This cocktail tastes just like a sugar cookie, but with a little holiday buzz. It’s creamy, sweet, and seriously simple to make. You don’t need fancy tools or bartending skills—just a few ingredients and a good shake. And the cookie rim? That’s the festive magic.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes that started as a last-minute idea and turned into a tradition. One year, I had eggnog, a little vodka, and leftover sugar cookies… and magic happened. I’ve been making it ever since.
- It’s ready in 5 minutes
- Perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and boozy
- Feels fancy with zero stress
- You only need a few ingredients
- Great for sipping by the fire or sharing at a holiday party
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 2 oz eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz amaretto
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- Ice cubes
- Crushed sugar cookies (for garnish)
- Honey (for rimming the glass)
- Granulated sugar (for rimming the glass)
Pro Tips
- Chill the glass ahead of time for an extra cold sip
- Shake it well—this helps mix everything smoothly
- Use fresh eggnog if possible—it makes a difference
- Don’t skip the rim; it adds flavor and flair
- Crush the cookies finely so they stick better
Tools Required
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Clear tumbler or cocktail glass
- Plate or saucer for rimming
- Small bowls for toppings
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap amaretto with hazelnut or white chocolate liqueur
- Use cinnamon sugar for the rim instead of plain sugar
- Try crushed snickerdoodles or shortbread instead of sugar cookies
- Make it non-alcoholic by using vanilla extract instead of vodka and amaretto
Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix the vodka, eggnog, amaretto, and powdered sugar and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake it with ice and garnish just before serving.
Servings and Time
Servings: 1 cocktail
Time: 5 minutes
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Pour a little honey onto a small plate. On another plate, mix granulated sugar with crushed sugar cookies. Dip the rim of your glass in the honey first, then press it into the sugar-cookie mixture to coat.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, add:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 2 oz eggnog
- 1 oz amaretto
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- A handful of ice cubes
Step 3: Shake
Secure the shaker lid and shake hard for 10–15 seconds, until everything is well mixed and chilled.
Step 4: Strain Into Glass
Strain the drink into your sugar-rimmed glass. It should look smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Garnish
Sprinkle a pinch of crushed sugar cookies over the top of the drink for a festive finish.
Leftovers and Storage
If you’ve pre-mixed the liquid part (vodka, eggnog, amaretto, and sugar), it’ll stay good in the fridge for 24 hours. Shake it with fresh ice before serving. Rim and garnish only when ready to drink.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The fat in the eggnog softens the alcohol bite and makes the drink smooth. Shaking with ice chills it fast without watering it down too much. Powdered sugar blends better than granulated sugar, giving just the right amount of sweetness.
Common Mistakes
- Not shaking long enough: Makes the drink flat and uneven
- Using watery eggnog: Thicker eggnog creates a better texture
- Skipping the powdered sugar: The cocktail needs a touch of added sweetness
- Rimming the glass after pouring: Always rim before filling the glass
What to Serve With
- Sugar cookies (to match the vibe!)
- White chocolate bark
- Holiday cheese board
- Mini pecan tarts
- Shortbread
FAQ
Can I make this in batches?
Yes, just scale up the ingredients and shake in portions. Don’t try to shake more than 2 drinks at once unless your shaker is huge.
Can I use regular vodka instead of vanilla vodka?
You can, but it’ll be a little less sweet and dessert-y. A drop of vanilla extract helps make up for it.
Can I skip the cookie garnish?
Totally. But it adds a fun crunch and really brings the sugar cookie flavor to life.
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better with homemade—just make sure it’s well chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Sugar Cookie Eggnog Cocktail is cozy, creamy, and full of holiday charm. It’s the perfect sip when you want something sweet, simple, and a little bit special. Try it out, and if you make it your own, drop a comment—I’d love to know how it turned out or what kind of cookie you used to rim the glass!
