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This Sugar Cookie Martini captures the essence of a festive treat in a glass, combining creamy sweetness with rich vanilla and almond notes. It’s perfect when you want a cocktail that feels like dessert with a fun holiday twist.
I first made this on a chilly December evening, and it quickly became a go-to for holiday gatherings. Guests always ask for the recipe because it tastes like a boozy sugar cookie you can sip.
Ingredients
- Ice: for chilling the mixture and shaking the cocktail well
- Vanilla vodka: provides the main spirit with soft vanilla flavor, choose a smooth brand for best results
- White chocolate liqueur: such as Godiva adds luscious sweetness and creamy texture
- Irish cream: brings a velvety, slightly boozy creaminess that balances the flavors
- Disaronno Velvet or regular amaretto: for an almond aroma and richness, Velvet offers a creamier profile
- Heavy cream: enriches the drink for a decadent mouthfeel, go with fresh and high-fat cream
- Vanilla extract: enhances the vanilla notes and layers the flavor profile naturally
- White chocolate squares: for melting onto the glass rim, quality chocolate melts smoothly and tastes best
- Christmas sprinkles: to decorate the rim providing a festive crunch and pop of color
Instructions
- Prepare the Rim:
- Place melted white chocolate in a small plate and gently dip the rim of your chilled martini glass into the chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Immediately dip the chocolateed rim into a plate of Christmas sprinkles and roll the glass to coat the rim fully with sprinkles. Set aside carefully to let the chocolate firm up slightly.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice to chill the liquid well. Add the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, Irish cream, Disaronno Velvet or regular amaretto, heavy cream, and two drops of vanilla extract. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold to the touch.
- Serve:
- Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass, taking care not to disturb the decorated rim. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and festive rim at their best.
One of my favorite things about this martini is how the white chocolate and sprinkles on the rim bring childhood joy into an adult beverage. It always sparks smiles and memories of holiday baking sessions with family.
Storage Tips
Cocktails like this are best made fresh but if you want to prepare the mix ahead, keep the liquid components chilled without ice and shake just before serving. The rim is best done last minute.
Ingredient Substitutions
If white chocolate liqueur is unavailable, a vanilla cream liqueur can work well although the distinctive white chocolate flavor is somewhat unique. For the almond spirit, regular amaretto is a fine substitute if you don’t have Disaronno Velvet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside simple vanilla or sugar cookies to complement the flavors in the drink. It also pairs nicely with light salty snacks such as roasted nuts to balance the sweetness.
This festive cocktail offers a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and holiday fun. Enjoy responsibly and savor every sip.
FAQs about Recipes
- → How do I prepare the glass rim?
Melt white chocolate and dip the rim of a chilled martini glass into it, then roll the rim in Christmas sprinkles for a festive coating.
- → What type of vodka works best?
Vanilla vodka enhances the creamy and sweet flavors, perfectly complementing the white chocolate and Irish cream.
- → Can I substitute Disaronno Velvet?
Yes, you can use regular amaretto in slightly smaller quantity for a similar almond flavor.
- → How should the drink be mixed?
Shake all ingredients with ice vigorously until cold, then strain into the prepared glass for a smooth texture.
- → What gives the drink its creamy texture?
Heavy cream combined with Irish cream and white chocolate liqueur creates a rich, velvety mouthfeel.