Give your holiday happy hour a shake with an Eggnog Martini — a rich, silky mix of traditional eggnog, decadent cream liqueur and a hit of spirits that balances nostalgic with sophisticated. Ideal for Christmas parties, cozy evenings next to the fire or for sipping while wrapping gifts, this festive drink is liquid holiday cheer in a glass.
Ingredients
(Makes 1 cocktail)
Cocktail Base:
- 2 oz (60ml) egg nog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz (30ml) vanilla vodka (or regular vodka)
- 1 oz (30ml) spiced rum (or bourbon for depth)
- ½ oz (15ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa) OR ½ oz (15ml) Irish cream
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters (optional)
Garnish:
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick
- Dipped in star anise or cinnamon sugar rim
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ oz (15ml) maple syrup, optional for added sweetness
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick
- Edible gold dust (for Christmas sparkle)
Instructions
Chill the Glass:
- Put a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Shake & Strain:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine eggnog, vodka, rum, coffee liqueur and bitters. Add ice and shake hard for 15 seconds.
Serve & Garnish:
- Strain into the chilled glass. Grate some nutmeg on the surface, a cinnamon stick or star anise.
- Pro Tip: For an extra flair, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar!
Tips & Variations
Dietary Tweaks:
- Vegan: Substitute dairy-free eggnog (almond/coconut-based) and vegan cream liqueur.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure spirits are GF (most vodkas and rums are safe).
- Lighter: Replace eggnog with unsweetened almond milk + 1 tsp custard powder
Flavor Twists:
- Chocolate Eggnog Martini: Use ½ oz dark crème de cacao.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap in pumpkin spice syrup for the coffee liqueur.
- Smoky Bourbon: Sub smoked cinnamon and bourbon for the rum.
Presentation Hacks:
- Candy Cane Swizzle: Make mini candy canes into stirrers.
- Eggnog Foam: Class up your drink with whipped cream + nutmeg.
- Gold Rim: Rim the glass with honey, and then dip it into edible gold dust.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas:
- Holiday Party: Make in batches and serve out of a punch bowl with cinnamon sticks.
- Dessert Pairing: With gingerbread cookies or shortbread.
- Brunch Bonus: Serve with French toast or spiced waffles.
Storage Tips:
- Eggnog Mix: Prepare the alcohol-eggnog mix (without ice) and refrigerate up to 2 days. Add ice, shake and serve.
- Leftover Eggnog: Freeze in ice cube trays to use in cocktails down the line!
FAQ
Q: Is raw egg safe in homemade eggnog?
A: If you’re worried, either use pasteurized eggs, or heat the eggnog mixture to 160°F (71°C). Eggnog from the store is usually pasteurized.
Q: Is it OK if I do not use the coffee liqueur?
A: Yes! Or substitute with amaretto, hazelnut liqueur or extra rum.
Q: What if I want to make a large batch for a crowd?
A: Combine 2 cups eggnog, 1 cup vodka, 1 cup rum, ½ cup coffee liqueur. Chill and stir, then serve over ice.
Q: Non-alcoholic version?
A: Use non-alcoholic eggnog, skip the spirits, and add ½ tsp rum extract + 1 tbsp vanilla syrup.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Martini is the perfect holiday treat — creamy, spiced and just boozy enough to warm your insides. It’s a contemporary spin on a centuries-old tradition that’s sure to bring a smile to even Scrooge’s face. Pro tip: Make a double batch… because ’tis the season for seconds!
Tried it? Upload your #EggnogMartiniMagic creation and tag us! 🎄📸