This Christmas martini is the perfect sip to welcome the chilly weather. Combining cranberry juice, vodka, sweetened liquor, and citrusy bitters gives this simple holiday cocktail its winter flare.
0.5oz.dry vermouth(Dolin or Martini & Rossi brands)
1oz.Cointreau
2oz.Cranberry juice
3-4dashes orange bittersor lemon bitters, about ½ tsp
Instructions
Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass, then add the ice. Be sure to add enough ice to chill the drink.
1.5 oz. Vodka, 0.5 oz. dry vermouth, 1 oz. Cointreau, 2 oz. Cranberry juice, 3-4 dashes orange bitters
Use a cocktail spoon to stir it in a circular motion for about 25 seconds (or shake, if you prefer) until chilled ( Don’t over-stir; otherwise, you’ll dilute the drink.)
Strain into a rimmed stemmed cocktail glass or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.*Please sip responsibly *
Notes
To elevate the taste further, add about ½ teaspoons of olive brine. I have come to embrace this acquired taste.
If you don’t like your martini chilled, fill the serving glass with ice for a few minutes, then discard it before pouring the drink into it.
For the best flavor, store your opened vermouth bottle in the fridge and use it within 2-3 months.
Serving a large crowd? Adjust the servings to your preference. Only add ice when ready to serve.
You can rim the glass in two ways:
Either with a wedge of citrus or dipping it in a small bowl with a liquid like agave, honey, or simple syrup.
If using citrus, cut it into a wedge and gently run it around the rim of your cocktail glass. Flip it over and gently dip it into a small plate with salt or sugar (depending on preference). Lift it, and you’ve got a perfectly rimmed glass.