Sip & Slay: My Favorite Christmas Martinis This Season

Martinis will always be in. Period. But Christmas martinis? Those are a different sport. And listen, I know, I KNOW, some of the cocktails on this list are not technically martinis. But the internet has decided that if you pour something into a martini glass, it becomes a martini. And honestly? I support that kind of delusion.

We are in an era where everything is a martini:

• Espresso martini
• Breakfast martini
• Margarita “martini”
• Ranch martini (don’t ask)
• And my personal favorite, someone called lemon water in a coupe glass a “hydration martini.”

So yes, some of the drinks below are absolutely not martinis… but if you put them in a martini glass? They are now. That’s the law.

This season, Pinterest is overflowing with Christmas cocktail chaos; creamy, sparkly, boozy, dessert-y, and a few concoctions that feel spiritually dangerous. But delicious? Absolutely.

I’ve pulled my favorites, sorted them by liquor, and left space for you to add your favorite Pinterest pins, including my bonus Christmas board of recipes I’m obsessed with.

Why Christmas Martinis Are That Girl During the Holidays

Christmas cocktails come with an extra sprinkle of attitude, nostalgia, and “I deserve something cute in a fancy glass.”

Martinis during the holidays feel:

• Festive without being childish
• Grown but still fun
• Strong enough to help you survive your family
• Pretty enough for photos
• And easy enough to make at home

Plus, holiday flavors? IMMACULATE.
Cranberry, maple, cinnamon, peppermint, gingerbread — it’s giving cozy adult beverage excellence.

And sure, some recipes online look like lab experiments, but that’s what your kitchen is for. If it gets shaken, stirred, or poured with intention, it counts.

How to Use This Guide

I organized everything by liquor because we’re adults with preferences and boundaries.

This list includes:

• Vodka
• Tequila (with an apology)
• Bourbon
• Whiskey
• Rum
• Cognac (with another apology)

Each category has 1–2 of my favorite Christmas “martinis,” plus bonus recipes from my Pinterest board for you to add.

And remember: I don’t care what the drink technically is — if it looks cute in a martini glass, it’s a martini.

My Favorite Christmas Martinis (By Liquor Type)

Vodka Christmas Martinis

Vodka works with almost any flavor — creamy, fruity, minty, tart. It’s the Beyoncé of holiday cocktail bases.

1. White Cranberry Vodka Cocktail

She’s light, pretty, and festive, like a snow globe in martini form.
Crisp cranberry + vodka + a little rosemary sprig? ELITE.

2. Sugar Cookie Martini

Is it dessert? Is it a cocktail? Yes.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, girls night, or when you want your drink to taste like sweet holiday chaos.

Tequila Christmas “Martinis”

Before we begin:
I hate that every tequila “holiday martini” is really… a margarita in a different font. Why can’t tequila get real martini representation? Why must we always be here?

1. Santa Tequila Cocktail

Cute, festive, tastes like a cheerful margarita in disguise.

2. Gingerbread Margarita

Yep. It’s a margarita.
But put it in a martini glass and boom — it’s a martini. Holiday magic.

Bourbon Christmas Martinis

Bourbon is warm, cozy, and tastes like someone built a fireplace inside your drink.

1. Maple Bourbon Martini

Smooth, deep, warm — like a weighted blanket for your insides.

2. Brown Sugar Cranberry Bourbon Martini

Sweet, tart, and dramatic in the best way.

BONUS RECIPES TO ADD (because bourbon does not play):

• Gingerbread Bourbon Smash
• Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Whiskey Christmas Martinis

Whiskey girlies and masc girlies — this is your season.

1. Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour Martini

Festive, gorgeous, and perfect for people who like a strong drink with personality.

2. Christmas Whiskey Sour Martini

Classic whiskey sour but dressed up for the holidays.

Rum Christmas “Martinis”

Rum said, “I may not be a martini, but I can participate.”

1. Cranberry Rum Sour

Crisp, tart, and surprisingly sophisticated.

2. Spiced Rum White Russian

A rum-forward twist on a creamy holiday classic.
Not a martini, but baby… the glass will convince people otherwise.

Cognac Christmas… Marti—No.

I have nothing for you here.
Cognac girlies:
Be a lady!
Order something regal. Sip it neat. Lift your pinky. Enjoy your mystery and elegance.

My Christmas Cocktail Pinterest Board (Your New Obsession)

If you want to take this Christmas martini journey to the next level, I put all of my favorite holiday cocktail recipes in one place — my Pinterest board. Once you open the board, you’ll see a dedicated section titled “Christmas Cocktails” that includes every single recipe I mentioned above… plus a few bonus ones I couldn’t fit into this blog because I was trying not to overwhelm you (and also trying to appear like I have self-control).

Inside the board, you’ll find:

• Vodka martinis
• Tequila “martinis” (margaritas wearing little disguises)
• Bourbon holiday cocktails
• Whiskey sour martinis
• Rum creations that deserve their moment
• And a respectful silence where cognac recipes would go

Everything is neatly organized so you can save, recreate, remix, or screenshot for later. Whether you’re hosting, cozying up at home, or showing off on IG stories, the recipes in this board will keep you in your festive-mixologist era all season long.

Tips for Serving Your Christmas Martinis at Home

A fancy glass can fix almost anything, but here are a few more tricks:

• Chill your martini glasses — it makes you look serious.
• Use fresh citrus — the bottled stuff isn’t invited.
• Garnishes matter — rosemary, sugared cranberries, or cinnamon sticks elevate the whole situation.
• Shake confidently — timid shaking leads to sad drinks.
• Make a martini bar — it’s the adult version of Build-A-Bear.

Add Your Pinterest Recipe Pins Here

This is where your Christmas martini inspo goes — especially your:

• bonus recipes
• gingerbread-everything cocktails
• the Pinterest board full of holiday drinks you will “try” this season but may not touch until next year

Conclusion

Christmas cocktails are chaotic, festive, and absolutely not limited to real martini recipes — and that’s why I love them. Whether you’re sipping vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, or pretending to sip cognac like a classy auntie, there’s a holiday drink here ready to elevate your season.

Bookmark this, add your Pinterest inspiration, and make a martini out of anything this Christmas. Shake it, garnish it, serve it in a cute glass… boom. Holiday magic.

Cheers to good drinks, good vibes, and a season full of delicious delusion.