If you’re looking for the merriest of martinis. This Very Merry Ornamentini is it! Who wouldn’t love a Christmas ornament cocktail?
We’ve made it halfway through the 12 Days of Christmas! That deserves a cocktail … a Christmas ornament 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.
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.
Very Merry Ornamentini (Christmas Ornament Cocktail):
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.
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!
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.
PrintThroughout 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.
Now that is an awesome drink idea! Great presentation. Thanks for sharing with us. Cheers!
Beyond creative!!!! You provided the best idea I’ve seen in years!
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!!
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!
Mad design skills. Check. Inspired photography talent. Check. Innate mixology and entertaining creativity. Check.
Having an ornament exchange at work … I am so bringing a Very Merry Ornamentini!!
how freaking cute are these drinks and the bar cart is mind blowing xx merry Christmas
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!
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!
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.
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.
Michael! Again with the geniusness! Thank you Mr. Martini!
Cutest idea for a martini EVER!! You have the most creative 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!!!!
This drink look so pretty! Great ideas!
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!
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. ***
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
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!
Michael the balls that you filled…where did you buy them? I know that the craft ones have lead in them…ie Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc. Someone sells them that are food safe but I am not finding them. I don’t have an account with Amazon so maybe they have them. A good excuse to join! If you can tell me where to buy them I would be so appreciative. My husband’s leukemia is out of remission again and I want to make some fancy drinks…although they have to be alcohol free I am going to try to make this one somehow without alcohol. Thank you for your help. I am so tired of being home…we are going to miss our vacation to Dollywood this autumn. I am relying on your crafts, foods(most important!), decor, etc to bring us to our own beautiful hotel for a stay at home vacation this year. His birthday is the 6th so would love to serve drinks in food safe ornaments.
Hi Debra, I think any glass ornament will work fine. It’s my understanding that most glass is food safe as it doesn’t leach chemicals into food like plastic. With that being said, I could be wrong, so please do your research. I used glass ornaments from Walmart.
xo Michael
Try Seedlip instead of the vodka. It’s a non alcoholic “spirit”
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!