Sugar Cookie Martini

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.

  • Total 5 minutes
  • Serves 1 martini
  • Cocktails
  • American
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Two Sugar Cookie Martinis on a platter

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.

Three Sugar Cookie Martinis with mini sugar cookies next to them more

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!

Two Sugar Cookie Martinis surrounded by holiday decorations

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Martini

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.

  1. 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.holding a martini glass with the rim coated in frosting and rolled in sprinkles
  2. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Secure lid.pouring amaretto into a cocktail shaker glass
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients.
  4. Strain into martini glasses and garnish with a mini sugar cookie (if using).straining sugar cookie martini into a glass

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Do I have to use vanilla vodka?

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.

Can I make it ahead of time?

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.

Overhead photo of three Sugar Cookie Martinis

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.

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