Add a little sparkle to your holidays with this festive Sugar Plum Fairy Martini! Tart cranberry juice, rich Amaretto and a touch of spice come together to make your new favorite Christmas cocktail. This Nutcracker-themed martini is a sure hit for your next holiday party, or it's the perfect relaxing sipper for an evening in front of the fireplace.
With the holidays here, I'm all about the jolliest of cocktails. Something with holiday flavors and a pretty hue is my kind of cocktail. Obviously, this Christmas cocktail is perfect on both fronts.
At the same time, it's a busy time of year. While I don't mind making my own simple syrup or fun cocktail infusions, sometimes you need a quick, simple cocktail to whip up for your holiday gathering. This festive martini only takes a few minutes to put together, and you can easily adjust the recipe to serve a crowd.
Related: For more holiday drink ideas, try my peppermint martini, Baileys eggnog and sparkling pomegranate martini.
Ingredients
Before we start shaking, let's put together our ingredients for this Sugar Plum Fairy Martini.
- Vodka
- Amaretto
- Cranberry juice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Ginger ale
- Ice
How to Make
With our ingredients on hand, we're ready to make this easy, festive Christmas martini. We grab a cocktail shaker and add our vodka, Amaretto, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice and ice.
While it may seem minor, don't skip the lemon juice. I tried this martini both with and without the lemon juice, and it made a world of difference. With the rich amaretto, the lemon juice brings all the ingredients together and adds the perfect brightness.
Now we pop on the top of our cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour that tasty drink into a martini glass and top with a splash of ginger ale. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with pretty sugared cranberries if you're so inclined. Sip and enjoy!
Bonus: If you love this holiday drink, be sure to check out my collection of festive Christmas cocktails for more ideas!
Perfect Pairing
You will love my gingerbread toffee with this holiday martini. The almond from the Amaretto and caramelized sugar from the toffee complement each other perfectly, and I'm a huge fan of the way those warm gingerbread spices play with the tart cranberry juice.
When you need a festive holiday cocktail, I hope you try this Sugar Plum Fairy Martini. This Christmas cocktail will surely take center stage at your holiday party. Please let me know how you enjoyed this Sugar Plum Fairy Martini recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Cheers!
Need More Festive Holiday Recipes?
- Buddy the Elf's favorite maple eggnog
- Cranberry-spice Christmas mimosa
- Cranberry-apple cider holiday sangria
- Soft gingerbread men cookies with orange-vanilla icing
- Gingerbread toffee
📖 Recipe
Sugar Plum Fairy Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Handheld citrus juicer
Ingredients
Sugar Plum Fairy Martini
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1 ounce amaretto
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Splash of ginger ale
Sugared Cranberry Garnish (Optional)
- ½ cup sugar divided
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
Sugar Plum Fairy Martini
- In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, cranberry juice, Amaretto, lemon juice and a handful of ice. Pop on the top and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a martini glass. Top with a splash of ginger ale and gently stir. If desired, garnish with sugared cranberries. Enjoy!
Sugared Cranberry Garnish
- In a small sauce pan, add ¼ cup sugar and water over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve sugar.
- Once the sugar dissolves, stir in the cranberries and turn off the heat. Make sure they're well-coated with the simple syrup.
- On a large plate, spread the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Drain the cranberries and roll in the sugar. Allow to set on a wire rack for about an hour.
Notes
- While this recipe is for one drink, you'll have enough sugared cranberries for several drinks.
- If you'd like to make a big party batch for 16 servings, use 4 cups vodka, 4 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups Amaretto, eight lemons and 1 cup ginger ale. You can still serve it in martini glasses or serve it punch style in a pitcher or bowl.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Scarlet says
This sounds and looks so festive and fun. I love cranberry and gingerale and amaretto. This is going to be a fabulous holiday martini!
GUNJAN C Dudani says
Your images are making this martini super attractive. Its a great idea for new year eve party.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
For sure! It's great for any celebration this time of year.
Kathryn says
What a great holiday cocktail! I may need to make them for New Year's Eve!!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I'll cheers to that! ?
Elaine says
Really like the harmony of lines in your shots - such an aesthetic photo session. Fabulous looking and delicious drink that can certainly make any party a special one!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much! Cocktails are my favorite to shoot. ??
Paula Montenegro says
A truly gorgeous drink for this holiday season! The sugared cranberries are the perfect 'olive'. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Totally agree! Thanks, Paula!
Jess says
What an adorable holiday cocktail! It looks and sounds delicious! I can not wait to try this one out!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Hope you love it, Jess!
Veronika says
Your photos look so beautiful! and the drink is so delicious! It will be perfect for the holidays party and the New Year Eve!) Going to make it!)
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much, Veronika! It doubles great for both holidays. ?
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
This looks like the epitome of Christmas but in a delicious cocktail! I love how festive it is! And those sugared cranberries just make the drink!
Gorgeous!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much, Lori! It really is perfect for the holidays.
Marisa F. Stewart says
Your combination of ingredients are going to make the perfect drink for my special Valentine's Day Dinner I'm planning with my Honey. That red is so pretty I can't wait to make it. We usually keep Amaretto on hand - we love it - so this drink will be easy to make.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
This would be perfect for the occasion!
Chef Dennis says
This Sugar Plum Fairy Martini will be perfect for our Christmas dinner party. I am so loving that Tart cranberry juice, rich Amaretto and a touch of spice flavor so much!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
They all go together beautifully! Hope you love it.
Ben says
That is one of the best holiday cocktail recipes I've seen. From the name to the garnish, this thing is great.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much, Ben!