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Indulge in the festive flavors of a Sugar Cookie Martini! This delightful drink recipe combines vanilla vodka, Irish Cream, and sweet cookie flavors to create creamy, buttery, and delicious Christmas cookie cocktails. Perfect for your next holiday party, winter nights, or anytime you crave a sweet escape.

“This cocktail is so incredible!! But, really, who doesn’t want a boozy, liquid sugar cookie!? Delish!”

– Caty
Straight on photo of a martini sugar cookies with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Update: This post was originally published in March 2018. I made edits to the post below to include more information about this recipe for sugar cookie martinis.

Hi, friends! I hope the week has been treating good. But honestly, whether it’s been good, bad, or somewhere in between, it is about to get at least TEN times better! Because, today is Thirsty Thursday and we are going to do it up right with a cocktail of EPIC proportions!

Table of Contents

This cocktail tastes EXACTLY like it sounds… like a sugar cookie gone wild and fancy free as a bodacious, boozy libation.

Decadent, rich, creamy, indulgent and sweet with a smooth, buttery finish, these festive cocktails are the adult way to do dessert!

Line the rim of a martini glass with a thin layer of vanilla frosting and plenty of colorful, sugary sprinkles and you will be thinking this sugar cookie dessert martini is basically LIFE.

I mean, seriously, who wants to slave away in the kitchen making cookies (I see you stand mixer, mixing bowls, sheet pan, and oven), when you can enjoy your favorite cookie in smooth, liquid form… and in a fraction of the time?!?

Exactly. Riddle me that.

You’ll just have to take it from me until you try it, but this festive sugar cookie drink will absolutely get you rockin’ around the Christmas tree. 😉

Why this drink recipe works!

These sugar cookie martinis are going to get you rockin’ around the Christmas tree! Here are even more reasons why you’ll love it:

  • A delicious libation! This boozy libation is decadent, rich, creamy, indulgent, and sweet with a smooth, buttery finish – the adult way to do dessert this season!
  • Eye-catching! The combination of garnish and colorful sprinkles rimming the cocktail glass will instantly put you into a festive mood and add cheer to the party drinks table. 
  • Quick and Easy! You can make this dessert-like Christmas cocktail with simple ingredients in just five minutes!
  • Adaptable. While this sugar cookie cocktail is perfect for the holidays, it can easily be made to enjoy for any other party, season, or occasion. You REALLY don’t need to wait for Christmas every year to enjoy this boozy delight!

If you’re looking for a decadent dessert option this holiday season, serve your cookie cocktail with the real thing. Here’s my favorite sugary cookie recipes: almond flavored cookies, sprinkle funfetti cookies, sugar cookie recipe with cinnamon, and brown sugar pecan cookies.

Action photo of a cocktail shaker pouring a Christmas cookie cocktail into a glass with ice cubes.

Sugar cookie martinis, also known as martini sugar cookies or Christmas martini cocktails, are essentially dessert in the form of boozy drink. This martini recipe takes your favorite holiday dessert and transforms it into an alcoholic mixed drink.

Featuring plenty of vanilla flavor and white chocolate liqueur, a cookie martini is a great way for adults and party guests over the age of 21 to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings – without actually slaving away in the kitchen. Sweet Christmas martinis are perfect for those who prefer to drink their dessert.

Honestly, this drink tastes exactly like Christmas sugar cookies. It’s ideally sweet, beautifully buttery and perfectly rich with the perfect hint of almond flavor. Essentially, it’s a cookie in drinkable, boozy form.

This sip-worthy sugar cookie cocktail recipe is ready to assemble with 6 main ingredients and simple steps. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to gather from your drinks cabinet, the kitchen, or the store, to make these festive boozy drinks:

  • Vodka – I’ve used vanilla vodka to create that sugar cookie flavor. 
    • Substitution: Plain vodka can be used instead, but then you may want to also consider adding some vanilla extract to this cookie martini. Alternatively, consider whipped cream vodka!
  • Irish cream liqueur
    • Substitution: Bailey’s Irish Cream is also suitable. 
  • Half and half
    • Substitution: Whole milk.
  • Amaretto
  • Agave – You’ll also need some extra agave for rimming the cocktail glasses.
  • Almond extract
    • Substitution: Natural butter extract is a delicious alternative. 
  • Ice cubes –  As needed. 
  • Optional garnish – While completely optional, this sugar cookie alcohol drink looks incredibly inviting once garnish is added. This could include sprinkles, whipped cream, and miniature sugar cookies. 
  • Rimming – You can use agave, icing, frosting, or honey for rimming the glassware. 
    • Substitution: A creative way to rim each glass could be with cookie dough!

