Ina Garten's Cranberry Martini

Chef notes

From cosmopolitans to a traditional daiquiri, Ina Garten has become known for her cocktail prowess. And if you ask her, it’s not the holidays — or happy hour — without this ruby red cranberry martini.

“I think it just gets you in the mood,” Garten says, adding that the drink “looks like the holidays,” thanks to its red hue.

While the Barefoot Contessa herself likes to sip on this martini throughout the winter months, the drink has a bright, tart flavor profile and an ice cold serving temperature that makes it a great option for warmer weather as well.

You can make this when you’re entertaining and want to add an elegant twist to an easy-to-serve cocktail, but it’s also perfect for when you’re craving some alone time. The queen of home cooking has created this single-serve recipe so you can still enjoy the beauty of this drink, even for a solo happy hour.

All you need are some cranberries, cranberry juice and triple sec to turn a classic martini base into this exciting, jewel-toned sipper. Her recipe suggests Grey Goose as the choice vodka, but any label you like — as long as it’s the plain, unflavored variety — will do the trick. For the fruit, Garten instructs at-home mixologists to plump up the dried cranberries before adding them to your glass, which makes for an easier-to-eat texture. ”We like plump cranberries,” she says.

So whether you’re trying to channel Garten in the Hamptons tending to her springtime herbs or are cozied up by a crackling fire, this cocktail will make you believe that when it comes to the day's food, store-bought is fine.