Mistletoe Martini

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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.

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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.

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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 like, but I have to give this one credit. It's delicious and still remarkably palatable for how boozy it is. I also 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 a reshake if you're a serious imbiber who still wants something festive this season!"

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Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from Charming Cocktails, a beverage recipe blog.