Santa’s Little Helper Cocktail

This cocktail is a delightful concoction that balances the tartness of cranberry with a little vodka and it can be topped with a bit of ginger beer if you like it fizzy. Let’s not forget the whimsical touch of marshmallow fluff and coconut on the rim, which adds a snowy touch. Some people call this a Santa’s Hat martini, but I like Santa’s Little Helper Cocktail better.

» You might also like Holiday Eggnog Cocktail Recipe, Cranberry Ginger Beer Cocktail, and 15 Joyful Christmas Cocktails to Elevate Your Holiday.

The holiday season always brings with it a flurry of memories and traditions. One of my personal favorites, aside from untangling the never-ending knot of Christmas lights, is crafting the perfect holiday cocktail. It’s one of our Christmas traditions that we started almost 10 years go now.

On Christmas morning, we’d mix up a holiday cocktail and have it before breakfast, while we open our stockings. We even did this when we went to Jordan one year for Christmas. That’s how I stumbled upon Santa’s Little Helper, a cocktail that has since become a staple at our festive gatherings.

Ingredients You Need

• Cranberry juice
• Vodka – Use any brand of vodka you like. 
• Ginger beer – Ginger beer lends a lot of flavor but can be strong. If you want something more mild thing about using ginger ale instead.
• Marshmallow fluff – This will line the rim of the glass. You can buy it in the baking isle of the grocery store or you can try making it with this recipe.
• Shredded sweetened coconut – This is what makes it look like a Santa hat!
• Ice

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker – For shaken cocktails this is a must. It to the key to a perfectly chilled cocktail.
• Cocktail strainer – You want to strain out the ice so that it doesn’t fall into your glass.
• Brandy snifter – I love the look of the cocktail in this classic brandy snifter glass. You can use the glass of your choice.

What Vodka to Use

For this cocktail, it is recommended to use your favorite, neutral-flavored vodka. This is because the other ingredients in the cocktail provide the main flavor and color. Using a high-quality vodka will help to balance the flavors and create a smooth, well-rounded cocktail.

How to Make Santa’s Little Helper Cocktail

Step One: Shake

Start by combining the cranberry juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Give it a good shake. You’re not just mixing; you’re chilling the drink to perfection. The key here is to shake it until you feel the cold seeping through the shaker.

Step Two: Prepare Your Glass

Now, for the fun part – the glass! Spread a generous amount of marshmallow fluff around the rim of your glass. Think of it like frosting the edge of a delicious holiday cookie. Then, gently dip the rim into a plate of shredded sweetened coconut. This step is not just about aesthetics; the coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a texture that complements the tart cranberry.

Step 3: Assemble the Cocktail

Strain the chilled cranberry-vodka mixture into your prepared glass. The rich red hue is reminiscent of the festive season. To finish, top up the glass with ginger beer. The ginger beer (or ginger ale if you prefer) adds a sparkling effervescence that makes the drink come alive.

Why You’ll Love It

Santa’s Little Helper is more than just a cocktail; it’s a festive experience. As you sip, let the combination of flavors transport you to a winter wonderland of joy and laughter. It’s a drink that not only warms the heart but also brings a smile, making it the perfect companion for those cozy holiday evenings by the fire, surrounded by loved ones.

Cheers to the holidays, and cheers to creating new traditions, one cocktail at a time!

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