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 martini 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!!”
Is the Sugar-Cookie Martini a Martini?
It is not. Martinis are traditionally made with gin and dry vermouth. Vodka is also a popular alternative spirit. But the recipe for the Sugar-Cookie Martini is pretty far from the original version. It uses the look and name in a fun and positive way, so why not go with the flow and pretend it is. Even the strictest cocktail enthusiasts like myself don’t want to be a Scrooge about things that bring people joy.
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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces Irish cream
- 1 ounce amaretto
- Colored sugar or candy sprinkles for rim
Instructions
- Dip the edge of a cocktail glass into a small dish of Irish cream, then gently roll it in a dish filled with colored sugar or candy sprinkles to coat the rim.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 1/2 ounces of vanilla vodka, 1 1/2 ounces of Irish cream, and 1 ounce of amaretto.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass with the garnished rim.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
A martini glass lined with colorful and crunchy rainbow sprinkles is a festive and fun way to enjoy this seasonal tipple.
Yes. You can add the ingredients together, minus the ice, in your fridge for up to a week before serving. Shake with ice and add to your garnished glass.
I hope you’re sitting down for this one… 325 calories. If you’re having more than a few this holiday season, ask the fella in the red suit to leave you a treadmill under the tree.
Yeah. During his second visit he told me how the movie “Elfu” is inaccurate and that the guy from “The Big Lebowskiu” 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.
- Glogg – A spiced red wine, this Scandinavian treat is sure to warm you up on a snowy night.
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