We’ve made it halfway through the 12 Days of Christmas! That deserves a cocktail. Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas here on IBC. I’m so happy to have you with me for this merry series. In celebration of reaching the midway point, I thought a cocktail was in order. Today we are making a Very Merry Ornamentini.
Let’s shake up this cocktail.
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As you can imagine, it’s a lot of fun to brainstorm ideas for this series, but it can be a bit stressful, too. (You can read more about my creative thinking process here.) When planning 12 Days, I knew I wanted to include a cocktail. With the success of my Jingle Juice Holiday Punch last year, I had some big glasses to fill. Literally. My initial thought was to make a Hot Cocoa Martini, but a quick web search revealed that it had been done many times over.
Then, as I was putting together my clear glass ornament gift ideas a few days ago, it hit me. Why not make a holiday martini, but serve it in a glass ornament!? I loved the idea, but wondered if had been done before. After a quick Google and Pinterest search, I was thrilled to see it hadn’t been tackled. #winning
Following some experimentation and decision making, the perfect seasonal martini recipe was born. Thus, I present to you the Very Merry Ornamentini!
Tell me that this isn’t one of the most festive and fun martinis ever. I’m certain Buddy the Elf would approve.
First, let’s talk about the actual cocktail. I opted to create a variation on a classic cosmopolitan. With vodka as the base, I added cranberry juice, cherry juice, orange liqueur, and a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Adding cherry juice and substituting orange juice for lime juice is what makes this drink different and seasonal. The cherry juice gives it a beautiful deep red color and the orange juice suits this time of year. The resulting flavor combination is deliciously classic with a twist.
Garnished with a few of those sugared cranberries I taught you how to make here, plus a sprig of fresh rosemary, this martini is Christmas AF.
Now, you’re probably wondering how to serve this.
You could pop a straw in the ornament or drink directly from it. However, I don’t love either of those ideas. That’s not how to enjoy a martini.
My suggestion is to serve the cocktail in the ornament and invite each guest to pour the cocktail over the cranberries into a glass. Or if you’re hosting a dinner party, you can present it and pour it for your guests.
Sidenote: As you can imagine, ornaments weren’t designed for pouring liquids. What I’ve learned is to only fill them about 90% full and to pour slowly into the martini glass. This will help prevent spills.
These martinis do take a little longer to prepare, but they can be made in advance. Mix up the cocktails several hours before your party (or the morning of) and portion them into the ornaments. Pop them in the refrigerator and pull them out when it’s serving time. That way there’s no fuss during the actual gathering.
Christmas cocktail perfected. What do you think?
I’d recommend these for a party of up to 10 people. If you’re serving a crowd, definitely check out my Jingle Juice Holiday Punch.
Let’s shake up a few!
Makes 4 martinis
Here's what you will need:
1 cup vodka (I prefer Tito's.)
1/2 cup orange liqueur (I prefer Cointreau.)
1/2 cup cherry juice*
1/4 cup cranberry juice*
1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed with pulp removed
Sugared cranberries (recipe HERE) and fresh rosemary sprigs to garnish
*Use 100% juice. I found mine in the juice aisle at Walmart. It should be readily available.
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously.
Using a funnel, pour the mixture into four 3-inch clear glass ornaments that have been rinsed. Replace the topper on each ornament.
Add sugared cranberries and a rosemary sprig to four martini glasses. Set the ornament in the glass to serve. Before drinking, slowly pour the contents of the ornament onto the cranberries.
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I know I say this a lot, but this might be my new favorite thing. I vow not to drink a cocktail this holiday season unless it’s served in an ornament. Haha!
Cheers, friends!
Throughout this post, I hope you’ve also been admiring my new bar cart. I shared it with you in my Holiday Home Tour, but wanted to give it a little more attention today.
It’s the Oak Park Bar Cart from Grandin Road. It’s definitely a big upgrade from my previous bar cart which was an old metal stand I picked up for $8 at Goodwill many years ago.
Naturally, I filled it with some seasonal and staple liquors as well as lots of fun accessories, trays, glassware, and holiday touches. I even found room to hang a plaid and sequined stocking that matches my tree skirt. (I’ve linked up a few of my bar cart accessories like the cocktail shaker, brass pitcher, and ornaments on SHOP IBC. Click here for links.)
All-in-all, I’m loving the change and rich look it gives my dining room. Also, I hope you enjoyed this unique and festive cocktail!
