For a festive way to kick off the holidays, try this decadent and celebratory White Chocolate Cherry Martini.  White chocolate liqueur, maraschino liqueur and Irish cream come together in a wintry concoction, and are then mixed with vanilla vodka for a thick, rich and dessert-like cocktail that's perfect for a holiday party. The literal “cherry on top” is a sweet garnish of chocolate-covered cherries. Guests will go crazy for this winter wonderland cocktail.

Just a tip: You might want to make extra chocolate-covered cherries. It’s the holidays after all.

Here’s to some holiday cheer. Bottoms up, folks.

• Garnish:
• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) milk chocolate chips
• Fresh or maraschino cherries

• Martini:
• Ice
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons) premium white chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) premium vanilla-flavored vodka
• 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) premium maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) premium Irish cream liqueur
• Special equipment: Chilled martini glass

To make optional garnish: Melt 4 ounces milk chocolate chips in microwave or in saucepan on low heat. Dip fresh cherries or maraschino cherries in melted chocolate and place on a plate. Allow to set up in the refrigerator 20 minutes.

Combine the ice, white chocolate liqueur, vanilla-flavored vodka, maraschino liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a chocolate-covered cherry, if using.

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