The ornament martini—sometimes called an ornamentini or Christmas bauble cocktail—is a playful, festive take on a classic martini that’s ideal for holiday gatherings. It’s easy to customize with different juices, flavored vodkas, or liqueurs so you can tailor the flavor and appearance to your party.
What is an Ornament Martini?
An ornament martini is a holiday cocktail presented inside a clear, fillable ornament so the drink resembles a Christmas tree bauble. The transparent container highlights bright, seasonal colors and makes the cocktail a memorable centerpiece for any celebration.
These drinks are colorful, customizable, and fun to serve. The ornament itself becomes the serving vessel—place it in a glass, nestle it in a bowl of ice, or set it on a stand to display the contents.
Key Characteristics
- Cocktail Variations: Swap juices, flavored vodkas, or liqueurs—try cranberry, pomegranate, cherry, orange liqueur, peppermint, cinnamon, or spiced apple vodka to create different profiles.
- Presentation: Fill clear glass ornaments to showcase color; add edible glitter, ribbons, tags, or small herb sprigs. Place the baubles on a martini or coupe glass garnished with cranberries or rosemary for an elegant look.
- Why It’s Popular: It blends festive aesthetics with an interactive serving style—guests can uncap and pour the drink or sip directly from the ornament—making it an excellent option for holiday entertaining.
List of Ingredients
- 2 ounces citron vodka
- ½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 ounce cherry or pomegranate juice
- 1 ounce cranberry juice (100% unsweetened recommended)
- ½ ounce orange juice
- ⅛ tsp food-grade red luster dust (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use plain vodka and add about ½ ounce lemon juice if you prefer a citrus edge.
- Mix any red juices you like—cherry, pomegranate, and cranberry work well. Adjust proportions to taste.
- Substitute triple sec with elderflower liqueur for a floral twist.
- Garnishes: rosemary sprigs, orange slices, pomegranate arils, or cranberries. Sugared cranberries look festive but may dissolve when the cocktail is poured.
Supplies For Holiday Ornament Cocktails
Clear, fillable glass ornaments are ideal for bauble cocktails; glass looks nicer and can be washed and reused. A small funnel makes filling the ornaments much easier and cleaner. Aside from ornaments and a funnel, a shaker and martini or coupe glasses are all you need—substitute a mason jar with a lid if you don’t have a shaker.
How to Make an Ornament Martini
- Prepare ornaments: Clean and dry each ornament, then remove the tops.
- Mix: Add vodka, triple sec, cherry or pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, and luster dust (if using) to a cocktail shaker with a couple of ice cubes.
- Shake: Shake until chilled and slightly frothy, about 20–30 seconds.
- Fill ornaments: Use a small funnel to pour the cocktail from the shaker into the ornament. Set each ornament in a glass for stability and replace the cap securely after filling.
- Serve: Add fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig to a martini or coupe glass, then place the filled bauble on top.
- Guests can uncap and pour the bauble into the glass or sip directly with a straw. Enjoy!
Food Pairing Options
The ornament martini’s fruity, citrus-forward profile pairs well with a range of holiday appetizers and sweets. Here are pairing ideas to complement the drink:
Appetizers
- Cheese and charcuterie: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with cranberry or fig jam; cured meats such as prosciutto or salami.
- Savory pastries: Mini quiches, puff pastry bites, or phyllo-wrapped brie provide a rich, buttery contrast.
- Cranberry glazed meatballs: Sweet and savory bites that echo the cocktail’s fruit notes.
- Seafood: Shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon crostini for a light, elegant option.
Desserts
- White chocolate truffles: Creamy, sweet treats to balance tartness.
- Peppermint bark: A festive crunch ideal with peppermint- or spice-infused martinis.
- Mini tarts: Cranberry, pecan, or apple tarts that echo seasonal flavors.
- Gingerbread cookies: Warm spice notes pair nicely with fruity or citrus cocktails.
