Learning how to make a Thanksgiving vanilla martini offers a fun way to celebrate the holiday. Sure, we have the tradition of Thanksgiving dinner, dessert, and football. But what about a nice after dinner (or before dinner, or during dinner) cocktail? This cocktail recipe derives its inspiration from some typical Thanksgiving flavors like pumpkin pie spice.

Before you get started, it's important to assemble your work station. It is essential to have several martini glasses on hand. You will also need plenty of ice and a cocktail shaker. Also, when it comes to purchasing the alcohol, you may be tempted to buy inexpensive versions of the liquors. Though some inexpensive liquors are rather tasty, sometimes you can really tell the difference between the cheap stuff and "the good stuff".

Here's a list of the ingredients needed to make one Thanksgiving vanilla martini.

1. 2 oz. vanilla vodka
2. 1 oz. Irish cream like Bailey's
3. 1 oz. half and half

dash pumpkin pie spice to garnish

Your next step is to add the ingredients to the cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and pour in the vodka, Irish cream, and half and half. Close the lid and shake it until well blended.

Pour the martini blend into a martini glass and garnish with a dash of pumpkin pie spice. You can rim the martini glass with sugar to give it an extra pretty appearance.