Imagine your favorite holiday cookie, the humble yet magical snickerdoodle, transformed into an elegant cocktail.
That’s exactly what a Snickerdoodle Martini delivers—a creamy, cinnamon-infused concoction that’s as indulgent as it is festive.
I love this drink because it hits the perfect balance between dessert and cocktail, making it a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a cozy night in with a movie.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, a winter birthday, or just want to sip something that tastes like a warm hug, this martini fits the bill.
And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want their dessert in liquid form, served in a chic glass?
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making a Snickerdoodle Martini that’ll have your friends asking for the recipe faster than they can say “cinnamon sugar.”
In this post, you'll find...
When to Serve a Snickerdoodle Martini
This cocktail is a natural fit for holiday parties, but don’t box it in! It’s perfect for dessert after a dinner party, as a signature drink at a winter wedding, or even for a girls’ night in.
Serve it alongside a plate of actual snickerdoodles or other cookies to double down on the theme.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
- 1 oz cinnamon schnapps or RumChata
- ½ oz heavy cream
- Cinnamon sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Optional garnish: cinnamon stick, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Vanilla Vodka: This is the foundation of your martini. Its smooth vanilla flavor mimics the sweetness of a snickerdoodle cookie. If you can’t find vanilla vodka, regular vodka with a dash of vanilla extract works in a pinch!
Irish Cream Liqueur: Ah, the creamy heart of the cocktail. Irish cream adds a silky texture and subtle sweetness, tying all the flavors together.
Cinnamon Schnapps or RumChata: Cinnamon schnapps adds a bold cinnamon punch, while RumChata provides a creamy cinnamon flavor with a hint of spice. Either option works, so go with your preference!
Heavy Cream: This is what gives your martini that luscious, dessert-like consistency. No shortcuts here—half-and-half just won’t cut it.
Cinnamon Sugar: Rimming the glass with cinnamon sugar is the pièce de résistance. It’s a little extra effort that adds both flavor and visual appeal. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Optional Garnish: A cinnamon stick or a dollop of whipped cream is like the cherry on top—but for martinis. It’s optional, but it takes the presentation to the next level.
How to Make the Perfect Snickerdoodle Martini
Step 1: Prep Your Glass Like a Pro
Let’s start with the glass—it’s not just about taste; it’s about presentation, too. Grab a martini glass and rim it with cinnamon sugar. Here’s how:
- Pour a little water, simple syrup, or even Irish cream onto a small plate.
- Dip the rim of your glass into the liquid to coat it lightly.
- On another plate, spread out the cinnamon sugar and gently press the glass rim into it, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Pro Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before rimming. It keeps the drink cold and adds a frosty touch that looks fancy.
Step 2: Assemble Your Ingredients in a Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz cinnamon schnapps or RumChata
- ½ oz heavy cream
Fill the shaker halfway with ice to ensure your drink gets properly chilled and diluted.
Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It
Shake the ingredients vigorously for 20–30 seconds. This step is key because it chills the drink and gives it that creamy, smooth texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels ice-cold to the touch.
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the shaking! The heavy cream needs a good shake to blend properly and create that silky finish.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture into your prepared martini glass. Be gentle here—you don’t want to ruin that beautiful cinnamon sugar rim!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Here’s where you can get creative with your garnish. Add a cinnamon stick for a touch of elegance, a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence, or a light dusting of ground cinnamon for a pop of color. Or heck, why not all three?
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle some edible gold dust on top for a show-stopping presentation.
Tips for the Best Snickerdoodle Martini
- Use Fresh Ingredients: This goes without saying, but the fresher the cream and cinnamon sugar, the better the flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you like your martinis sweeter, add a splash of simple syrup or an extra dash of Irish cream.
- Experiment with Flavors: Want a boozy twist? Swap the vanilla vodka for caramel vodka. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of spice.
- Make It a Mocktail: Substitute the vodka and liqueurs with vanilla syrup, cinnamon syrup, and cream for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as tasty.
Snickerdoodle Martini Recipe
Snickerdoodle Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur e.g., Baileys
- 1 oz cinnamon schnapps or RumChata
- ½ oz heavy cream
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass
- Cinnamon stick whipped cream, or ground cinnamon (Optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pour a small amount of water, simple syrup, or Irish cream onto a plate.
- Dip the rim of a martini glass into the liquid, then into a plate of cinnamon sugar to coat the rim.
- Chill the prepared glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes for an extra frosty touch.
- In a cocktail shaker, add: 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz Irish cream liqueur, 1 oz cinnamon schnapps or RumChata, ½ oz heavy cream
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until the shaker feels ice-cold to the touch. This ensures the cocktail is well-chilled and creamy.
- Using a cocktail strainer, pour the cocktail into the prepared martini glass. Be careful not to disturb the cinnamon sugar rim.
- Add optional garnishes such as a cinnamon stick, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a festive finishing touch.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup or extra Irish cream if desired.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute vodka and liqueurs with vanilla and cinnamon syrups plus cream.
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!