Birthday Cake Martini with Sprinkles

Besides being objectively the best month of the year, October is also a particularly special month around here. Why? Because Kevin and I both have our birthdays later this month! This year, we decided to celebrate by taking some time off work for a staycation, which is definitely needed. And while we’re relaxing, why not have a cocktail in hand? Like a birthday cake martini, the perfect addition to the festivities.

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What You Need to Get Started

You can easily find all of the ingredients for these birthday cake martinis at your grocery store. You can also order online using Amazon Pantry, or try Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery.

• Pantry: Confectioner’s sugar, Nonpareil sprinkles, Vanilla extract, Sugar cubes
• Fridge: Heavy cream
• From the Bar: Vodka, White chocolate liqueur, Amaretto
• Equipment: Small plates, Martini glasses, Cocktail shaker

How to Make a Rainbow Sprinkle Rim

The nonpareil sprinkles on the rim of this cocktail are what takes it from standard cake batter flavor to full-on birthday cake! I love the joy that the colors bring. And as you drink yours, some may fall off into the drink, and create streams of color down the sides of the glass.

It’s so pretty, and delicious!

To get the sprinkles to stick, I decided to use a thin frosting. You combine heavy cream with confectioner’s sugar, stirring until until smooth. Since you are using very little, I suggest doing this in a small bowl, and stirring with a small spoon, like a demitasse spoon.

Then you’ll need two saucers or small plates. On the first, spread out the frosting in a ring that’s the same size as the rim of the glass. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just close. On the second, pour a bunch of nonpareils.

Make sure your martini glass is dry, then dip it first in the frosting. Tilt the glass slightly, and spin in the frosting to coat the rim thoroughly. Then dip it into the nonpareils. Again, tilt and spin the glass, allowing it to pick up the sprinkles. You can use your fingers to gently press on any that are falling off, but be careful. They like to jump. The frosting will harden up slightly, and that will help these stay on.

Let’s Make a Cake Batter Martini

Once your glass is prepared, it’s time to mix up the martini. This is a super simple drink, and it comes together very quickly. Grab your cocktail shaker, and fill it about halfway with ice. Then add in all of the ingredients: vodka, white chocolate liqueur, amaretto, vanilla extract, and a sugar cube.

Place the lid tightly on the shaker, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. When it’s done the shaker will be very cold, almost too cold to touch. This process allows all of the ingredients to mix together, breaks ups and dissolves the sugar, and dilutes the drink slightly.

Finally, strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass. Give yourself enough room so your hand and the shaker don’t knock off the sprinkles from the rim. When it seems like it’s done pouring, give it one last quick shake to get out those last few drops. This will help give just a slightly frothy top.

How to Serve Birthday Cake Martinis

The obvious choice is to have one of these on your birthday, or serve them at a small birthday celebration. I haven’t tried making a large batch, but if I did, I would garnish the glasses with the sprinkles ahead of time and then store them in the fridge, so it’s quick and easy to mix up and pour the drinks.

These martinis are sweet, but they are strong. I definitely recommend enjoying these with food, and they’d be perfect for dessert. The sweet flavor would pair perfectly with a honey pavlova with plums. Or why not try a fun and fruity birthday cake, like this apple and blueberry crumble cake?

The fun colors also make these a great choice for brunch, even if you’re only celebrating an unbirthday! A sour cherry cobbler is an excellent dish to play off the almond extract, which pairs beautifully with cherries. Or stick with some simple buttermilk pancakes.

Use Up Leftover Ingredients

• Sugar Cubes are one of my favorite ways to add some sweetness to drinks! Try using them in a cucumber gin cocktail.
• There’s only a little bit of confectioner’s sugar in this recipe, but you can use a whole bunch in the filling for cream cheese oatmeal cookies.
• For a twist on a classic, use your amaretto in an old fashioned with cherry ice.

Special Equipment

• Small plates
• Martini glasses
• Cocktail shaker

Shop This Post

• Wilton nonpareil sprinkles
• Black Button vodka (this is from a local upstate NY distillery. If it’s not available near you, try Svedka instead).
• Godiva white chocolate liqueur
• Disaronno amaretto