Recipe variations

This Christmas cookie drink is easily customizable with simple ingredient swaps or add-ins. Here are some ideas to get you inspired: 

  • Mocktail version. Turn your boozy Christmas cookies cocktail into an alcohol-free drink by omitting the vodka, Amaretto, and Irish liqueur. Instead, use canned condensed milk which will add delicious flavor, sweetness, and a thick consistency similar to the creamy liqueurs. 
  • Rimmed glass. I love adding a festive feel to these sugar cookie alcoholic drinks by rimming each glass with colorful sprinkles. You could use multi-colored sprinkles or holiday sprinkles that are typically sold in red, green, and white. White and blue sprinkles would also be great!
  • Alcohol level. For a stronger sugar cookie martini, increase the vodka and liqueur! 
  • Decoration and garnish. I’ve topped my easy sugar cookie martini with whipped cream, mini sugar cookies, and sprinkles. You could also consider crumble cookie dough or crushed cookies, and mini candy canes hung on the rim of each cocktail – how cute!
  • Sweetness. This cookie drink is already quite sweet, so I don’t recommend increasing the amount of agave, but you could reduce the sweetness if you’d prefer by reducing the amount of agave or other sweetener of your choice when assembling the cocktails.
Straight on photo of a sugar cookie martini in a glass rimmed with sprinkles and topped with whipped cream.

This recipe for sugar cookie martinis is easier than pie to prepare. Here’s how:

  1. Rim Martini Glasses: Coat the rim of 2 martini or cocktail glasses with a thin layer of agave or vanilla frosting. Next, dip the coated rim in either colorful sprinkles or cinnamon-sugar and then set the glasses aside, right side up.
  2. Shake Martini Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the vodka, Irish Cream, half and half, amaretto, agave, and extract. Add the ice and then close the lid. Next, pick up the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until the shaker is cool to the touch, at least 20 seconds.
  3. Pour, Garnish, and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the rimmed martini glasses and garnish the top of your martini sugar cookies with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a mini sugar cookie.
  4. Serve: Enjoy sugar cookie cocktails immediately.

Expert tips for best success!

  • Double. Easily double or triple this recipe when serving a larger crowd. Heck, you could even quadruple it!
  • Ice. The ice is only added to the shaker when assembling the cocktail and helps to add a delicious chill to this drink. I don’t recommend adding ice to each glass as this will dilute the rich and creamy flavor and consistency of the sugar cookie martini. 
  • Drink to taste. Always drink to taste when making cocktails with vodka. View this recipe as a suggestion and increase or decrease the amount of vodka and liqueur as desired. 
  • Straining. I prefer to take the step of straining the shaken cocktail to ensure that nothing unwanted ends up in each martini glass. 
  • Quality ingredients. Always use high-quality vodka, liqueur, and extract when making simple cocktails like this sugar cookie drink recipe. It makes a huge difference!
  • Rim first. Rim the glasses first so that they have some time to dry. You could even prepare the rimmed glasses an hour or so before serving these sugar cookie cocktails. 
Straight on photo of two sugar cookie martinis garnished with a sprinkle rim and whipped cream.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What type of vodka should I use?

Vanilla vodka is probably the best type of vodka you can use for this recipe since it’ll provide that familiar sugar cookie flavor. You could also use whipped cream vodka or even plain vodka with the addition of vanilla extract. 

When it comes to choosing the brand of vodka, use what you have on hand or your favorite brand of vodka. Ultimately, the better the quality of vodka, the better tasting your sugar cookie martinis will be!

What type of Irish cream should I use?

Vanilla-flavored Irish Cream would also be a good option, with Bailey’s Irish cream being a great substitution. 

