Mistletoe Vodka Martini With Cranberry

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 01/5/22
Mistletoe Martini with Cranberry Tea

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 2 cocktails

While the mistletoe martini might not have the same effect as mistletoe hanging from the ceiling, it is a fantastic holiday cocktail. And it's one that involves the very festive and seasonal taste of tart cranberries and sweet (and slightly sour) oranges. These tastes pair together well.

The mix is nice and simple. Just use your favorite vodka and some chilled cranberry tea, along with orange and lemon juices (freshly squeezed or otherwise) and a little sugar. Shake, pour, and enjoy.

There are myriad versions of the mistletoe martini, but this recipe is great because it's lower in proof than your typical martini, thanks to the addition of cranberry tea. The taste is tart and refreshing, and a little bit sweet. Other versions of this cocktail opt for elderflower liqueur in addition to cranberry, or use framboise (with raspberry garnishes), or cherry brandy instead of cranberry flavors and lime juice instead of orange and lemon. and if you're not as concerned about the ABV of your martini, you can experiment with other additions if you like.

Tip: If you plan to make quite a few of these cocktails, steep a large pot of tea ahead of time so that it's ready for the next round of drinks. You can keep the tea in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours ahead of time.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka

  • 2 ounces orange juice

  • 3 ounces​ chilled cranberry tea 

  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice

  • 3 teaspoons sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.

  3. Shake well.

  4. Strain into two chilled cocktail glasses.

  5. Serve and enjoy.

Tip

Cranberry herbal tea works best for this recipe, not black or green tea that's flavored with cranberries. An herbal tea would also be decaffeinated, which is ideal for this cocktail.

Variations

  • If you can't find cranberry tea or you'd prefer a more tart taste, opt for 100 percent cranberry juice. Steer clear of beverages labeled "cranberry juice cocktail," as these have a lot of sugar in them and will make your cocktail overly sweet.
  • You can use hibiscus tea for a more floral but equally tart taste.
  • Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices are the best, but you can use prepared orange or lemon juice if need be.
  • Try this recipe with either an orange or cranberry flavored vodka.

How Strong Is Mistletoe Vodka Martini With Cranberry?

This martini is not as strong as your average martini because it only contains vodka—there are no other liqueurs mixed in. It clocks in about 10 percent ABV, or about 20 proof. In contrast, the average martini is about 32 percent ABV, or 64 proof.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
107 Calories
0g Fat
11g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 107
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 21mg 107%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 89mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)