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This festive Santa Baby Cocktail brings holiday cheer with its creamy texture, sweet strawberry notes, and a glamorous pink sugared rim. It’s the perfect party drink for any seasonal celebration, and your guests will love its elegant look and decadent taste.
I served this for a holiday get-together last year, and everyone went back for seconds—it was the star of the evening.
- Vanilla vodka: Provides a smooth base with subtle sweetness. Use good quality vodka for the best flavor.
- White chocolate liqueur: Adds richness and velvety texture to the drink. Opt for a trusted brand to enhance creaminess.
- Cream or half and half: Balances the flavors and gives the cocktail its luscious feel.
- Grenadine or strawberry syrup: Brings festive pink color and fruity sweetness perfect for the season.
For the Rim Garnish
- Pink sanding sugar or crushed candy canes: Creates a beautiful rim and adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Whipped cream: Adds a touch of decadence as a finishing touch for garnish.
- Maraschino cherry: A bright and classic garnish to top it all off.
Optional Add-ins
- Splash of milk: For a slightly lighter texture if desired.
- Strawberry cream liqueur: For additional creaminess and an extra strawberry kick.
- Peppermint extract: A very small amount can add a subtle minty holiday twist.
How To Make Santa Baby Cocktail
- Prepare the Glass:
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Once chilled, dip the rim into a shallow plate of grenadine or simple syrup, then coat it evenly with pink sanding sugar or crushed candy canes. Set the glass aside.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, cream, and grenadine.
- Shake and Chill:
- Shake the mixture vigorously for around 15-20 seconds, ensuring it becomes well-chilled and slightly frothy. This step is key for achieving the smooth, velvety texture of the drink.
- Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass for a precise, clean look.
- Garnish and Finish:
- Top the cocktail with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Place a maraschino cherry right on top for the final festive touch. Serve the drink immediately while chilled.
The addition of crushed candy canes on the rim has always been my favorite part of making this cocktail. It takes me back to the fun of holiday baking as a child while adding an extra festive crunch to the drink.
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the liquid ingredients up to two hours in advance and store in the fridge. Shake with ice before serving to maintain its frothy texture and chill.
Ingredient Substitutions
If vanilla vodka isn’t available, regular vodka can be used with a drop of vanilla extract for a similar flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, swap vodka and liqueur for vanilla and white chocolate syrups while keeping the other ingredients the same.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with holiday desserts like sugar cookies, cheesecake, or dark chocolate truffles. It’s elegant enough for a formal party but also fun for casual gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a substitute for vanilla vodka?
Yes, regular vodka paired with a splash of vanilla extract works as an alternative.
- → How do I get the pink rim garnish?
Dip the glass rim in simple syrup or grenadine, then coat it with pink sanding sugar or crushed candy canes.
- → What can I use instead of white chocolate liqueur?
Try using a cream-based liqueur like Bailey's or a white creme de cacao for a similar flavor.
- → Can I make the cocktail lighter?
Yes, add a splash of milk or use half and half instead of cream for a lighter texture.
- → How can I add more festive flavor?
A tiny drop of peppermint extract or a drizzle of strawberry cream liqueur enhances the holiday vibes.