermouth that is present in the recipe. For a cocktail to be a martini, it usually includes gin and dry vermouth, with vodka being a popular substitute for the base spirit. Many drink experts are of a mind that only a gin martini can be considered a “real” martini. Don’t let 007 know!

What is the Best Vodka to Use to Make a Cranberry Martini?

With the inclusion of things like cranberry juice, orange liqueur and vermouth, I’d recommend going with an unflavored vodka for this cocktail. It will mix well, taking on many of the flavors of the other ingredients without disappearing into the mix, nor will it overtake the recipe. However, if you really, really love the cranberry in this drink, there are a number of cranberry-infused spirits you can choose from to add that extra tart kick to your taste buds.

What kind of glassware and garnish are used?

Chill a martini glass for at least fifteen minutes before pouring your drink into it. You can float a few cranberries on top or skewered on a cocktail pick for garnish. You can also try popping some frozen cranberries in to keep it cold.

Can you use a white vermouth in place of the dry?

Yes. I often use a white vermouth in place of dry in many of the martinis I make. It’ll add some sweet and floral notes to your drink.

Cranberry Martini Variations

Here’s an idea for your next gathering, make it martini-themed! Along with the Cranberry Martini you could serve all the different versions of the classic tipple that launched a thousand cocktail parties. And if you’re unsure where to start, try some of these perfect recipes found right here at Twist & Toast.

• Gin Martini – The timeless cocktail that started it all. Simple, strong and beautiful, this is the drink all other martinis were born from.
• Vesper Martini – Invented by secret agent James Bond in the novel Casino Royale, this booze bomb is the ultimate martini.
• Espresso Martini – While not technically a traditional martini, this popular beverage will still entertain your tastebuds.
• Tequila Martini – This dry and crisp tipple adds a citrusy and Southwestern style to your martini menu.