The eggnog cocktail is my go-to holiday drink. Eggnog was part of my family’s tree-decorating tradition when I was a child, and it remains a highlight of my Christmas celebrations. When combined with vanilla vodka or cognac and Irish cream, it becomes a festive, creamy cocktail that’s perfect for the season.
Why This Recipe Works
This cocktail blends chilled eggnog with Baileys (or another Irish cream) and vanilla vodka, finished with a dusting of ground cinnamon. The result is silky and frothy, with flavors that recall chocolate and vanilla ice cream—rich but balanced, not overwhelmingly eggnog-forward.
If you’re unsure about eggnog, give this a try anyway. The eggnog lends a gentle, creamy vanilla note rather than dominating the drink, so it’s more than just spiked eggnog—it’s a dessert-style cocktail that’s smooth and approachable.
Ingredients
- Eggnog: Use store-bought or homemade; look in the dairy aisle for refrigerated eggnog.
- Irish cream: Adds creamy chocolate notes—Baileys is a classic choice.
- Vanilla vodka: The original base spirit for this cocktail. If you don’t have vanilla vodka, plain vodka works, and cognac, bourbon, or spiced rum are excellent substitutes.
- Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon: A light sprinkle or a cinnamon stick garnish adds aroma and warmth—use sparingly so the cinnamon doesn’t overpower the drink.
Choose Your Base Spirit
While this recipe was developed with vanilla vodka in mind, you can easily switch the base spirit. Bourbon or cognac will give a richer, warmer profile, while a dark spiced rum brings depth and spice. Each choice creates a different but equally festive variation.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1.
Combine eggnog, Irish cream, and vanilla vodka (or your chosen spirit) in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Step 2.
Shake or stir vigorously, then strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube or serve straight up in a chilled coupe.
Step 3.
Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top and optionally add a cinnamon stick as a garnish. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glass in the freezer so the cocktail stays cold longer.
- Serve straight up in a coupe for a refined presentation, or over the rocks in a double old-fashioned glass for a relaxed pour.
- Double-strain the drink when serving straight up to remove small ice chips for a smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eggnog is rich and creamy, made from eggs, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Its flavor is similar to vanilla custard or vanilla ice cream.
Plain eggnog is non-alcoholic unless alcohol is added. This cocktail, however, is spiked with spirits.
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, or spiced rum)
- cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake or stir vigorously and strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube or serve straight up in a chilled coupe.
- Sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon and optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer.
Serve straight up in a coupe or over ice in a double old-fashioned glass, depending on your preference.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 30.2 g
Protein: 2.2 g
Fat: 4.2 g
Sugar: 27.1 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.