Snowflake Martini Recipe

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This Snowflake Martini always makes my holiday table look like a winter wonderland with coconut flakes and sparkling sugar crystals on top. The creaminess from the heavy cream and the icy mix of Captain Morgan with white chocolate liqueur creates a sweet and crisp flavor. It is like dessert in a glass that I can pour for myself in just over 5 minutes.

a glass of creamy snowflake martini with Christmas lights in the background

Typically when I am hosting holiday parties I am in charge of the drinks because most of the time I already have the food prepared and ready to serve. This gives me the chance to make some hands on cocktails such as my Festive Champagne Cocktail Recipe for the adults or pour warm Red Velvet Hot Chocolate for the kids. I enjoy these moments because they let me talk with my family and friends, catch up on our year, and share plans for what is ahead.

Why you will love this recipe
What you will need
How to make
Expert tip
Recipe variations and add-ins:
Serving suggestions:
How to store leftovers:
Frequently asked questions
More cocktail recipes:

And guess what, of course I created easy beverages so I can make them every time without trouble since we usually have many people over and complicated drinks with long ingredient lists and advanced techniques are not something I want to handle during a busy gathering. For this Snowflake Martini I only use a few ingredients including heavy cream, white chocolate liqueur, and white rum. I can have it ready for anyone who asks in just over 5 minutes and it looks very cute and festive. It is definitely worth trying if you enjoy these flavors.

Why you will love this recipe

Sweet and creamy holiday drink: I mix white chocolate liqueur, Captain Morgan, and heavy cream in a cold shaker and the result is a smooth dessert style cocktail that is easy to enjoy during the season.
Winter look on the table: The coconut flakes and sanding sugar rim make the glass sparkle in a fun winter way that looks cute.
Quick to make for guests: I can shake this martini in just over 5 minutes and still stay present with my family and friends when they arrive.
Perfect for sweet cocktail lovers: I make this for adults who enjoy creamy drinks since the mix of rum, vanilla notes, and chilled cream tastes rich and comforting on a cold night.

What you will need

overhead shot of snowflake martini ingredients in bowls on a table with Christmas lights

Captain Morgan: I use white rum or spiced rum for the holidays and sometimes cherry vanilla when I want a sweeter taste.
White chocolate liqueur: I prefer Godiva white chocolate liqueur because the flavor is smooth with no bitter notes.
Heavy cream: I add heavy cream for a rich creamy texture and a snowy white look.
Ice: I use cubed ice so the martini shakes cold.
For the rim: I use a lemon wedge to moisten the rim so the coconut flakes and white sanding sugar crystals can stick. The coconut looks like tiny snowflakes and the sugar adds a sweet holiday touch to the glass.

How to make

1. Prepare the rim: I mix the shredded coconut and sanding sugar in a shallow bowl, then I run a lemon wedge around the glass to moisten the edge and dip it into the mixture until the rim is fully coated.

2. Add the liquor and cream: I pour the white chocolate liqueur and heavy cream into a shaker glass.

collage of four photos showing how to make snowflake martini

3. Add rum: Next, I add the Captain Morgan rum to the cocktail shaker so it is ready to mix with the other ingredients.

4. Shake well: Last, I add the ice and shake everything until it is well mixed which usually takes about 30 to 45 seconds.

5. serve: Finally, I strain the mixture and pour it into my prepared glass and serve it right away.

two glasses of white snowflake martini cocktail with Christmas lights and ornaments in the background

Expert tip

Smooth strain method

One tip that always helps me make this martini taste its best is to strain it very well after shaking. When tiny ice pieces slip into the glass they melt fast and weaken the sweet creamy mix of rum and white chocolate. I take a slow strain so only the smooth liquid goes into the glass. This keeps the texture rich, the flavor consistent, and the drink as tasty as it should be.

More tips to consider:

I sometimes stir the martini instead of shaking to keep the ice from breaking apart. This helps the drink stay smooth.
If I run out of heavy cream I use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. It still gives the drink a creamy texture.
I use a little honey or syrup on the rim when I want the coconut and sugar to stay in place.
I skip the cream when I want a lighter drink. The flavor is still sweet and smooth.
I make a nonalcoholic martini with club soda or sparkling water. Then I add a juice I enjoy for extra flavor.
I prepare the coconut sugar rim ahead of time so I can serve the drink faster when guests arrive.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

Mint snow martini: I add 1 teaspoon of peppermint syrup for a light mint taste. It blends well with the white chocolate flavor.
Coconut snow mix: I use 2 tablespoons of creamy coconut milk instead of heavy cream when I want more coconut flavor.
Chocolate ribbon pour: I swirl 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring the martini. It creates a richer chocolate taste.
Holiday spice sip: I replace the rum with 2 ounces of spiced rum for a warmer seasonal taste. It pairs well with the white chocolate liqueur.
Berry red pour: I mix in 1 tablespoon of raspberry or strawberry puree for a fruity note. It adds a soft color and a light berry taste.

Serving suggestions:

I believe drinks are an important part of hosting, just as much as the food on the table. I enjoy making cocktails and mocktails that I can share with my family and friends when they visit. This snowflake martini will be on my Christmas menu along with an apple cider mimosa and a homemade apple cider for guests who prefer a nonalcoholic option. These drinks help set a warm start to the evening and make everyone feel welcomed as soon as they walk in.

For appetizers, I like to serve my pretzel bites and a warm air fried brie before we move on to the main dish. I have a strong feeling the star this year will be my herb roasted turkey since it keeps the meal classic and comforting. These simple drinks and pairings create a full holiday experience that is easy for me to prepare and great for everyone to enjoy.

How to store leftovers:

Store: I keep any leftover snowflake martini in a mason jar or any glass container with a tight lid. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 24 to 48 hours.
Freeze: I cannot freeze the martini in the usual way because of the alcohol, but I can make a slushy by leaving it in a freezer safe container overnight.

two glasses of white snowflake martini on a white stand with Christmas lights in the background

Frequently asked questions

How cold should the martini be?

I shake the mixture with plenty of ice until the shaker feels almost chilly against my hands. A very cold mix helps the cream and white chocolate blend smoothly, which makes the drink taste richer.

How do I prevent tiny ice pieces in the drink?

I pour the drink through a fine strainer so the ice chips stay behind. This keeps the drink creamy and smooth which is exactly how I want it when I serve it for holiday nights.

How do I lighten the drink?

I skip the cream when I want a lighter sip and the drink still holds its sweet and gentle flavor. This version works well on busy nights when everyone wants to try a few different cocktails. It keeps the mood fun while staying easy on the palate.

overhead show of white creamy snowflake martini with coconut glass rim

More cocktail recipes:

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