How can I rim the glass with sugar?

If you want to rim each glass with plain white sugar or sanding sugar, first wet the rim with water, a little bit of vanilla extract, or milk. One wet, dip each glass in sugar and stand them upright to dry.  

Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! The vodka and liqueurs can be replaced with something like canned condensed milk which will add sweet vanilla flavor and provide a thick consistency similar to the Irish cream and Amaretto. 

You may want to reduce the agave when using a substitute such as condensed milk so that the cocktail doesn’t become overly sweet. 

Straight on photo of a sugar cookie cocktail with vanilla vodka and irish cream.

It’s best to serve this sugar cookie alcoholic drink immediately after making it. Feel free to add a separate bowl or board of garnish (bowl of sprinkles, mini sugar cookies, candy canes) to allow your guests to customize their drinks.

You can rim each martini glass with sparkling sugar, rainbow sprinkles, or cinnamon-sugar in advance. This will allow the rim plenty of time to dry before the festivities start up.  

If serving at the holidays, consider setting up a dessert table or platter consisting of other Christmas sweet treats, such as: 

Storing leftovers

Store leftover cookie dough martini mixture in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for 3-4 days. Add fresh garnish to each glass immediately before serving. 

Freezing instructions

While technically you could freeze leftover sugar cookie cocktail mixture, I’ve never run into the problem of having any leftovers and there is a risk that all the creamy ingredients will separate from the freezing and thawing. Let your hair down and enjoy any leftovers over the following days instead!

Straight on shot of a Sugar Cookie Cocktail topped with whipped cream and a straw in a sprinkle rimmed glass on a stack of blue tiled coasters with small stacks of cookies, an additional cocktail, a small glass jar of sprinkles and a bottle of Bom Bom blurred surrounding the glass.

Perfect for thirsty Thursday, celebrating the weekend, entertaining or simply as dessert, you need this Sugar Cookie Cocktail in your bartending arsenal!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to candy coated cocktails!

Cheyanne

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More holiday cocktails!

If you are searching for more cozy cocktails, check out these delicious favorites:

Straight on photo of two sugar cookie martinis garnished with a sprinkle rim and whipped cream.

Sugar Cookie Martini Cocktail

5 from 7 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 Cocktails
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Indulge in the festive flavors of a Sugar Cookie Martini! This delightful Christmas cocktail combines vanilla vodka, Irish Cream, and sweet cookie flavors for a creamy, buttery, and delicious cocktail treat. Perfect for holiday parties, winter nights, or anytime you crave a sweet escape.
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • 2 Martini Glasses or Cocktail Glasses

Ingredients 

  • 4 ounces Vanilla Vodka
  • 4 ounces Irish Cream Liqueur (substitute: Bailey's Irish Cream)
  • 4 ounces Half and Half (substitute: Whole Milk)
  • 2 ounces Amaretto
  • 2 tsp Agave – plus more for rim
  • ¼ tsp Almond Extract (substitute: Natural Butter Extract)
  • As Needed Ice Cubes
  • Optional Garnishes: sprinkles, whipped cream, miniature sugar cookies (agave or icing for rimming the glassware)

Instructions

  • Rim Martini Glasses: Coat the rim of 2 martini or cocktail glasses with a thin layer of agave or vanilla frosting. Next, dip the coated rim in either colorful sprinkles or cinnamon-sugar and then set the glasses aside, right side up.
  • Shake Martini Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the vodka, Irish Cream, half and half, amaretto, agave and extract. Add the ice and then add the lid to seal the shaker closed. Pick it up and shake vigorously until the shaker is very cool to the touch, at least 20 seconds.
  • Pour, Garnish, and Serve: Strain the sugar cookie cocktails into the rimmed glasses. Then garnish the top of the martinis with whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and a mini sugar cookie.
  • Serve: Enjoy sugar cookie martinis immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 2 martinis. The estimate does not include the optional rim or garnishes. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal    Carbohydrates: 28g    Protein: 1g    Fat: 7g    Saturated Fat: 4g    Sodium: 2mg    Sugar: 25g
Course: Cocktail, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: American

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