If you love eggnog and you love cocktails, this Eggnog Martini is going to be your holiday happy place.
It’s creamy, rich, and has just enough boozy warmth to make any winter night feel festive.
It’s one of those drinks that feels fancy but is super easy to make.
I’ve been making these for years at small holiday get-togethers, and they’re always the first thing people ask me for again.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz store-bought eggnog (cold)
- 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz amaretto liqueur
- ½ oz white crème de cacao
- Ice cubes
- Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish, optional)
- Simple syrup (for rimming glass)
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar (for rimming glass)
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink always brings a smile when I serve it — it feels like dessert in a glass but with a grown-up twist. Here’s why I love it:
- You don’t need any fancy bartending skills
- It’s quick but feels luxurious
- The flavor is cozy, creamy, and sweet with a nice little kick
- It’s a great way to use up leftover eggnog in the fridge
One year, I brought a batch to a holiday potluck, and someone said, “This tastes like Christmas in a glass.” I’ve made it every year since.
Servings and Time
Makes: 1 serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Macros (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 13g
- Alcohol content: Moderate
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggnog is rich and fatty, which balances the sharpness of alcohol. Vanilla vodka adds a soft, smooth warmth, while amaretto gives that nutty holiday flavor. The white crème de cacao adds chocolatey depth without overpowering. Shaking it with ice chills and blends it fast, giving you that frothy top layer.
Common Mistakes
- Not chilling the eggnog: Warm eggnog makes a flat cocktail. Use it straight from the fridge.
- Skipping the sugar rim: It adds texture and a touch of sparkle — don’t skip it if you want the full experience.
- Over-shaking: Shake just until chilled. Over-shaking can make the texture too thin.
- Using dark crème de cacao: It’ll change the color and the taste. Stick to white crème de cacao.
What to Serve With
- Holiday cookies like snickerdoodles or shortbread
- A cheese board with creamy brie and salty nuts
- Peppermint bark or chocolate truffles
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free eggnog like almond or oat-based versions.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need and mix in a large pitcher. Shake individual portions with ice before serving.
Is it strong?
It’s smooth but has a decent kick. You can reduce the vodka to 1 oz if you want it lighter.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap amaretto for Irish cream for a different creamy flavor
- Use spiced rum instead of vanilla vodka for a warmer profile
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg inside the drink, not just as garnish
- Skip the crème de cacao for a less sweet version
Tools Required
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass
- Strainer
- Martini glass
- Small bowls for rimming sugar and syrup
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the alcohol and eggnog in a bottle and keep it chilled up to 2 days in advance. Just shake with ice and pour when ready.
How to Make an Eggnog Martini
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Dip the rim of your martini glass into a shallow bowl of simple syrup, then press into coarse sugar.
Step 2: Add Liquids to Shaker
Pour 2 oz cold store-bought eggnog, 1.5 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz amaretto, and ½ oz white crème de cacao into a cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake
Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Seal it and shake hard for about 15 seconds until the outside is frosty.
Step 4: Strain into Glass
Strain the mixture into the sugar-rimmed martini glass.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg on top and add a cinnamon stick if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
If you’ve got leftover mix (before shaking), just store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t store a shaken martini—it loses its frothy texture. Keep your garnish separate until serving.
Wrap-Up
This Eggnog Martini is creamy, cozy, and totally show-stopping at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or serving it to friends, it’s an easy win. Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear!
