Skip to main content
Beverage • American

Sugar Plum Fairy Martini Recipe

Add a little sparkle to your holidays with this festive Sugar Plum Fairy Martini! Tart cranberry juice, rich Amaretto and a touch of spice come together to make your new favorite Christmas cocktail. This Nutcracker-themed martini is a sure hit for your next holiday party, or it's the perfect relaxing sipper for an evening in front of the fireplace.

5.0 from 157 votes
5 mins
Total Time
1
drink
Jump to Recipe
Sugar Plum Fairy Martini

How to Make the Best Sugar Plum Fairy Martini

There’s nothing quite like a festive cocktail to celebrate the holiday season, and this Sugar Plum Fairy Martini is sure to become your new seasonal favorite. Named after the iconic character from the Nutcracker ballet, this beautiful drink combines tart cranberry juice, rich amaretto, and smooth vodka with a hint of zesty lemon and spicy ginger ale.

The magic of this martini is in its balance—the tartness of the cranberry juice plays beautifully against the sweet almond notes of the amaretto, while the fresh lemon juice adds brightness and the ginger ale brings a subtle spice that ties everything together. It’s like capturing the elegance and whimsy of the Nutcracker ballet in a glass.

The stunning sugared cranberry garnish elevates this cocktail from ordinary to extraordinary. These jewel-like berries aren’t just pretty—they add an extra burst of tart-sweet flavor with each sip. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to treat yourself to something special while relaxing by the fireplace, this festive martini is the perfect choice.

Sugar Plum Fairy Martini

Sugar Plum Fairy Martini

Add a little sparkle to your holidays with this festive Sugar Plum Fairy Martini! Tart cranberry juice, rich Amaretto and a touch of spice come together to make your new favorite Christmas cocktail. This Nutcracker-themed martini is a sure hit for your next holiday party, or it's the perfect relaxing sipper for an evening in front of the fireplace.

5.0 from 157 votes
CourseBeverage
CuisineAmerican
KeywordChristmas cocktail, Christmas martini, Nutcracker cocktail, Nutcracker martini, sugar plum fairy martini
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time0 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings1 drink
Calories256kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Sugar Plum Fairy Martini

Sugared Cranberry Garnish

Instructions

Sugar Plum Fairy Martini

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, amaretto, and lemon juice with ice.
  2. Shake well until chilled and combined.
  3. Strain into a martini glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with a splash of ginger ale.
  5. Garnish with sugared cranberries.

Sugared Cranberry Garnish

  1. In a small saucepan, combine water and ¼ cup sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add fresh cranberries and simmer for 2-3 minutes until berries begin to split.
  3. Remove from heat and strain, reserving the berries.
  4. Toss the warm cranberries in the remaining ¼ cup sugar while still warm.
  5. Allow to cool completely before using as garnish.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and amaretto with additional cranberry juice and ginger ale.
  • The sugared cranberries can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Chill your martini glass before serving for an extra-cold drink.
Jump to Recipe