Light Bites
- Candied nuts: Sweet and crunchy, a great nibble alongside cocktails.
- Spiced popcorn: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a white chocolate drizzle for a playful pairing.
- Fresh fruit skewers: Berries, citrus segments, or grapes for a bright contrast.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the Best Way to Serve the Ornamentini at a Party?
Arrange a festive drink station with ornaments displayed on a tray, tree stand, or ice bed. Label variations and provide martini glasses or straws so guests can choose how they’d like to enjoy the drink. Garnishes like rosemary, edible glitter, or sugared cranberries add a special touch.
How Do I Safely Serve the Cocktail in a Glass Ornament?
Use new, food-safe ornaments intended for serving liquids. Fill with a funnel and secure lids to avoid leaks. Display ornaments in sturdy holders to prevent tipping and inspect each ornament for cracks before use.
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Yes. Replace vodka with white cranberry or white grape juice, and substitute triple sec with non-alcoholic orange syrup or a little extra orange juice for a tasty mocktail version.
Recipe Tips For the Best Bauble Cocktails
- Adjust alcohol strength by reducing vodka or increasing juice to suit your guests.
- To control sweetness, start with unsweetened juices and add sweetener only if needed.
- If using edible glitter, note that it will settle over time; stir gently after pouring to keep the sparkle suspended.
How Do I Store Leftover Ornaments?
Transfer leftover cocktails to a sealed container or keep them in food-safe, tightly sealed ornaments. Refrigerate promptly; most mixed cocktails remain fresh for 1–2 days. Clean ornaments thoroughly before reusing them for drinks.
More Christmas Cocktails
White Christmas Margarita: Easy Holiday Tequila Cocktail!
Frosted Mistletoe Margarita: Christmas Cocktail Recipe!
White Christmas Martini: Easy Holiday Cocktail With Vodka
Snow Globe Cocktail: Festive Christmas Drink Recipe!
Final Thoughts
Ornament martinis are a festive, eye-catching way to serve cocktails at holiday gatherings. They combine bright fruit and citrus flavors with a charming presentation that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Fill and cap the baubles in the morning, chill them, and display on ice or in glasses for a low-stress, high-impact serving option.
If you want a seasonal cocktail that doubles as a decoration, try this ornamentini at your next party—it’s merry, customizable, and sure to delight guests.
Ornament Martini (Christmas Bauble Cocktail)
Equipment
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons (if using glitter)
- Shaker (or similar)
- Martini glass
- Clear bauble ornament
Ingredients
- 2 ounces citron vodka
- ½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 ounce cherry or pomegranate juice
- 1 ounce cranberry juice (100% unsweetened)
- ½ ounce orange juice
- ⅛ tsp food-grade red luster dust (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare ornaments: Clean and dry ornaments, remove tops.
- Combine: Add vodka, triple sec, juices, and luster dust (if using) to a shaker with a few ice cubes.
- Shake: Shake until chilled and lightly frothy, about 20–30 seconds.
- Fill: Use a small funnel to pour the cocktail into the ornaments. Replace caps securely.
- Serve: Place fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig in a martini or coupe glass, set the filled bauble on top. Guests can uncap and pour or sip with a straw.
Notes
- Use plain vodka and add ½ ounce lemon juice for a citrusy twist if desired.
- Any combination of red juices (cherry, pomegranate, cranberry) works; adjust ratios to taste.
- Replace triple sec with elderflower liqueur for a floral variation.
- Garnishes: rosemary, orange slices, pomegranate arils, or cranberries. Sugared cranberries may lose texture when poured.
- Nutritional values vary by ingredient brands and portion sizes; treat provided nutrition as an estimate only.
Nutrition
Calories: 187 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 14 g |
Protein: 0.8 g |
Fat: 0.2 g |
Sodium: 4.1 mg |
Potassium: 122 mg |
Sugar: 14 g
Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.
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