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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of holiday hosting, it’s this, festive doesn’t have to be fussy. I love a showstopper moment, but I love a five-minute win even more, especially when the kitchen is already stacked with appetizers, cookies, and a million tiny to-dos.
This Eggnog Martini recipe is my go-to when I want something creamy, cozy, and a little fancy without breaking out a blender or turning cocktail hour into a full production. It’s basically holiday eggnog…in a martini glass…with that frothy, chilled finish that makes it feel extra special. I serve it with light appetizers while everyone’s arriving, and it’s also PERFECT next to a cookie tray when the night shifts into “dessert and second drink” mode.
Why You’ll Love My Eggnog Martini
- Flexible: make it sweeter, creamier, or swap the flavors to match what you have.
- Creamy and festive without being heavy or complicated.
- Ready in minutes (shaker, ice, pour, done).
- A little frothy on top, like a holiday treat in a glass.
- Easy to scale up for parties, cookie swaps, and Christmas Eve.
Ingredients For My Eggnog Martini
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this creamy Eggnog Martini recipe, and it comes together fast. The full ingredient measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Eggnog: Use it well-chilled so your martini shakes up extra cold and frothy.
- Vodka: Vanilla vodka is my favorite for a cozy, dessert-like flavor.
- Amaretto: Adds a sweet, smooth almond note that screams “holiday cocktail.”
- Ice: For shaking and getting that classic frothy martini texture.
- Garnish (optional): Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (and whipped cream if you’re feeling extra).
Ingredient Substitutions
Vodka
- Swap vanilla vodka for regular vodka (less sweet)
- Whipped cream vodka for a more dessert-y drink
- Caramel or cinnamon vodka for a warmer holiday twist
Amaretto
- Hazelnut liqueur for a nutty, cozy variation
- Irish cream for extra creamy flavor
- Coffee liqueur for a mocha-style eggnog martini
- Bourbon or brandy if you want it less sweet and more “classic holiday spirits”
Eggnog
- Dairy-free eggnog (almond, oat, or coconut) works great
- Homemade eggnog for a richer, thicker martini
- Light eggnog if you want something a little less indulgent (still delicious!)
Spices and Garnish
- Pumpkin pie spice or chai spice instead of nutmeg
- Cinnamon sugar rim for a festive look (dip in eggnog, then cinnamon sugar)
- Cinnamon stick or star anise
How to Make Eggnog Martinis
- Chill your glass (optional but worth it). Pop a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink.
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Add the vodka, amaretto, and chilled eggnog to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and the drink looks a little frothy.
- Strain into your chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon (and whipped cream if you’re going for a dessert-cocktail moment).
How to Batch for a Crowd
If you’re hosting, batching this Eggnog Martini recipe is the move.
Batching Ratio Chart (Eggnog Martini Mix)
Ratio (by parts)
- Vodka: 2 parts
- Amaretto: 1 part
- Eggnog: 3 parts
(Total = 6 parts)
Batch Amounts (using ounces)
| Number of cocktails | Vodka (2 parts) | Amaretto (1 part) | Eggnog (3 parts) | Total mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 oz | 1 oz | 3 oz | 6 oz |
| 2 | 4 oz | 2 oz | 6 oz | 12 oz |
| 4 | 8 oz | 4 oz | 12 oz | 24 oz |
| 8 | 16 oz | 8 oz | 24 oz | 48 oz |
| 12 | 24 oz | 12 oz | 36 oz | 72 oz |
Tip: You can use any unit (oz, cups, mL), just keep the 2:1:3 ratio the same. Stir before serving, then shake each drink with ice for that frothy martini finish.Whisk it together in a pitcher, cover, and refrigerate until party time.
How to serve so it’s still frothy
Eggnog settles a bit as it sits (totally normal), so give the pitcher a good stir before serving. For that classic shaken, frothy texture, pour individual servings into a shaker with ice, shake, and strain. If you’re not worried about foam, you can simply pour into glasses over fresh ice (it’ll just feel more like a creamy eggnog cocktail than a martini).
Kellie’s Tips for the Best Eggnog Martini
- Fresh nutmeg is a small upgrade that makes a big difference. If you have whole nutmeg and a microplane, do it.
- Shake like you mean it. Eggnog is thicker, so a hard shake is what gives you that chilled, frothy finish.
- Rim the glass for extra holiday sparkle. Dip the rim in a little eggnog (or amaretto) and then into cinnamon sugar. It’s so pretty and tastes amazing.
- Use very cold eggnog. Warm-ish eggnog means less froth and a heavier feel.
- Like it less sweet? Reduce the amaretto or skip it, and add a splash of bourbon or brandy instead.
- Want it extra indulgent? Top with whipped cream and a pinch of nutmeg, dessert in a glass.
What to Serve with an Eggnog Martini
I love serving an Eggnog Martini with light appetizers while guests are mingling, think salty, cheesy, crunchy bites that balance out the creamy cocktail. And later? Put it next to a cookie tray and watch it disappear.
Appetizer ideas
- Baked brie (especially with cranberry or fig jam)
- A simple cheese board with salted nuts and crackers
- Spiced nuts or candied pecans
- Shrimp cocktail or a chilled dip with crackers
- Mini sweet and sour meatballs (sweet-and-savory is so good with eggnog)
Cookie tray favorites
- Sugar cookies or frosted cut-outs
- Gingerbread cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Chocolate crinkle cookies
- Shortbread (classic and perfect with creamy cocktails)
More Easy Holiday Cocktail Recipes
If you’re building a holiday drink menu (or just want options), here are a few crowd-pleasers to add to the lineup:
- Cranberry Moscow Mule (tart + fizzy + festive)
- Pomegranate Rum Punch (light, bubbly, and party-friendly)
- Eggnog White Russian (dessert vibes)
- Classic Hot Toddy (warm and cozy)
- Gingerbread Martini (for the “cookies in a glass” crowd)
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Eggnog Martini Recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- jigger or shot glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz amaretto, (or substitute with hazelnut liqueur)
- 3 oz chilled eggnog
- Ice cubes
Optional garnishes:
- Ground nutmeg or cinnamon, for dusting
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Cinnamon stick or star anise, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and eggnog.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is frothy and chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with a light sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, add a swirl of whipped cream, and/or a cinnamon stick for flair.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
