Here’s a cozy little twist on a classic holiday cocktail — the Eggnog White Russian.
It’s creamy, a little boozy, and tastes like Christmas in a glass.
Perfect for sipping by the fire, or while wrapping gifts with something good on in the background.
This version uses eggnog instead of cream, and it’s way easier than it sounds.
You don’t have to be a bartender to pull this off.
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink became a holiday tradition after a snowy night in Vermont. I swapped out the cream in a White Russian for leftover eggnog — it was a hit. Since then, it’s made an appearance every December.
- Tastes like dessert in a glass
- Just 3 ingredients
- Great for a low-effort cocktail that still feels fancy
- You can make it by the glass or scale it up for a crowd
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 3 oz eggnog
- Ice cubes
- Ground nutmeg (optional, for topping)
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Use cold eggnog straight from the fridge so your drink stays chilled
- Stir gently — it helps keep that pretty layered look
- Freshly grated nutmeg on top makes a huge difference in flavor
- A cinnamon stick looks festive and adds a hint of flavor as it sits
- Try using a flavored vodka like vanilla for extra holiday flair
Tools Needed
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Cocktail spoon or regular spoon
- Short cocktail glass (like a rocks glass)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap vodka for bourbon if you like more of a whiskey flavor
- Use homemade eggnog if you have it
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based eggnog
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor
Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and eggnog in a pitcher ahead of time (just don’t add ice or garnish until serving)
- Keep it chilled in the fridge and pour over ice when ready
How to Make Eggnog White Russian (Serves 1)
Total time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Step 1: Fill your glass with ice
Add a handful of ice cubes to a short cocktail glass. You want it nice and full to keep the drink chilled without watering it down too fast.
Step 2: Add 2 oz vodka
Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice. You’ll see it start to chill right away.
Step 3: Add 1 oz coffee liqueur
Next, pour in 1 oz of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa). Let it settle under the vodka — it might create a nice layered look.
Step 4: Add 3 oz eggnog
Now pour in 3 oz of creamy eggnog. It’ll float in and swirl beautifully with the darker liqueur.
Step 5: Stir gently
Use a spoon to stir everything gently. This mixes the flavors without losing the creamy swirl effect.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle a little ground nutmeg on top, and add a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling festive. Serve right away.
Macros Information (per serving)
Estimated values
Calories: 265
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 16g
Alcohol: ~20g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Replacing cream with eggnog adds sweetness, richness, and that signature holiday spice all in one. The fat in eggnog balances out the alcohol, while the coffee liqueur adds depth without overpowering the drink.
Common Mistakes
- Using warm eggnog — it can mess up the texture
- Stirring too hard — it’ll get murky instead of that nice swirl
- Skipping the garnish — it really makes it feel special
- Not enough ice — the drink needs to stay cold for best taste
What to Serve With
- Gingerbread cookies
- Mini cheesecakes
- A charcuterie board
- Savory holiday snacks like sausage balls or puff pastry bites
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use coffee syrup instead of Kahlúa and skip the vodka. Still creamy and festive.
What kind of eggnog should I use?
Any store-bought works, but full-fat has the best flavor and texture.
Can I batch this for a party?
Totally. Just multiply the amounts and mix in a pitcher — add ice and garnish when serving.
Does this taste super strong?
It’s balanced. The eggnog softens the vodka and coffee liqueur, so it’s smooth and drinkable.
Is it okay to shake this instead of stir?
You can, but it’ll be more blended and lose that pretty swirl. Stirring is better for this one.
Enjoy this holiday treat, and if you give it a try, leave a comment to let me know how it went or if you made any fun twists!
