This mistletoe martini recipe is a delight. Not only is it different from your average martini, it’s also simple and delicious. The combination of cherry brandy with the sweet and sour flavors gives this martini a special taste that continues to satisfy with each sip.

There are so many variations of the mistletoe martini on the internet! That is the case with many cocktails. You can find so many variations, it will make you wonder which one came first. But that is the best thing about cooking and cocktail making: variation.
Even though you have recipes to follow for food and cocktails, there is always room for you to experiment. You get to choose if you want to alter anything in a recipe.
I tend to like my cocktails less sweet than the average person, so if it calls for a sweet and sour mix, I always go for a 1:2 ratio. But, that may not be what you like, so you can add more sweetener if it matches your taste.
All that I ask is that you first try this mistletoe martini as written, and then add more sweetener if you prefer.
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Helpful tips
- When choosing limes:
- Always smell to make sure they still have a scent; that means they’re fresh.
- Pick them as green as you can and bypass the yellowish ones.
- Pick the heavy ones because heavier means juicier.
- I use raspberries as a garnish in this martini but you may also use cranberries
- This cocktail can be made with mid range vodka but for martinis, I always prefer a premium brand, like Grey Goose.
- People always ask me where I got the martini glasses featured in these photos. They’re both from Crate & Barrel. They are such pretty glasses and fun to serve cocktails in.
How to make the mistletoe martini
Get two martini glasses, a measuring glass and a cocktail shaker and fill the shaker halfway with ice.
After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – cherry brandy, vodka, lime and simple syrup.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces vodka. (A)
Step three
Measure 2 ounces cherry brandy. (B)
Step four
Measure 2 ounces lime juice (C)
Step five
Measure 1 ounce simple syrup (D)
Step six
Cap shaker and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
Step seven
Strain contents equally between the two martini glasses.
Step eight
Spear eight raspberries on two martini picks and get two sprigs of rosemary.
Step nine
Place one raspberry spear and a sprig of rosemary in each cocktail
And now the vertical view.
All that is left is to sip this delicious drink.
I hope you enjoyed this mistletoe martini recipe.
Other popular martini cocktail recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Mistletoe Martini
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka (I use Grey Goose)
- 2 ounces cherry brandy
- 2 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (or more to your taste)
Garnish
- 6 raspberries (fresh)
- 2 sprigs rosemary (fresh)
Instructions
- Spear 4 raspberries on each martini pick and set aside 2 rosemary sprigs
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice
- Add vodka, cherry brandy, lime juice and simple syrup
- Cap shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds
- Strain and divide between the two glasses
- Add a spear of raspberries and a sprig of rosemary to each glass
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
Notes
- When choosing limes:
- Always smell to make sure they still have a scent; that means they’re fresh.
- Pick them as green as you can and bypass the yellowish ones.
- Pick the heavy ones because heavier means juicier.
- I use raspberries as a garnish in this martini but you may also use cranberries
- This cocktail can be made with mid range vodka but for martinis, I always prefer a premium brand, like Grey Goose.
- People always ask me where I got the martini glasses featured in these photos. They’re both from Crate & Barrel. They are such pretty glasses and fun to serve cocktails in.
Dannii
These are so festive. I am definitely going to make some of these for our Christmas party!
Elaine
I hope you enjoy this lovely drink. Thank you Dannii!
Amanda
I always love a fun and festive cocktail! This looks so perfect for the holidays. Definitely putting this on my cocktail menu for the holidays.
Elaine
Thanks so much Amanda! I hope you enjoy it!
Jacqueline Debono
Love the name mistletoe martini! Haven’t heard it before. Like you I don’t like my cocktails too sweet. So your sweet/sour ratio sounds good.
Elaine
Thanks Jacqueline! 🙂
Sherri
I’ve never had cherry brandy before. I will have to give it a try and make these mistletoe martinis! They are so perfect for holiday parties or to sip on while wrapping gifts and watching those Hallmark Christmas movies. 🙂
Elaine
Woohoo Sherri! I agree!
Chris
WHAT a pretty cocktail! Never would have thought of either garnish alone, much less together. Great recipe.
Elaine
Thank you Chris! I appreciate it!
Heidy
Hello, these Holiday Cocktails look magnificent! I could totally drink a few or 10 today! Lol!!
Elaine
Hehe. Thanks Heidy!
Monica | Nourish + Fete
These are so pretty, Elaine! I love the combination of raspberries and rosemary for garnishes!
Elaine
Thank you Monica! 🙂