This Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is one of those cozy drinks that makes the holiday season feel a little warmer, even when it’s freezing outside.
It’s creamy, smooth, and has just the right balance of sweet and nutty thanks to the amaretto.
It’s super simple to make, and feels a little fancy—perfect for holiday get-togethers or just chilling by the tree with your slippers on.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this on a snowy December night when friends popped in unannounced. I had eggnog in the fridge and a bottle of amaretto from a forgotten party—and let me tell you, it turned out to be the star of the evening. Since then, it’s been a must-have every holiday season. Here’s why:
- Warm, cozy flavor – that sweet almond flavor from the amaretto really blends perfectly with eggnog.
- So easy – just shake, pour, and garnish.
- Looks fancy – even though it’s low-effort, it looks and feels like a cocktail you’d get at a holiday bar.
- Great for guests – it’s easy to batch if you’ve got more than one glass to serve.
Servings & Time
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Macros Information (per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 18g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggnog has fat from cream and milk that helps carry flavor really well. When mixed with amaretto (a sweet almond-flavored liqueur), the richness of the eggnog balances the sweetness of the alcohol. A little shake with ice chills and smooths the drink fast without watering it down too much.
Common Mistakes
- Over-shaking – too much shaking can dilute the flavor. Just 10–15 seconds is plenty.
- Using low-fat eggnog – the richness makes this drink. Low-fat or dairy-free versions don’t give the same texture.
- Not garnishing – nutmeg and whipped cream make a big difference in flavor and presentation.
What You’ll Need
- 3 oz eggnog (cold)
- 1.5 oz amaretto
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Glass mug or lowball glass
- Spoon (for layering whipped cream, if using)
Pro Tips
- Use chilled eggnog so the ice doesn’t melt too fast and water it down.
- Always shake with ice to get a nice cold pour without needing to serve it on the rocks.
- Use fresh nutmeg if you can—grate it right on top. The flavor is incredible.
- Try warming the cinnamon stick slightly before garnishing—it smells amazing.
- You can batch this recipe by multiplying the ingredients and using a large shaker or jar.
Substitutions and Variations
- No amaretto? Use spiced rum or bourbon for a different twist.
- Dairy-free? Use a creamy oatnog alternative.
- Want it stronger? Add a splash of dark rum.
- More dessert-y? Add a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the eggnog and amaretto ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a shake over ice when ready to serve.
How to Make Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail
Step 1: Add Eggnog and Amaretto to Shaker
Pour 3 oz cold eggnog and 1.5 oz amaretto into a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Add Ice and Shake
Add a handful of ice cubes into the shaker. Close the lid and shake for 10–15 seconds.
Step 3: Strain into Glass
Open the shaker and strain the cocktail into a glass mug or lowball glass.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream
Add a swirl of whipped cream on top of the drink.
Step 5: Garnish with Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Dust with a pinch of ground nutmeg and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh. If you mix extra (without ice), you can keep it sealed in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t add whipped cream until serving.
What to Serve With
- Gingerbread cookies
- Toasted nuts
- Mini cinnamon rolls
- Chocolate bark
- A charcuterie board if you’re serving it at a holiday party
FAQ
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Just skip the amaretto and add a dash of almond extract to your eggnog.
What’s the best eggnog to use?
Full-fat store-bought eggnog works great. You can also use homemade if you have it.
Can I serve it warm?
You can, but skip the shaking step. Gently warm the eggnog and stir in the amaretto before serving. Don’t boil it.
Final Thoughts
This Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of festive. It comes together in five minutes and feels like a holiday hug in a glass. Try it out, snap a picture, and drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how yours turned out or what fun twists you added.
