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Cocktail History
The Mistletoe Martini is a Christmas cocktail that was created in 2022 by Kimberly Salem, recipe developer and blogger at Charming Cocktails based in Long Island, New York. This holiday twist on the classic Martini keeps the traditional gin and vermouth base but adds seasonal flair with spiced cranberry syrup and cranberry liqueur, giving the drink a delightful tartness and warmth. To deepen the flavor profile, the recipe also replaces standard dry gin with one infused with blackcurrant, adding complexity and a touch of fruity richness. The result is a beautifully balanced, elegant cocktail with a vibrant hue that makes it as visually striking as it is delicious—perfect for toasting the holiday season in style.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Blackcurrant Gin: This is a spirit made with blackcurrant gin, juniper berries, botanicals, alcohol, and water. I used La Crosse Distilling Company Christmas Gin.
Dry Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. I used Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry.
Spiced Cranberry Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cranberries, baking spices, white sugar, and water.
Cranberry Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with cranberries, sugar, alcohol, and water. I used Tattersall Distilling Cranberry Liqueur.
Cranberries: This is a small red berry native to North America that’s known for its vibrant color and slightly bitter flavor.
Rosemary: This is an aromatic evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and a robust, piney, and slightly peppery flavor.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy, wide-bowled glass that’s used to stir ingredients before they’re strained and served. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is a flat, perforated metal strainer with a handle that’s used to strain cocktails from a mixing glass or tin into a serving glass while keeping ice and solids behind. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Cocktail Pick: This is a small, slender tool that’s used to skewer cocktail garnishes. I used one from the I-MART Gold Stainless Steel Cocktail Pick Set.
Martini Glass: This is a stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl and a narrow stem. I used the Libbey Art Deco Martini Glass.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Dark red color
• Aroma: Savory rosemary and fruit
• Taste: Fruity flavor with strong herbal gin notes
• Finish: Deep blackcurrant and tart cranberry
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “This is far more sophisticated than most Christmas drinks I find myself restirring, but it’s delicious while managing to be remarkably palatable for how boozy it is. I really enjoyed the spiced cranberry syrup; it’s much more complex than just cranberry syrup, and it adds some extra baking spice flavor that really takes this recipe to the next level. The Mistletoe Martini is definitely worth making if you’re a serious imbiber who still wants something festive this season!”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Charming Cocktails, a beverage recipe blog.
Mistletoe Martini
The Mistletoe Martini, crafted in 2022 by Kimberly Salem of Charming Cocktails, is a festive twist on the classic Martini. Gin and vermouth form the base, while spiced cranberry syrup and cranberry liqueur add bright holiday flavors, and blackcurrant gin gives it a rich, fruity depth, making it lovely for sipping under its namesake.
Ingredients
Method
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Add gin, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry syrup, and cranberry liqueur to a mixing glass.
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Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
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Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
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Using a julep strainer, strain into a martini glass.
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Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprig.
