Skip to Content

Stress-Free Thanksgiving: Cranberry Citrus Martini (and Don’t Forget the Drinks)

Confession: I’ve been known to carefully plan holiday dinners but totally forget about drinks.

Usually, it’s my husband who clues into the conspicuous absence of beverages. He asks me if I bought anything to serve for drinks. And my response? Usually something like “Well, there’s water!”

He’s not fond of that answer.

Don’t worry — I am trying hard to change that little habit. Beverages matter. So for Thanksgiving, I usually buy a few bottles of sparkling lemonade, fill a pitcher with ice water and perhaps another with iced tea. That ensures their is something for everyone — the kids, the adults, everyone.

Of course, if you enjoy adult beverages, having a nice bottle of wine that complements the turkey and all the fixin’s is good to have on hand too. And — if you want — a signature cocktail like this Cranberry Citrus Martini is fun too. It’s sweet, citrus-y and has a hint of tartness. And making it? Super easy … especially if you make the cranberry reduction ahead of time and just keep it chilled until you are ready to serve it.

And a little hint … If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, just use your favorite tightly-sealing, dishwasher safe water bottle and shake it up.

What does your family love to drink on Thanksgiving?

Cranberry Citrus Martini

Cranberry Citrus Martini

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cranberry cocktail
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 4 oz chilled pineapple vodka

Instructions

  1. Start by making a cranberry reduction. In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry cocktail to boiling. Reduce heat slightly and boil for 20-30 minutes, until reduced to about 1/3 cup
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the cranberry reduction, orange juice and pineapple vodka with ice. Shake thoroughly to combine.
  3. Strain the drink into four glasses. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Optional: For a tasty boozy garnish, soak dried cranberries in pineapple vodka for 1-2 hours. Skewer with pineapple chunks and drop into the glasses.

Celebrate Fall with a Sangria and Cocktail Party - The Kitchenthusiast

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

[…] Cranberry Citrus Martini by Sarah’s Cucina Bella […]

Sarah W. Caron

Thursday 8th of November 2012

Glad I am not the only one! Thanks, Kate.

Kate

Thursday 8th of November 2012

I never think of drinks either!

Skip to Recipe