Cheers to elegance and flavor with a Cranberry Martini recipe! A fusion of cranberry-infused vodka and cranberry juice, this vibrant Crantini is the ultimate cocktail for your holiday gatherings.
This sophisticated and fruity cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether hosting a holiday dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day. Combining sweet, tangy cranberry juice and smooth vodka creates an irresistible, refreshing beverage.
The vibrant red color of the drink, which is also called a Crantini, certainly adds to its visual appeal. This martini makes a stunning centerpiece for any get-together but is especially appropriate as a holiday cocktail for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Looking for more holiday drink ideas? Try cranberry sangria, apple cider punch, and holiday eggnog.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.
🍸Cranberry Martini Ingredients
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Cranberry-infused vodka: More on this below.
- Cranberry juice: Opt for a cranberry juice mix instead of unsweetened cranberry juice, or the martini will be a very tart drink.
- Orange: To garnish.
- Sparkling sugar: To make a sweet sugar rim.
🍹Cranberry Infused Vodka
You can buy cranberry-infused vodka at most liquor stores, especially around the holidays. Or you can make your own at home with minimal effort.
Here is a summary of the steps. See my post on cranberry-infused vodka for more details and some shortcuts.
- Pour vodka into a glass container, like a mason jar.
- Slightly crush 1 cup of fresh cranberries and add them to the jar.
- Seal the jar and let it sit for 3-7 days.
- Strain out the cranberries and enjoy your infused vodka.
🥣How to Make a Cranberry Vodka Martini
- The first step is to create a sugar rim on your glass. Just wet the edge of the glass with an orange wedge or cranberry juice, then dip it into a dish of sugar.
- Pour your cranberry vodka and cranberry juice into the shaker. Add a generous scoop of ice and give it a good shake.
- Strain the mixture into your sugar-rimmed glass. Straining it ensures a smooth, ice-cold martini without pesky ice chunks.
- Finally, garnish your masterpiece with a slice of orange.
🍴Serving Ideas
I love to garnish each glass with a wedge or orange. If it is Christmas, add a sprig of rosemary and a few sugared cranberries on a cocktail pick.
Serve this cranberry cocktail with items that complement or contrast the tart and slightly sweet flavor profile. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Cheese Platter: Choose for cheeses like goat, blue, or aged cheddar. Their creaminess and distinct flavors pair well with the tartness of the cranberry.
- Crostini with Fig Spread: The sweetness of figs balances the tartness of the cranberry in the martini.
- Smoked Salmon Canapés: The smokiness of salmon complements the crispness of the martini.
- Shrimp: Lightly seasoned with herbs and lemon, shrimp is a delightful pairing.
- Oysters on the Half Shell: The saltiness of oysters contrasts nicely with the sweet and tart cranberry flavors.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: The saltiness of prosciutto combined with the sweetness of melon complements the cocktail’s flavors.
- Mini Lamb Chops: Seasoned with rosemary and garlic, these can offer a robust flavor to stand up to the martini.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: The bitterness of dark chocolate pairs well with the tartness of the cranberry.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Chill your martini glasses before making the drinks. A few minutes in the freezer do the trick. The frosty glass keeps the drink cool and gives you that authentic martini experience.
- Use white cranberry juice to make a white cranberry martini for a different look.
- Add a little sugar syrup if you want a less tart drink.
Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Cranberry Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ ounces cranberry vodka
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
- 1 tablespooon sparkling sugar to decorate the rim
- ice cubes
- Orange to garnish
Instructions
- Wet the rim of the glass with a bit of water or cranberry juice, then dip it into a dish of sugar.1 tablespooon sparkling sugar
- Put the cranberry vodka and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.3 ½ ounces cranberry vodka, ½ ounce cranberry juice, ice cubes
- Shake and strain into the martini glass.Orange to garnish
Notes
- Add a little sugar syrup for a less tart drink.
- Cranberry-infused vodka can be found at most liquor stores. Or save some money and learn how to make your own cranberry-infused vodka.
- Chill your Martini glasses before making the drinks. A few minutes in the freezer do the trick. The frosty glass keeps the drink cool and gives you that authentic martini experience.
- Use white cranberry juice to make a white cranberry martini for a different look.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
