The eggnog cocktail is my go-to holiday drink. Growing up, my family always had eggnog while we decorated the tree—a cherished tradition I still keep. Blended with vanilla vodka (or cognac) and Irish cream, this cocktail is festive, smooth, and perfect for entertaining over the holidays.
Why This Recipe Works
This eggnog cocktail combines chilled eggnog, Irish cream (like Baileys), and vanilla vodka, finished with a light dusting of ground cinnamon. The result is a creamy, frothy drink that recalls chocolate-and-vanilla ice cream—rich but balanced, with a warm holiday aroma.
If you’re hesitant about eggnog, give this a try: the eggnog simply contributes a mellow vanilla-cream note rather than an overpowering flavor, so the cocktail reads more like a dessert cocktail than spiked eggnog.
Ingredients
- Eggnog: store-bought or homemade. Choose a good-quality, creamy variety.
- Irish cream (Baileys): adds chocolatey, creamy richness; other brands will also work.
- Vanilla vodka: the original base for this cocktail. If you prefer, swap with unflavored vodka, cognac, bourbon, or spiced rum to vary the flavor.
- Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon: a small pinch of ground cinnamon and an optional cinnamon stick for garnish give the drink its signature seasonal aroma—use sparingly so it doesn’t dominate.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and nutrition information.
Choose Your Base Spirit
While this cocktail was conceived with vanilla vodka, it adapts well to other spirits. Cognac or bourbon add warmth and complexity, while a spiced or dark rum brings a richer, slightly tropical character. Each swap creates a subtly different festive variation—choose based on the mood you want to set.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1.
Combine all ingredients except the cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Step 2.
Shake or stir vigorously to chill and slightly froth the mixture. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube, or serve straight up in a coupe or martini glass.
Step 3.
Garnish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon and, if desired, a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Keep your cocktail glass chilled in the freezer so the drink stays colder longer.
- Serve this cocktail either straight up in a coupe for elegance or over the rocks in a double old-fashioned glass for a more casual presentation.
- Double-strain when serving straight up to remove small ice chips and get a silkier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eggnog is rich and creamy, with a flavor profile similar to vanilla ice cream or vanilla pudding thanks to eggs, cream, and vanilla.
Plain eggnog is non-alcoholic. Alcohol is added when you make cocktails or spike it at home.
More Dessert Cocktails
Chocolate Martini
Chocolate Espresso Martini
Irish Coffee
Frozen Mudslide
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and share a review in the comments!
Eggnog Holiday Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces golden eggnog
- 2 ounces Baileys (Irish cream)
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka (or cognac, bourbon, spiced rum)
- cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the eggnog, Irish cream, and vanilla vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake or stir vigorously, then strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube or serve straight up.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon and optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the cocktail cold longer.
Serve straight up in a coupe for a refined presentation or over ice in a double old-fashioned glass for a more relaxed vibe.
Nutrition
Calories: 248 kcal (approx.)
Carbohydrates: 30.2 g
Protein: 2.2 g
Fat: 4.2 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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