Classic Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cozy Classic Eggnog Cocktail Recipe, Made Simple

Nothing quite says holiday comfort like a glass of creamy, spiced eggnog with a boozy kick. I love how the Classic Eggnog Cocktail Recipe wraps you in warm, golden flavors that feel like a gentle hug after a chilly day. It’s one of those drinks that invites slow sips by the fire, sharing stories and laughter.

You’ll find this cocktail comforting yet sophisticated—rich eggnog meets dark rum and brandy, brightened subtly with freshly grated nutmeg. It’s easy to put together, making it the perfect weekend treat or a show-stopping addition to your seasonal gatherings.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of eggnog or trying it fresh this season, this recipe offers a balance of smooth, toasty, and slightly spiced notes that anyone can nail at home.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Eggnog (2 oz): The creamy, buttery backbone. I suggest fresh if you can find it, but high-quality carton works fine. Look for rich texture and real spices.
• Dark rum (1 oz): Gives depth, warmth, and that toasty sweetness you want. I like a spiced dark rum for an extra layer of flavor.
• Brandy (1 oz): Adds a smooth fruity punch and balances the rum’s intensity. It’s a classic pairing that enriches the cocktail’s character.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: The finishing touch, adding fragrant spice and a hint of earthiness. Don’t skip fresh grate—it’s night and day from pre-ground.
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish): A charming visual and subtle, aromatic note that keeps releasing flavor as you sip.

Set Up for Success

Before you start mixing, gather your ingredients and chill your glass to keep that cocktail crisp and refreshing. You don’t need an oven or any heating here, but prepping your garnish and grating nutmeg right before serving keeps everything fragrant.

Step-by-Step: Classic Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. I find using large ice cubes slows dilution and keeps the drink nice and cold without watering it down too quickly.
2. Pour in 2 ounces of eggnog, 1 ounce of dark rum, and 1 ounce of brandy. The creamy eggnog melds beautifully with the rich, spiced alcohols, creating that toasty, comforting sip everyone loves.
3. Shake gently for about 10 seconds. The key here is a delicate mix—vigorous shaking can froth the eggnog too much, changing the texture. You want chilled and smooth, not foamy.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Chilling your glass ahead ensures each sip stays crisp and refreshing, locking in the flavors perfectly.
5. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick. The nutmeg’s fragrant warmth pairs perfectly with cinnamon’s sweet spiciness, creating an inviting aroma as you sip.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! This cocktail is best sipped right away, when it’s icy cold and the flavors are vibrant.

Flavor Twists for Classic Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

• Vanilla bean infusion: Add a split vanilla bean to your eggnog for 24 hours before mixing for extra warmth and depth.
• Maple syrup drizzle: Swap a teaspoon of rum syrup with maple syrup for a comforting autumnal twist.
• Orange zest garnish: Swap cinnamon for a strip of fresh orange zest to brighten the cocktail’s aroma.
• Spiced rum swap: Use a spiced rum in place of dark rum to layer in flavors of clove, cinnamon, and allspice.
• Nutty undertones: A splash of amaretto adds a subtle almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutmeg garnish.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Pre-chill your eggnog: Keep it refrigerated so the cocktail stays cold without extra ice watering it down.
• Mix spirits in advance: Combine the rum and brandy and store in the fridge to speed up future cocktail prep.
• Avoid shaking early: Don’t mix with eggnog too far ahead; it tastes fresher when shaken right before serving.
• Leftover cocktail: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but best shaken anew if possible.
• Nutmeg and cinnamon: Always fresh grate and add cinnamon sticks just before serving for peak aroma and flavor.

Classic Eggnog Cocktail Recipe FAQs

• Can I use store-bought eggnog? Absolutely! Choose one with a rich, creamy texture and natural spices for best results.
• What if I don’t have brandy? Bourbon or cognac are great substitutes—they bring fruity warmth and softness.
• How can I make this non-alcoholic? Omit the rum and brandy, and add a dash of vanilla extract and extra nutmeg for flavor depth.
• Should I shake the eggnog vigorously? Gentle shaking chills and blends the drink best without frothing, preserving the smooth mouthfeel.
• How long does the cocktail keep? It’s best fresh but can be stored chilled and sealed for up to 24 hours, then shaken gently before serving again.

Print