Sugar Cookie Martini: The Ultimate Festive Cocktail Recipe

A creamy vanilla blend with sprinkles for a nostalgic dessert-inspired sip.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A creamy vanilla blend with sprinkles for a nostalgic dessert-inspired sip.

Sugar Cookie Martini: The Ultimate Festive Cocktail

Nothing embodies holiday spirit quite like a sugar cookie martini: a cocktail that tastes just as sweet and nostalgic as the classic cookie itself. With a creamy texture, rich vanilla notes, and a dazzling sprinkle-rimmed glass, this drink is equal parts celebration and dessert. Whether you’re cozying up beside a crackling fire or hosting a glamorous New Year’s Eve party, a sugar cookie martini is the perfect seasonal sipper.

Why This Cocktail Is a Holiday Favorite

Sweet and creamy flavor that genuinely evokes sugar cookies.
Festive appearance thanks to icing and colorful sprinkles on the rim.
Easy to make with simple ingredients—no specialty bar tools required.
Versatile recipe: swap spirits, adjust creaminess, or make a non-alcoholic version.
Doubles as a dessert and cocktail, ideal for holiday entertaining.

Related: Gingerbread Martini

The magic of this cocktail lies in the blend of spiritous and creamy components reminiscent of a fresh-baked sugar cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

Martini Ingredients

3 oz vanilla vodka (or plain vodka plus 1 tsp vanilla extract)
3 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s)
2 oz butterscotch schnapps (optional: substitute white chocolate liqueur, amaretto, or crème de cacao)
2 oz half-and-half (options: whole milk, heavy cream, or melted vanilla ice cream for added decadence)
Ice (for shaking and chilling)

Rim Garnish Ingredients

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp half-and-half
1/4 cup nonpareil sprinkles (multi-colored or themed for holidays)

Step-by-Step Directions

To achieve a true sugar cookie look and flavor, you’ll want to decorate your glass with frosting and sprinkles before shaking up your cocktail. Follow these steps for a visually stunning and delicious result:

Step 1: Decorate the Rim

In a small bowl (wide enough for the glass rim), whisk together powdered sugar and half-and-half until you have a thick icing.
Place sprinkles on a shallow plate.
Dip the rim of your coupe (or martini) glass into the icing, twisting gently to coat.
Immediately dip the iced rim into the sprinkles to cover completely.
Set the glasses in the refrigerator until ready to fill; this helps set the decorations and keeps your glass chilled.

Step 2: Mix the Martini

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, half-and-half, and a generous scoop of ice.
Cover and shake vigorously—10–20 seconds is ideal to ensure chilling and blending.
Strain into your chilled, decorated coupe glasses, being careful not to disturb the eye-catching sprinkles.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

One of the greatest advantages of the sugar cookie martini is its versatility. You can personalize the recipe to suit your preferences or accommodate what’s already in your liquor cabinet.

No Vanilla Vodka? Use regular vodka and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to maintain the sugar cookie flavor.
No Butterscotch Schnapps? Try amaretto, crème de cacao, or a white chocolate liqueur for similar sweetness and depth.
Dairy Choices: Whole milk creates a lighter cocktail, heavy cream makes it extra thick, and melted vanilla ice cream is the ultimate decadence.
Nonpareil Sprinkles: Swap for seasonal colors, edible glitter, or crushed sugar cookies for added texture and fun.
Buttercream Icing: If you have leftover frosting, use it on the rim for extra flavor and a classic cookie vibe.

How to Make a Batch for a Party

While the recipe is designed for two servings, you can scale it up for gatherings. Use a pitcher or large container to combine all the ingredients (except the ice), then refrigerate. Individual servings can then be shaken with ice and poured into decorated glasses as needed.

Prep the rim garnish on glasses up to a day in advance for hassle-free serving.
Mix and chill cocktail base ahead of time—shake with ice per serving for optimal froth and chill.

Icing Consistency: Ensure your powdered sugar icing is thick, so it sticks without sliding down the glass.
Decoration: Use a generous amount of sprinkles for a festive, photogenic effect.
Glass Chilling: Decorate and refrigerate glasses ahead of time to keep drinks ultra-cold.
Shake Vigorously: The more you shake, the frothier and creamier your martini will be—aim for at least 10 seconds.
Serve Immediately: For best texture and taste, serve and enjoy right after shaking.

