White Christmas Martini
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Celebrate the holiday season with my recipe for a white Christmas martini! Garnished with a sparkly sugared rim, this cocktail is like an adults-only white chocolate milkshake in a martini glass. You’re going to love it.
White Christmas martini
Whenever I’m celebrating a special holiday or occasion, I think it’s fun to concoct a signature holiday cocktail. And, given that the holiday season is so long, having several seasonal recipes is a smart move.
In addition to its creamy, chocolaty flavor, I love this martini because it’s not Christmas-specific. It’s enjoyable with an adorable mini candy cane garnish for the season, but this recipe will take you well into the winter months. It’s seasonal without being overly festive.
Speaking of peppermint, if you want a peppermint version of this recipe, check out my White Chocolate Peppermint Martini!
Want more cocktail recipes? Try these:
- Naughty But Nice Christmas Cocktail
- Holly Jolly Christmas Punch
- Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- Spiced Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
- Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini
Frequently asked questions about Christmas martinis
Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about Christmas martini cocktails. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.
What is the official drink of Christmas?
This all depends on where you live and what you enjoy drinking. Some people might say that eggnog and wassail are Christmas drinks. Others like to say that hot cocoa is the official drink of the holiday.
I love chocolate, so I made a white chocolate martini that is really popular at holiday parties.
What is the best alcohol for a martini?
A martini should always be made with a vodka base. Beyond that, you mix the vodka with different types of liquor, depending on the recipe.
What is the best type of white chocolate liqueur?
I am partial to the Godiva white chocolate liqueur because I am a fan of just about anything Godiva makes. Borgata also makes a rich and creamy white chocolate liqueur that is really popular too.
Grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s mix one up.
Ingredients
I used the creamiest and richest ingredients in this holiday cocktail – and you can taste it! Here’s some more information about what I used in this easy Christmas martini.
- Vanilla Vodka: I am not partial to a specific brand, just make sure you get a vanilla-flavored vodka if you want to mask the strong liquor taste.
- White Chocolate Liqueur: This is what gives the martini the “hot cocoa” taste. I like Godiva’s White Chocolate Liqueur. If you can’t find that use Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur.
- White Creme de Cacao: Yes, I used two different white chocolate liquors, and it made all the difference in this martini. They complement each other perfectly.
- Half and Half: If you are dairy-free, you can use canned coconut milk instead.
- Honey and Course Sanding Sugar: This is for the rim of the glass.
How to make a white Christmas martini
You can find a full ingredient list and detailed instructions for this Christmas martini in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- First, pour the honey into one shallow dish and the sanding sugar into another dish. Coat the rim of your martini glass with the honey and the sugar, and then set it aside.
- Next, fill a cocktail shaker with vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, and half-and-half.
- Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared martini glass.
That’s it! You are ready to sip your creamy, chocolatey martini.
Make it a Batch Cocktail
If you’re hosting a large party, you can mix up this cocktail in advance. Just increase the amounts of each ingredient and add everything to a pitcher. When guests are ready, they can simply shake up a serving with ice and add it to their martini glass.
It’s that easy!
That’s a wrap on my white Christmas martini!
As you will soon discover, this is a cocktail that most people will love. The ingredients are simple and approachable.
I hope you give this white Christmas martini recipe a taste test. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
Also, if martinis are too strong for you, then be sure to check out my recipe for this delicious cherry almond cocktail. It’s garnished with a chocolate-dipped cherry. What’s not to love?
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
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White Christmas Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 2 ounce white chocolate liqueur
- 1 ounce white creme de cacao
- 1 ounce half-and-half
- Honey and coarse sanding sugar for rim garnish
Instructions
- Pour the honey into a shallow dish and put the sanding sugar in another shallow dish. Coat the rim of the glass in the honey; then dip the rim in the sugar to coat evenly. Set the glass aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, and half-and-half. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared martini glass.
This was awesome! But instead of using sugar I use powdered sugar.
