If you’re looking for a cozy, slightly sweet cocktail that still gives that classic Old Fashioned feel, you’ve gotta try this Cinnamon Eggnog Old Fashioned.
It’s rich, creamy, and warm with holiday spices — like drinking Christmas in a glass.
Super simple, just a handful of ingredients, and it looks so pretty with a cinnamon stick garnish.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz store-bought eggnog (chilled)
- ½ oz cinnamon simple syrup (see tips for homemade)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice (preferably one large cube)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of my favorite winter drinks — especially when I want something that feels a little fancier but takes less than 5 minutes to throw together. I had it first at a holiday party, and I’ve been tweaking it at home ever since. It’s now a go-to when we have friends over or when I just want to unwind on a cold night.
- Creamy eggnog + warm bourbon = magic
- Cinnamon syrup makes it feel extra special
- Looks super impressive without being hard
- Can be made alcohol-free, too
Makes
1 serving
Time
5 minutes
Macros (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 185
- Carbs: 11g
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The eggnog gives this cocktail body and richness from the fat and protein in the dairy. Cinnamon syrup adds sweetness and depth without overpowering. Bitters cut the richness, and bourbon holds it all together with warmth and vanilla notes. That combo of fat + alcohol + bitters = a super balanced sip.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much eggnog: It’ll overpower everything and make it too thick. Stick to 1 oz.
- Skipping the cinnamon syrup: Plain sugar syrup won’t give that cozy holiday flavor.
- Shaking instead of stirring: Stirring keeps it silky smooth. Shaking can curdle the eggnog.
- Too much bitters: Just 2 dashes is enough. Any more, and it gets bitter fast.
What to Serve With
- Gingerbread cookies
- Mini cheese boards
- Spiced nuts
- Pumpkin or pecan pie
- Sharp cheddar or creamy brie
FAQ
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Just skip the bourbon and add 2 oz of milk or non-dairy milk for a fun mocktail.
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Totally — just make sure it’s well chilled.
What if I don’t have cinnamon syrup?
You can make a quick version at home with sugar, water, and a cinnamon stick (see tips below).
Can I batch this for a party?
Yep! Just multiply everything by how many servings you want and stir it all in a big pitcher with ice.
Pro Tips
- Warm your cinnamon syrup slightly to help it blend better.
- For a pretty garnish, run the cinnamon stick around the rim.
- Use a large ice cube to slow dilution — looks fancier, too.
- If your eggnog is thick, give it a quick stir before measuring.
- Use a jigger or small measuring cup to get precise flavor balance.
Tools Needed
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Mixing glass or small pitcher
- Bar spoon
- Rocks glass
- Strainer (if using a mixing glass)
- Small tray or napkin for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap bourbon for dark rum or brandy
- Use nutmeg instead of cinnamon for garnish
- Almond or oat eggnog work great for dairy-free version
- Add a splash of coffee liqueur for a mocha vibe
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the cinnamon syrup up to 2 weeks ahead. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge. Stir drink right before serving — don’t mix and store ahead or the eggnog can separate.
How to Make a Cinnamon Eggnog Old Fashioned
Step 1: Add Bourbon
Pour 2 oz bourbon into a mixing glass.
Step 2: Add Eggnog
Add 1 oz chilled store-bought eggnog to the mixing glass.
Step 3: Add Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Pour in ½ oz cinnamon simple syrup.
Step 4: Add Bitters
Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters directly into the glass.
Step 5: Stir with Ice
Add a large ice cube to the glass and gently stir with a bar spoon until chilled.
Step 6: Strain and Garnish
Strain into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
Leftovers & Storage
This is best made fresh, but you can mix the liquid parts (without ice or garnish) and keep in the fridge for up to a day. Stir again before serving. Leftover cinnamon syrup lasts in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Eggnog Old Fashioned is one of those drinks that makes winter feel a little more special. It’s creamy, cozy, and takes almost no time to whip up. Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with friends, it’s one of those little wins in a glass. Try it, tweak it your way, and drop a comment to let me know how yours turned out!