Drink	Base Spirit	Flavor Profile	Garnish
Sugar Cookie Martini	Vanilla vodka, Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps	Sweet, creamy, dessert-like	Iced rim with sprinkles
Classic Martini	Gin or vodka	Dry, botanical	Olive or lemon twist
Eggnog	Brandy, rum, or bourbon	Rich, spiced, custard	Fresh nutmeg
Peppermint Martini	Vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps	Minty sweet, creamy	Crushed peppermint rim
Hot Toddy	Whiskey or bourbon	Warm, spiced, honeyed	Cinnamon stick, lemon

Freshly baked sugar cookies—double your dessert experience!
Shortbread or butter cookies for complementary textures.
Vanilla cupcakes topped with festive sprinkles to echo the rim garnish.
Fruit platters with berries to contrast the drink’s richness.
Holiday cheese boards for a savory balance to the sweetness.

Creative Variations of the Sugar Cookie Martini

Feel free to experiment and make the sugar cookie martini your own. Here are ideas to get you started:

Chocolate Cookie Martini: Substitute one ounce of Irish cream with chocolate liqueur.
Nutty Cookie Martini: Replace butterscotch schnapps with amaretto for almond undertones.
Spiced Sugar Cookie: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker and rim for warmth.
Non-Alcoholic Sugar Cookie “Mocktail”: Use half-and-half, a splash of vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and ice shaken or stirred; decorate rim as usual.
Vegan Option: Swap out dairy for coconut cream and use vegan liqueurs.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Although sugar cookie martinis are best served fresh, you can make parts of the recipe ahead and store as needed for easy holiday hosting.

Garnished glasses can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Cocktail mix may be kept in the refrigerator for several hours—just shake with ice right before serving.
Leftover martini (rare!) can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated; stir before drinking as separation may occur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of alcohol is in a sugar cookie martini?

Vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and butterscotch schnapps are the main spirits. You can substitute vanilla vodka with plain vodka and vanilla extract, and the schnapps with other sweet, creamy liqueurs.

Do I have to use half-and-half?

Half-and-half gives the martini a balanced, creamy body. For a lighter drink, swap in whole milk; for a thicker, richer martini, try heavy cream or even melted ice cream.

Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, simply omit the spirits and use half-and-half, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar shaken with ice for a sweet, creamy mocktail. Rim the glass with icing and sprinkles as usual.

How do I make this for a crowd?

Prepare the rim decorations on all glasses in advance. Mix the cocktail ingredients in a pitcher (without ice) and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake individual servings with ice and pour into decorated glasses.

Can I use flavored vodka alternatives?

Other flavored vodkas, such as whipped cream or cake, also work well for this recipe and deliver a similar dessert-like flavor profile.

Is there a make-ahead option?

You can decorate glasses and mix cocktail base up to a day ahead, but shake and serve immediately for best taste and texture. If storing leftover cocktails, refrigerate in an airtight container.

Holiday Entertaining Tips

Prepare garnish stations with icing and sprinkles—invite guests to decorate their own glasses for interactive fun.
Pair your sugar cookie martinis with a variety of cookies: gingerbread men, thumbprints, or snickerdoodles.
Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options so everyone can enjoy the festive cheer.
Customize sprinkle color themes (red and green for Christmas, silver and gold for New Year’s Eve).

Peppermint Martini: Invigorating mint and creamy vanilla flavors, rimmed with crushed peppermint candies.
Eggnog Martini: Enjoy classic holiday spices and rich custard notes in drink form.
Hot Chocolate Martini: Combine cocoa and spirits for a warming, chocolatey treat.
Classic Martini: For those who prefer bracing, crisp cocktails over sweet concoctions.
Blueberry Mojito: Light and fruity, ideal for seasons beyond the holidays.

Decor Ideas for Serving

Arrange glasses on a tray with extra sprinkles and icing bowls for festive touch.
Use holiday-themed drink toppers or cupcake decorations in the glass.
Light candles, string fairy lights, or set out seasonal napkins to set a cozy cocktail mood.

Expert Tips for Cocktail Success

Quality spirits yield a smoother, richer result.
Fresh dairy matters for best flavor.
Don’t overfill glasses: Leave room for festive rims and toppings.
Check icing thickness: Add more powdered sugar if too runny, more half-and-half if too stiff.

Conclusion

The sugar cookie martini is a show-stopping addition to any holiday celebration. Its blend of luscious cream, buttery liqueurs, and shimmering sprinkles captures the flavors and spirit of the season. Experiment with ingredients, tailor the recipe to your crowd, and let your creativity shine in both decoration and presentation. Raise your glass—and cheers to making your holidays extra sweet!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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