I was reading a novel by Lori Wilde called THE CHRISTMAS DARE they were having a party and the bartender was making these drinks. the ingredients were mentioned but not amounts. I went to Google and WALLA. I found the recipe and can’t wait to try it. thank you so much
We made these yesterday for pre- Christmas dinner cocktails. They were amazing! When we ran out of crime de cacao, we substituted Kahlua and it was delicious as well! I have one question – where can I get those beautiful martini glasses???
Made these for the first time last year…..oh my oh my oh my!! Actually had new bottles of all the ingredients and was in a crunch for a party gift exchange. Threw them in a festive bag, added Michael’s printed recipe on a card and a shiny shaker and HO HO HO…. the perfect gift! Except then I had to go out and buy the ingredients all over again. 🙂
We are having them again this year, just me and the hubs. Merry Christmas Michael and friends! YOU ARE AMAZING!!
Is this recipe gluten free? Planning to serve at our family Christmas.
I’m not completely versed in what’s gluten-free. You can check the recipe ingredients and see if they work for your families’ dietary needs. Cheers!
xo Michael
so this recipe is for one only?
The recipe makes one cocktail. Feel free to double, triple, etc for more. Cheers!
xo Michael
Hello
Could you use fat free half and half? Wanting to lighten it up!
You can use whatever you’d like. However, I can’t guarantee the results using different ingredients.
xo Michael
Oh my! These are amazing!! Every year we look for a signature cocktail for the Christmas season. This year I choose this martini. Sooooo good! I used red sugar sprinkles for the rim and sprinkled a few in the drink once poured. We even used this recipe for our sons engagement party drink.
I actually didnt have half and half and used baileys coffee creamer. Turned out amazing!!
I made these for friends this weekend and they are delish and my guests loved them – ended up making several batches!!! Added a candy cane garnish – so festive.
Fabulous idea!! Cheers!
xo Mihael
I wish people would post reviews once they make it…..looks beautiful. Has anyone tried, how is it?
I just made it. It is similar to a White Russian but more chocolate and the honey on the rim is a very nice touch.
I thought the same thing. I like the idea of crushed candy canes…or a drop of peppermint schnapps?
There’s a peppermint version of this cocktail here: https://inspiredbycharm.com/white-chocolate-peppermint-martini/
I made it for my Bunco ladies! Everyone loved it! They are also beautiful!!!!🎄
Sounds lovely! But could you suggest a sustitute for the honey? Honey is just so messy!
Would you post the recipe for making the larger quantity for a party. This will be perfect for my girls night.
I personally haven’t made it as a large batch. However, you could just multiple the ingredients by the number of people you’re serving. Hope that helps!
xo Michael
Love your blog and the Martini looks good
What kind of cocktail shaker is this? I love it!
It’s called a Mason Jar Shaker. Just google it, you’ll find a few. 🙂
xo Michael
Um, yah, Micheal! We’re all over this one! Thanks! And Cheers!
I have been looking for white crème de cocoa and can only find clear. What do you use? love your blog! So glad I found it.
Susan, Yep! That’s what you want. 🙂 I use the same. And thanks so much, I’m so glad you found it too.
xo Michael
Thanks so much for answering!
Omg this looks absolutely decadent. I can’t wait to try it!
This looks delicious…and I can’t wait to try it! Thanks so much for sharing! Pinning!
I usually host Thanksgiving and always do one signature cocktail. This isn’t very Thanksgiving’y but boy oh boy does it sound amazing. May just have to pretend it was the Pilgrim’s recipe. You’re my favorite blogger. Thanks for sharing!
You are too kind Kathleen! Thank you. And yes, you can totally make it work for Turkey Day! It would be the perfect after dinner cocktail with a slice of pumpkin pie.
xo Michael
How would it work with crushed candy cane around the rim with the honey? Do you think ok?
Of course! That would be delish!
xo Michael