Join me back here tomorrow for Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas when I’ll be showing you around my holiday kitchen and sharing a delicious sweet treat.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 2016
Pour me one please lol
This is incredible!! I want to be in your brain for a day lol
I truly love it!!! & that bar cart is awesome!
Thanks for the chance to win it. I currently try don’t have one at all lol:(
Your blog/ideas & amazing photography inspires me alot Michael! Happy Holidays!
Hi … Just want to say that I entered under my work email (kmagee@) but most of all of my social accounts are under my gmail (klynnnn@) just wanted to make sure I get all my entries for this awesome bar cart! ;).
Do you have a source for the cocktail shaker?
Awesome! Thanks for entering.
And yes, I have the cocktail shaker linked up on my shop page: inspiredbycharm.com/shop
xo Michael
Cool! Thanks!
That drink, that bar cart….I have no words to tell you how much I love both. Please keep amazing us!
You’re too kind! Thank you so much! I’m loving them too!
xo Michael
Love, love, love this yummy ornament idea! Love your tree this year as well its breathtaking.
Great inspiration as I’m decorating with the same colors inspired by my new place! Great ideas that I will definitely follow.
****I have been eyeing this bar cart for months from Grandin Road fingers crossed. Great job on your $8 find. Just beautiful. ***
Oh my goodness! I LOVE it! What a wonderful, festive, and SO unique way to present a cocktail! It makes me wish that I was hosting a party this year. I think you’ve out done yourself with this one!
This drink look so pretty! Great ideas!
How stinking cute is that martini! So copying this one- you’ll make me look like a genius! Especially if I had a cool bar cart!!!!
Cutest idea for a martini EVER!! You have the most creative ideas!
Michael! Again with the geniusness! Thank you Mr. Martini!
I love checking out your blog – you always have beautiful pictures and fabulous ideas! I must say, this ornamentini is both brilliant and beautiful! I can’t wait to make these and blow away my dinner party guests. So clever. Thank you.
Fantastic! This are oh my Make for Christmas list and pinned it so I have reference to it.
I have wanted a bar cart for longer than I can remember but being disabled on a fixed income somehow the bills always insist on being paid. Would love to win, of course.
Genius! The ornamemtini is the best thing I have ever seen! I will totally be using this fab idea this holiday season and for many more to come!
What a brilliant idea and such a great way to put a new twist on a holiday cocktail party. I’m totally inspired by your ornamentini!
how freaking cute are these drinks and the bar cart is mind blowing xx merry Christmas
Having an ornament exchange at work … I am so bringing a Very Merry Ornamentini!!
Mad design skills. Check. Inspired photography talent. Check. Innate mixology and entertaining creativity. Check.
This is the best thing EVER!! Love how it looks and can’t wait to taste it… Thanks for your constant inspiration!! Can we talk about those little tree-topped stirrers? Source?
I would like to know where to get the stirrers too! Adorable!
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!!
Beyond creative!!!! You provided the best idea I’ve seen in years!
Now that is an awesome drink idea! Great presentation. Thanks for sharing with us. Cheers!
Great design, love the idea!
I’m never going to look at Christmas balls the same! Simply delightful presentation of what sounds like a delicious cocktail! Can’t wait to WOW my guests!
My mom friends and I rotate hosting Friday happy hours, and when I saw this cocktail, I volunteered to host. They are going to lose their minds! One thing: the links to the sugared cranberries are wrong. It should be to this: https://inspiredbycharm.com/2016/12/sugared-cranberries-and-gingerbread-house-cake.html
Thanks in advance for making me look like a cool mom!
Okay, now I see that the correct links are in the actual recipe! But in the text, they go to the Jungle Juice recipe.
Oops! Sorry about that. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll adjust. 🙂
xo Michael
The evening was a huge success! Everybody was freaking out over the cocktail presentation. Bonus: The cocktail’s not just cute, people, it’s delicious! I also served your caramel apple cream cheese spread. On my table that sits under my knock-off Pottery Barn chandelier like yours. It was a Michael-y Christmas-y happy hour. Thanks for making me look good!
The evening was a huge success! Everybody was freaking out over the cocktail presentation. Bonus: The cocktail’s not just cute, people, it’s delicious! I also served your caramel apple cream cheese spread. On my table that sits under my knock-off Pottery Barn chandelier like yours. It was a Michael-y Christmas-y happy hour. Thanks for making me look good!
TIP: Put your sugared cranberries in the freezer before your serve them. They keep your drink cold.
