Cannoli Martini

Cannoli Martini, fun and easy dessert cocktail inspired by the Italian dessert. This homemade drink is ready in just a few minutes and great for Christmas or holiday parties!

Ohhh another fun dessert cocktail for you today! This Cannoli Martini is a great addition to your holiday drink list. Yes, I’m kind of obsessed with cannoli recipes. Apparently you all are too. My Cannoli Cookies have been quite popular lately. Hope you like this delicious drink too.

You know I have a bit of an obsession for all things cannoli. My latest cannoli inspired recipes, Cannoli Cheesecake and Cannoli Cupcakes have been super popular lately too. Not to mention this delicious Cannoli Cake. Guess you’re all just as obsessed as me, haha! But also obsessed with spumoni, like this Italian Spumoni Cake!

If you’re just now joining us and have no idea what we’re talking about, let’s back up…

What is Cannoli

Cannoli are Italian pastries consisting of tube-shaped pastry shells that are a fried pastry dough. The tubes are then filled with a creamy filling that generally consists of ricotta cheese and powdered sugar as well as other flavorings. See my What is a Cannoli for more information.

Let’s move on to the drink!

So I raided my liqueur cabinet (as well as my pantry and refrigerator…) to see what I had around to come up with for this simple Italian cocktail. There are a million other liqueurs you could try instead, but this is just what I had around and it worked out quite well in my opinion.

Yes, I know adding ricotta cheese to a cocktail is a little weird. Yes WEIRD. I get it. You don’t have to add it. Personally, I’d probably add another teaspoon or two, but you don’t have to. Make sure you shake the ingredients well so that the cheese isn’t clumpy.

I dipped the rim of my glass in melted chocolate (chips) and then dipped the rim in mini chocolate chips. Completely optional. You could also just dip the rim in chocolate syrup. I think I may do that next time. Although I loved the mini chocolate chips, it’s a bit of work.

Ok here you go…

Cannoli Martini Ingredients

• Half & half
• Chocolate whipped cream vodka
• Cookie flavored vodka
• Amaretto
• Ricotta cheese
• Cinnamon
• Orange zest
• Melted Chocolate & mini chocolate chips (or chocolate shavings) for glass if desired

How to Make an Italian Cannoli Martini

1. If desired, dip rim of martini glass in melted chocolate and then mini chocolate chips (or chocolate shavings) and refrigerate for a few minutes for melted chocolate to set.
2. Meanwhile, place half & half, chocolate whipped cream vodka, cookie vodka, amaretto, cheese, cinnamon, and orange zest in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds or until cold and combined.
3. Strain cocktail into martini glass.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this tasty martini cold in small martini glasses.
• You can also top these cocktails with a little whipped cream if you’d like.
• If you’re having a party, you can make a pitcher of this martini with multiple drinks. See recipe card at bottom for measurements.
• This cocktail would also be great in shot glasses as dessert shots. Or you can serve in any type or size of glass!

Quick Tips for Best Results

• You can substitute your favorite liqueurs for any listed, but know results will then vary of course.
• Shake drink well with ice in a cocktail shaker to break up the cheese. If you’re making a pitcher, be sure to whisk well instead.
• You can also use your favorite dairy substitute for the half & half or use milk or even cream depending on your personal taste.

Cannoli Martini FAQ

How should I store the Cannoli Martini?
If you make a large batch or pitcher of this martini, you can store it covered in the refrigerator away from any strong smells.

How long will it last?
I haven’t made this drink ahead so I can’t say for sure, but guessing it would be ok for a few days in the refrigerator if covered and ingredients are fresh. Be sure to whisk or shake before serving.

Substitutions?
Feel free to substitute your favorite liqueurs, but just know results will vary so be sure to give it a try before serving.

What else can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite liqueurs or spices. A maraschino cherry would also be a great addition or pistachios on the glass rim would also be great.

What should I serve this dessert martini with?
I would serve by itself or with your favorite cookies or dessert.

Why do you put your cocktail ingredients in Tablespoons/teaspoons?
Yes, I am well aware this is not the “correct” cocktail form. However, I do this for the average home cook to make it easier AND so it’s easier for people to multiply the ingredients for a larger batch or pitcher of the martini.

Can I make a big batch of this martini or a pitcher of it?
Yes! See the bottom of the recipe card below for the quantities for 4 or 8 drinks. You can whisk in a large pitcher or bowl (you can forget the ice if you want…) until smooth.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – Use a dairy substitute for the half & half (such as almond or coconut milk) and omit the melted chocolate and chocolate chips or use a vegan-friendly substitute. You can also omit the ricotta cheese.

Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure though.

Low-Carb – Not really any ingredients that could be substituted for lower carb options that I can think of.

Gluten-Free – Check the particular brands of your alcohol to see if it’s gluten-free.

Other Dessert Cocktail Recipes You May Enjoy

• Tiramisu Martini – similar to this Cannoli Martini, but based on Italian Tiramisu.
• Mississippi Martini  – perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Candy Cane White Russian – fun idea for the holidays!
• Grinch Jello Shots – too cute for words!

Hope you enjoy this tasty Cannoli Martini. Tell me in the comments how you liked it!

Besides my Cannoli Cookies mentioned above, this martini would be great with these Italian Sprinkle Cookies (in the photos above) or Tiramisu Cookies!