Very Merry Ornamentini (Christmas Ornament Cocktail)
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If you’re looking for the merriest of martinis you need this Very Merry Ornamentini. It’s the ultimate Christmas cocktail served in an ornament. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Ornamentini Christmas Cocktail
I was recently brainstorming new holiday cocktail recipes. When I stumbled upon some clear glass ornaments 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. (I created this idea back in 2016. It’s not 2022 and there are hundreds of these. I still like to credit myself as the originator.)
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.
Want more Christmas cocktails? Try these:
- Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail
- Holly Jolly Christmas Punch
- Salted Caramel White Russians
- Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
What goes in an ornamentini:
First, let’s talk about the actual cocktail. I opted to create a variation on a classic cosmopolitan.
Ingredients:
- vodka as the base,
- cranberry juice,
- cherry juice,
- orange liqueur,
- and a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Shop Clear Class Ornaments
You’ll also need some ornaments. That’s what makes this Christmas cocktail so special! I used glass because it’s a bit more elegant, but plastic will work too.
- 3.75″ Glass Ball Ornaments (set of 4)
- 3.15″ Glass Ball Ornaments (set of 12)
- 3.15″ Plastic Ball Ornaments (set of 15)
Recipe Notes:
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.
If you liked this Christmas cocktail recipe, you’ll love these:
- Salted Caramel White Russians
- The BEST Mulled Wine
- White Christmas Martini
- Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- Crock-Pot Sangria
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!
Love this Christmas cocktail recipe?
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Very Merry Ornamentini
Ingredients
- 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 (linked in notes) and fresh rosemary sprigs to garnish
Instructions
- 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.
I made this for a dinner We hosted. Bought glass balls, did sugared cranberries. It was beautiful! I have a question – where did you get that pretty cocktail shaker with gold rim? Love the martini glasses to – where did you find that shape? Brand? I think I may have found some similar. I thought there used to be a link in Pinterest post for glasses.
How many servings is the recipe for? It doesn’t seem like enough to make 4 drinks. Thank you! Planning on making Tuesday for my girlfriend party!
Four me it served four, but you’re welcome to double the recipe if you feel like it won’t be enough for you.
xo Michael
Is it regular cherry juice or tart cherry juice? Mine does not have the rich ruby red color shown in the photos. It looks more like a traditional cosmo.
Any of the cherry juice I’ve used for recipes has been a really deep ruby red color. You want cherry juice, not the juice from a jar of cherries .. if that makes sense.
xo Michael
Just did this at my Christmas party, but did a simpler cocktail since I didn’t have all the ingredients with 2 oz vodka, 2 oz cranberry juice, 2 oz Trader joe’s wassail punch, but kept the garnish and cranberries, and it was a hit! We used coup glasses and it was lovely
This is so fun and creative! I can’t wait to make this
Question what cherry juice do you recommend? Tart? Or sweetened
These were SUCH a hit last year. I can’t wait to make the again. Thanks Michael!!
Should I be using sugar free cherry and cranberry juice? I made a new cranberry margarita recipe at Thanksgiving with organic cranberry juice-no sugar, and it was so sour. The only way I could make it palpable was to add more triple sec…ended up tasting more orange than cranberry.
All of that said, I am fine with some tartness. I’ve saved this recipe on Pinterest a couple of years ago and am excited to finally make it. Thanks!!
HELP‼️‼️‼️ I’ve bought everything including martini glasses, glass balls and put everyone’s name on them, Rosemary etc., for my party tomorrow night. I sugared my cranberries.
I made up a batch and it tastes like Hawaiian Punch!!! I cannot serve that. What’s a woman to do????????
There is no added sugar / syrup so it shouldn’t taste like Hawaiian Punch. Did you get 100% juice? Add more vodka / orange liquor? If you don’t like the recipe, find a martini recipe you like and serve that. I share what I make and what I enjoy. Unfortunately that will not always please everyone. I can only do so much.
xo Michael
Love this! I am definitely making these for my Christmas party! Will try to post a pic!! Thank you!
Thank you Gloria!!
xo Michael
OMG! This is so creative. I love it and sharing on my little cocktail blog.
Thank you, thank you!
Michael,
Your bar cart styling is perfection! I love how it looks like a lot going on but in a simple minimalistic way. You have always inspired me and I love your style. Keep up the great work!
I love this idea, it is so creative and classic. I like never been done before.
Your creativity is so amazing! I love looking at all of the pictures of your decorating, entertaining, etc. What talent you have. Merry Christmas!
Love this idea! What size ornament did you use?!
This was a Huge hit at my girls Christmas cocktail party!
Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks Tiffany! So glad they were a hit!
xo Michael