A sugar cookie martini recipe that’s creamy, smooth, and sweet with whisps of nutty amaretto, vanilla vodka, and Irish cream met with a frosted cocktail rim.
Why this recipe works
This sugar cookie martini is exactly what I needed after baking dozens of Christmas cookies. It’s sweet, creamy, and reminiscent of a good ole sugar cookie. The blend of amaretto, Irish cream, vanilla vodka, and a creamy element, such as half and half or whole milk, combines to make something festively sweet to unwind with.
I’ve always been a sucker for a dessert cocktail, especially during the holidays! If you’re just making these at home then you might want to skip the fancy rim, as it can be a lot of sweet for just an evening holiday nip. We did make these for some friends and they were so impressed, saying it was the prettiest cocktail they’d seen this season!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
IRISH CREAM – Any Irish cream liqueur will do, it does not have to be Baileys.
VODKA – Vanilla vodka is the go-to choice for a sugar cookie martini, though I personally think whipped cream vodka or a birthday cake flavored vodka would also be great!
AMARETTO – The amaretto is what truly makes this cocktail taste like a freshly baked sugar cookie. It adds a lovely nutty profile to help balance the vanilla-forward sweetness this drink would have otherwise.
CREAM – You can use any milk, including nut milks, but know that the whole milk or half and half will lend a creamier texture than a lower fat milk.
How to Make a Sugar Cookie Martini
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- If you will be garnishing the rim of the glasses, use a gloved finger to apply frosting around the rim of the glass. Roll the rim in sprinkles.
- Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Secure lid.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Strain into martini glasses and garnish with a mini sugar cookie (if using).
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Of course not, though I do think the vanilla flavor adds a lot to this cocktail. You can substitute with plain vodka and add a splash of vanilla syrup, or use a different flavored vodka such as whipped cream or birthday cake. Cocktails are easily customizable so feel free to experiment! The vanilla vodka is probably the biggest sweetness factor here, so keep that in mind when adjusting.
Sure, you can combine all the liqueurs and spirits together and store it in the fridge a day or two in advance. I would recommend holding off on adding the milk or cream until just before serving. Give it all a good mix when ready. This is a great option for prepping large batches for parties! You can also garnish the rims of the glasses ahead of time. Place the decorated glasses into the refrigerator to chill until it’s time to serve.
Serving Suggestions
As far as garnishing your sugar cookie martini goes, you can try adding a peppermint stick to the glass, or hang a mini candy cane on the edge of the glass instead of using sugar cookies.
The frosted rim is a lovely touch but you can just as easily dip the rim in simple syrup if preferred. Or, omit the rim garnishing entirely. It’s totally up to you.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Grinch Cocktail
- Chocolate Peppermint Martini
- Blended Frostbite Martini
- Hot Chocolate Cocktail
- Gingerbread Martini
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Sugar Cookie Martini
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 ounces whole milk or half and half
- 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Amaretto
- ice
Optional Rim Toppers
- vanilla frosting
- festive nonpariels
- mini sugar cookies
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- You can use any milk, including nut milks, but know that the whole milk or half and half will lend a creamier texture than a lower fat milk.
- Any Irish cream liqueur will do, it does not have to be Baileys.
Instructions
- If you will be garnishing the rim of the glasses, use a gloved finger to apply frosting around the rim of the glass. Roll the rim in sprinkles.
- Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Secure lid.2 ounces whole milk, 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, 1 ounce Amaretto
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Strain into martini glasses and garnish with a mini sugar cookie (if using).
Expert Tips & FAQs
- You can garnish the rims of the glasses ahead of time. Place the decorated glasses into the refrigerator to chill until it’s time to serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Amanda Davis
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