I wanted to find a small 2-4 oz round glass bottles that I could fill with my xmas gifts of homemade liqueurs. The bottles could be fixed to have a clip to use as an ornament. Any ideas where I can find what I’m looking for?
Start with Amazon or check local craft stores.
xo Michael
These were great and very pretty. I love that they could be made ahead.
I stumbled upon this page through Pinterest and I was wondering if the metal piece from the ornament top affects the flavor of the drink. Those things can rust sometimes or have a dust on it that I find would not be sanitary for the drink(er). Thoughts?
Kim, I had no issues with the metal topper affecting the flavor or rusting. Maybe if they were stored for an extended period of time (which I really wouldn’t recommend) you might have more an of issue. As with anything food related, I recommend washing and drying before use. Also, you can just not use the metal piece if that still bothers you.
xo Michael
I have one tiny concern here, what if when removing the top the glass breaks? I’m only saying this not to criticize in ANY way, but this happened to me when I tried to use these to fill with various confetti once for a special treee I was designing for a friend. A chunk of glass from around the rim broke off. It could happen and without knowing fall in someone’s glass. Just a friendly FYI!
Linda, you’re totally right. As with anything glass, this could happen. Obviously don’t serve the drink if the glass chips or breaks. If it’s just a chip, you can strain the liquid (cocktail) with a coffee filter if you want to save the drink and try again.
Also, for a fool-proof presentation, use the clear plastic ornaments. Not as chic, but no risk of breaking.
xo Michael
Please tell me what you do with the ornaments after you have used all or part of the martini mix? Won’t they tip and spill? Don’t really want my table cloths stained. Was thinking maybe a silver napkin ring to set on it’s side and set the ornament in? What did you do to prevent a messy stain. Really want to try this! Great idea.
Jenny, the contents of my ornament fit perfectly into my martini glass so I didn’t have any extra that would spill. The empty ornaments can be placed into a bowl or the sink to be cleaned. Only fill the ornament with enough liquid to fill your martini glass. The glass ornaments comes in a few different sizes. Hope that helps!
xo Michael
LOVE this idea! Any tips on how to got the martini drink into the ornament??
A funnel. 🙂
xo Michael
What a fun idea! So creative and festive and your pictures are fantastic!
Where can I get the ornaments?
Amazon, craft stores, Walmart, etc.
xo Michael
Where did you find food friendly glass ornaments?
I just used clear glass ornaments and washed them before adding the cocktail.
xo Michael
That’s my concern. Glass with lead in it probably isn’t very healthy.
were can i get this glass ornaments. I really love this idea.
I just bought clear glass ornaments at Hobby Lobby and took the little top off. Once I cleaned them out, they were good to go. My girlfriends were impressed!
I am trying this recipe for sure! Where did you get those rimmed martini glasses; I love them?
Thanks! I love the martini glasses too! They are linked under “Kitchen Essentials” on my shop page: https://inspiredbycharm.com/shop
xo Michael
I am so trying this….is n awesome Idea. Everything looks so beautiful
I am planning on presenting this super cool cocktail for my cocktail party this Christmas season. I found some plastic screw top baubles in Asda (they even have an authentic looking loop) – they originally held bubble bath for £1 each – but totally look the part and no fears about glass chips. Emptied, rinsed, rinsed, soaked and rinsed again – they are the perfect size. Just struggling with the Cherry Juice. It looks like I can get cherry juice concentrate in UK – but not just cherry juice. Just checking – is yours concentrate or fresh juice please? I’ll let you know how it goes 🙂
Awesome! That sounds great, Sue! I found the cherry juice at the grocery store near the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, etc. It comes in a bottle on the shelf. Hope that helps!
xo Michael
Hello, I looove this idea!! I am going to try it for my Christmas family gathering. I am sure it will be a festive hit. Can you tell me where you purchased those beautiful martini glasses from? Thanks, Merry Christmas! 🙂 Elaina
I have a long narrow glass vase that I use for floral arrangements down the length of my dining table. I’m going to put crushed ice and cranberries in it and top it with a row of these beautiful martini ornaments at my next Christmas party. It will look so festive on the bar! Yhanks for the inspiration
Tres darlin’! I loved scrolling your pictures! Bravo on such a spirited idea.
I am in love with this cocktail! It was a bit hit at my girls night. Question, I have a larger event coming up and wondering if I can use this same recipe but make a large batch and serve in a dispenser? Would it come out okay? Thanks for your help!