This Red Velvet Martini tastes like red velvet cake in liquid form with a very adult kick to it. It has a beautiful color and is perfect for Christmas or Valentine's Day... or people like me who just really like red. The flavor is definitely cake and chocolate with just a hint of citrus that makes this cocktail totally a girlie cocktail that the guys will love.
I was planning on having this up on Friday in time for the weekend. When that didn't happen I promised I'd have it up Saturday... because... weekend. So here I am, at nearly 8 pm on a Sunday night frantically trying to get it published before it's Monday. It's just been that kind of week, you know? I am loving the income right now but my schedule is just killer. In fact, I am totally tempted to go make one of these things before I go any further.
Isn't it gorgeous?
Red Velvet is a big favorite at my house. My eldest son and my son-in-law are tied for the title of "Loves Red Velvet Best" but really I don't think any of the kids would turn it down. My red velvet cakes are always really crimson and I am so disappointed when I see something called Red Velvet whatever and it has a dull brown color to it.
Nope. I'm sorry but if you want red velvet you have to dump that icky food coloring in there. That's just the way it is. Well, except with this cocktail. You see, you totally don't need the icky food coloring (although you could add it to make it redder) because you'll use grenadine and Aperol to get the color. The Aperol also gives it that little hint of citrus and balances out the sweetness of the various vodkas. I tried to decorate the rim of the glass a couple of ways and ended up liking the red sugar crystals best.
I had also tried red velvet cake crumbs but I didn't like the texture when I took a sip -- it was just too weird. I did end up putting little squares of red velvet cake on the edge for garnish. I have to tell you that I grabbed a red velvet cupcake from the store and used it because I was in a time crunch. If you feel like making a red velvet cake go ahead but if not either buy a cupcake or forgo the garnish.
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One of the important parts of this cocktail is the real grenadine syrup. It's hard to find real grenadine in the store -- most of it is colored sugar water. Real grenadine is made from pomegranate and it adds a distinctive flavor. Really try it. You don't use a lot but it makes a huge difference.
Stirrings Authentic Grenadine Syrup - 12 oz
Red Velvet Martini Recipe
If you love red velvet this is the martini recipe for you!
📖 Recipe
Red Velvet Martini
Print SaveIngredients
For the rim of the glasses
- 1 can of cream cheese frosting, ( you only need 2 teaspoons of the frosting)
- Red sugar crystals
For the Martinis
- 2 ounces cake vodka
- 1 ounce Creme de Cacao
- ½ ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce whipped vodka
- ¼ ounce aperol
- ½ ounce grenadine
- ¼ teaspoon of powdered sugar
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Instructions
- Take about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese frosting for each glass.
- Spread the frosting in a thin line around the outside rim.
- Roll in the red sugar crystals.
- Set the glasses aside.
- Measure the cake vodka, Crème de Cacao, vanilla vodka, whipped vodka, Aperol, grenadine, powdered sugar, and ice into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake until well blended.
- Strain evenly into the two glasses.
- Serve.
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Sara
This is the most creative martini I've ever seen, and so perfect for the holidays!
Marye Audet
Thank you so much!
Jenny | Honey and Birch
This is a lovely martini! And that frosting rim - what a great addition!
Marye Audet
Thank you! The frosting rim gives it a nice flavor!
Ramona W
Beautiful and festive cocktail. 🙂
Marye Audet
Thank you so much!
Jennifer A Stewart
I don't like a dull red velvet cake either! Vibrant is the name of the game! I loved reading all your trial and errors! So creative! This is a definite must for my Christmas Eve!
Marye Audet
Thank you! It does make a great Holiday beverage!
Kathy Hester
What a great cocktail idea! I can't wait to make it for my friends this week!!
Marye Audet
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy!
Florian @ContentednessCooking
Such a classic cocktail, love this
Marye Audet
Thank you!
Ali @ Home & Plate
What a pretty cocktail. I thought Red Velvet only really came in dessert form but cocktail form is fantastic. Looks perfect for the holidays!
Marye Audet
Thank you so much! It tastes just like the cake!
Kaitie
HEELLLLO! Cheers! This looks amazing, and to be honest would be perfect as a signature drink being served at a Christmas Party this holiday season!
Joanie @ Zagleft
Oh my goodness, Marye - this is one beautiful cocktail. The cream cheese around the rim sounds heavenly as does the cocktail itself. This is so perfect for the holidays!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert
Beautiful drink and I LOVE your garnish! Can I come to your parties?!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
What a gorgeous cocktail Marye. You have so many great Red Velvet recipes, the Red Velvet Cheesecake comes to mind. This cocktail really is killer and I'd love to have one right this minute, even though it's only 10 a.m. (Naughty.)