Sugar-Cookie Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Creamy, sweet, and with a kick like a reindeer, the Sugar-Cookie Martini should be left out for Santa this Christmas Eve.

I spent a Christmas living in New York City, and that December 24th was particularly dark and stormy. The cold was biting, snow swirled all around, and the wind battered my windows. I was all alone during this festive season and feeling the absence of loved ones. I made the best of it, though. I had snacks, the eggnog was plentiful (since it was all for me), and A Charlie Brown Christmas kept me company as it played on the television. The twinkling lights of my tree were a reminder that, despite having to spend this time of year alone, I was also very lucky.

But then panic washed over me like a tidal wave. As I went to start making cookies for Santa Claus’s yearly visit, I suddenly realized that I hadn’t any butter and, what with the winter storm, I feared venturing beyond my front door to get some more. Without that, there would be no baking. And if Santa showed up and I didn’t have my tribute… well, I shudder to think how he would react.

It was getting late and the Christmas programming had moved from Peanuts to Jimmy Stewart. What do I make for Santa?, I worried. Pacing in front of my home bar, I decided a cocktail would soothe my jingled and jangled nerves. Suddenly, it hit me. The Kringle would be working all night, and constantly shoving cookies down his throat couldn’t be good for him. It might even slow him down. Nah, what the jolly old elf needed was a serious Christmas libation to keep him going.

I scanned my bottles, hoping the recipe would present itself. It did. Vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and amaretto seemed to jump out and exclaim, “Ho ho ho!” I was reminded of a recipe for a Sugar-Cookie Martini and, on that blustery Christmas Eve, I realized I could serve up a liquid treat in lieu of the cookies I could not provide.

As I shook and poured that mixture into a rainbow sprinkle–encrusted glass, I could only hope that Santa would be pleased with what I left for him. I awoke on Christmas morning to an empty glass, a Rolex watch, and a note that read “I’m visiting your house TWICE next year. Ho ho HO!!”

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Sugar-Cookie Martini?

While you can use an unflavored vodka in this cocktail and still have a fairly sweet outcome, finding a vanilla-infused one will bring the most out of your mixture. Combined with the amaretto, which is sweet and features notes of almond, your Sugar-Cookie Martini will taste just like the baked good from which it gets its name.

What kind of glassware is used?

A martini glass lined with colorful and crunchy rainbow sprinkles is a festive and fun way to enjoy this seasonal tipple.

Did Santa visit you twice the following Christmas?

Yeah. During his second visit, he told me how the movie Elf is inaccurate and that the guy from The Big Lebowski played him better in the 80s movie. He wouldn’t leave and I didn’t get extra presents.

Similar Drinks to the Sugar-Cookie Martini

So many cocktails are associated with warm weather, poolside parties, and tropical vacations that we can often forget that the winter months have their fair share of memorable and tasty libations. Christmas and other cold-weather celebrations aren’t just about eggnog and hot cider, so check out some of these seasonal treats and start planning your next get-together now.

• Cherry-Thyme Prosecco – Bubbly, sweet, and fruity, this effervescent drink is the perfect way to ring in any wintery holiday.
• Cranberry Whiskey Sour – If Santa Claus were in the Rat Pack, this would be his tipple of choice.
• Mulled Wine Sangria – A seasonal tradition that is sure to be a hit at your next Christmas party.
• Glögg – A spiced red wine, this Scandinavian treat is sure to warm you up on a snowy night.