Eggnog Martini - Classic Holiday Cocktail to Toast to the Festive Season!

When December comes to Baltimore, everything feels warmer and more magical. I am that guy who starts playing Christmas music right after Thanksgiving and doesn't even pretend to be sorry about it. I love hosting holiday gatherings at my place-small ones with close friends and those big, chaotic nights with laughter everywhere, twinkling lights, and just way too many Christmas cookies on the table. And one thing that has really become my signature at these parties is my eggnog martini. It is creamy and cozy, has the most perfect holiday flavor, and people honestly wait every year for me to serve it. This is my go-to holiday drink, and I'm telling you, it's ridiculously easy to shake up. I mean, as easy as open the bottle, pour, shake, sip, and suddenly you're in the holiday spirit.

Eggnog is a real thing here in Baltimore. The moment the stores start stocking it, the city gets into party mode 😀. I do not know what it is, but people here love their nog. So, this Martini recipe, fits in so easily. When I bring out a tray of these cocktails, there is that moment of silence and then ooooh this is the one moment. Makes me feel like Santa, but instead of toys, I am delivering a frosty glass of Christmas cheer 😀😀😀

Also try this Eggnog Cheesecake Bites (NO-BAKE) & Orange Spiced Eggnog Muffins

What makes Eggnog Martini so special

Well, first-it tastes amazing. Rich, creamy eggnog mixed with vodka gives that sweet vanilla flavor and that nutty kiss from amaretto. It's like dessert in a glass but goes down way smoother and is so much more fun.

Second, it's super easy to make it's almost a joke. You shake, shake, shake, and boom-you've got something that tastes like you spent an hour on it.

Third, it just looks fancy. Snowy rim-optional but recommended, for it makes the drink sparkle under the tree lights 😀

And lastly, it's a great conversation starter. Someone always goes, "Oh, wow-I never thought eggnog could be this good." That's my proud moment every time.

Ingredients you need

• Eggnog because that creamy, festive base is everything
• Vanilla vodka for that sweet cozy warmth and smooth kick.
• Amaretto for nutty almond like flavor that makes this feel luxurious.
• Optional little sugar or use Cinnamon Sugar (PS: I just love it) for the rim if you want it to feel extra Christmas special
• Ice cubes because this martini deserves to be extra chilled

Making Eggnog Martini

Instructions to make it could not be simpler.

• Fill your shaker with ice.
• Pour in eggnog then vanilla vodka and amaretto. Shake until the shaker feels frosty.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top.
• Lift the glass smell that holiday aroma and sip slowly. It feels like a Christmas tree lighting ceremony happening in your mouth 😀😀

So, what is eggnog? It is this rich, creamy holiday drink made traditionally with milk, cream, eggs, and warm spices like nutmeg. Imagine custard meets milkshake meets Christmas magic. Silky, thick in the best of ways, if you love cozy drinks, this one's your friend.

Finding good eggnog is not hard these days. Most grocery stores stock it in December. Local dairies do incredible small batches of eggnog; definitely check your farmer's market or your local dairy brand. In the mood to go fancy? You can even make your own. I have once done that, and loved it, but honestly, store-bought ones today are awesome, making this drink crazy easy.

Recipe Alterations to Eggnog Martini

Recipe alterations are fun. If you do not have amaretto, you can still make a perfect Eggnog Martini. Just bump up the vanilla vodka a little or swap in a splash of simple syrup or a touch of almond extract. That almond flavor is what amaretto gives, so you just recreate the vibe.

No amaretto version Eggnog vodka, nutmeg. If you want, add a splash of vanilla syrup or almond milk for a softer nutty note. Shake and done.

No eggnog version - Well, you basically pivot into creamy martini territory. You'd use heavy cream or half and half, add vanilla vodka, a little amaretto, and a pinch of cinnamon. It will not be eggnog, but it will be festive and delicious. Think creamy Christmas martini vibes.

Eggnog martini with Kahlua or rum or Frangelico - yes, please. If you love coffee flavor, swap amaretto in for Kahlua.

It becomes this dreamy holiday coffee cocktail that feels like sipping Christmas morning before anyone else wakes up. If you are into rum, then go with a good, dark rum instead of vodka for a warm, spiced finish that tastes like Caribbean meets Christmas.

Frangelico is amazing if you like hazelnut flavor. It turns this drink into a nutty cozy delight that tastes like holiday candy.

Can you premake this Eggnog Martini?

Yes, but only to a point. Mix the eggnog and Vodka ahead of time and chill it in a pitcher. Do not add ice until serving. When guests arrive, shake each serving with ice to give it that creamy froth and perfect chill. You save time, but you still get that quality finish!!

Making a Dairy-free version of Eggnog Martini: Super easy. There's so much dairy-free nog out there right now made with almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and even cashews. Use your favorite dairy-free nog, swap out the vodka and amaretto in the same way, and shake. It stays creamy and festive, and now everyone-yes, even lactose-free friends-can enjoy it.

How to store leftovers

Honestly you probably will not have leftovers. But if somehow you do then just pour the mixture into a jar and store in the fridge up to a day.

Shake again over ice before serving. Eggnog does separate a little sometimes so give it a good shake or quick whisk.

FAQs

Can I use regular vodka?

Yes, but vanilla vodka adds extra cozy sweetness. If using plain vodka, add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup.

Can I serve this warm?

I mean, technically, yes, but please don't! This is supposed to be cold, creamy, and frosty. A warm eggnog martini is just not the vibe.

Best garnishes for Eggnog Martini

Fresh nutmeg grated if you can. A little cinnamon if you like. And a sugared rim is always fun for Christmas.

Can I make it kid friendly?

Absolutely. Use eggnog with a splash of vanilla extract and a dash of almond extract. Shake with ice and top with nutmeg. Kid friendly and still feels festive.

Can I rim the glass with something besides sugar?

Yes cinnamon sugar is incredible. I sometimes even use crushed cookie crumbs. Holiday baking crumbs plus eggnog martini equals happiness.

Leftovers storage

Fridge for a day shake again before serving. That is it.

When the tree lights are glowing the fireplace is going and friends are laughing in the living room there is nothing more satisfying than handing someone a chilled frothy eggnog martini and watching their face light up. It is fun festive and so easy to whip up. I love that this drink feels like a celebration in a glass and honestly it makes the night feel special every single time. If you ask me this is the holiday drink to master. It is nostalgic, creamy, joyful, and absolutely the kind of cocktail people remember and talk about even after the decorations are packed away. So here is to Christmas cheer, gatherings that turn into memories, and the magic of eggnog in a martini glass. Cheers from Baltimore and happy mixing.