How to Make Epic Christmas Cocktails: The Ornamentini

For me personally, I like to be the most extra around Christmas. And this Christmas cocktail drink situation is 100% that. I mean, just look at these.

So if you are as extra as I am, read on, because I'm going to show you exactly what I used, and how I did this for the easiest prep possible (but again, it's still a bit fussy. We love).

Jump to:

• Why You're Going to Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Equipment Needed (and What I Used)
• How To
• Batch it For a Party
• Tips for Cleaning the Ornaments
• Pro Tips and Tricks
• More Amazing Cocktails
• 📖 Recipe

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Festive Presentation: The cocktail served in an ornament is unexpected and wildly festive. We love.

Balanced Flavors: The tart cranberry juice, citrusy triple sec, and hint of lemon are perfectly offset by smooth vodka. It’s not overly sweet, just fresh and bright.

Interactive Fun: Guests love the experience of opening the ornament and pouring their own cocktail. It’s playful and unique!

Seasonal Garnish: The cranberries and rosemary scream "holiday vibes," adding a touch of elegance without extra effort.

Batch-Friendly: You can prep the ornaments ahead of time, making it stress-free to serve at parties (see below!).

Ingredients

Cranberry Juice (1.5 oz per cocktail): Adds tartness and a festive red hue that feels perfectly seasonal.

Triple Sec (¾ oz per cocktail): Sweet orange liqueur balances the cranberry's tartness and enhances flavor depth.

Lemon Juice (0.25 oz per cocktail): Fresh acidity cuts sweetness and provides a crisp, clean finish.

Vodka (1 oz per cocktail): Neutral spirit adds body and highlights the cranberry and citrus flavors.

Fresh Cranberries (for garnish): Float beautifully, adding holiday color and visual appeal.

Rosemary Sprig (for garnish): Earthy aroma and festive decoration tie everything together.

Equipment Needed (and What I Used)

• Fillable glass Christmas ornaments - The 3-⅛" size work the best - they hold about 4 oz of liquid.
• Small funnel
• Coupe glasses
• Cocktail mixer or pitcher

How To

Prepare the Ornaments:
Wash your glass ornaments thoroughly and let them dry completely to ensure they’re clean and food-safe. See the tips below for how to do this! They can be finnicky.

Prepare the Coupe Glass:
Add 3-4 fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to each coupe glass as garnish.

Assemble the Cocktail:
Nestle the filled ornament into the coupe glass. It should sit snugly without tipping.

Mix the Cocktail:
In a cocktail mixer with ice, combine 1.5 oz cranberry juice, ¾ oz triple sec, 0.25 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz vodka. Stir until chilled.

Fill the Ornament:
Place a small funnel in the ornament's opening and carefully pour 3 oz of the cocktail into the ornament.

Seal the Ornament:
Secure the lid tightly on the ornament to prevent spills. Wipe the outside clean if needed.

Serve with a Twist:
Hand the drink to your guests with instructions to remove the lid and pour the cocktail from the ornament into the coupe.

Batch it For a Party

These are just screaming to be included in your next Christmas Cocktail party. Here's how:

Ingredients:

• 18 oz cranberry juice (2 ¼ cups)
• 9 oz triple sec (1 ⅛ cups)
• 3 oz lemon juice (¼ cup + 2 tbsp)
• 12 oz vodka (1 ½ cups)

Optional Garnishes (for each glass):

• Fresh cranberries (about 3-4 per coupe)
• Rosemary sprigs (1 per glass)

Mix the Cocktail Base:
In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine the cranberry juice, triple sec, lemon juice, and vodka. Stir well to blend.

Chill the Mixture:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to ensure the batch is cold and ready to serve.

Fill the Ornaments:
Use a funnel to pour 3 oz of the batched cocktail into each 4 oz ornament. Make sure to leave a little headspace for the lid.

Garnish the Glasses:
Place fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig in each coupe glass.

Assemble & Serve:
Set a filled ornament in each glass, and serve to your guests with instructions to pour the cocktail out and enjoy!

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: When the ornaments are filled, they become heavy, and if you old them by the ribbon, the lids might fall off. Always hold them by the actual glass.

Tips for Cleaning the Ornaments

Start with New Ornaments: Use food-safe, unused ornaments. These are available at craft stores or online and often labeled for DIY projects. I ordered mine new from Amazon (link is above).

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the ornaments in warm water before their first use to remove any dust or residue.

Mild Soap Only: Use a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water. Swirl it around inside the ornament gently, then rinse well. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

Use a Small Brush: For stubborn spots, use a baby bottle brush or a pipe cleaner to scrub the inside carefully.

Air Dry Completely: After rinsing, turn the ornaments upside down on a drying rack or paper towel to ensure no water remains inside.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Polish the Outside: Buff the exterior of the ornament with a microfiber cloth for a crystal-clear finish that looks amazing in photos.

Check for Sharp Edges: Run your finger around the opening to make sure there are no sharp spots before filling.

Use a Flexible Funnel: A silicone funnel makes pouring easy and avoids spills—especially handy for batching multiple cocktails.

Pre-Chill Ornaments: Place cleaned ornaments in the fridge before filling. This keeps your cocktails colder longer and avoids condensation.

Use a Muffin Tin: Line each cup with a small cloth or paper towel to keep the ornaments secure and prevent scratching or rolling.

Rinse with Vodka: After cleaning with soap and water, give the ornament a quick vodka rinse. It sanitizes and prevents any leftover soap taste.

Use Different Cocktail Flavors: You can use whatever cocktail you want in these ornaments! Pick something festive 🙂

More Amazing Cocktails

📖 Recipe