The Creamiest Holiday Cocktail You'll Ever Make
Looking for a cocktail that instantly brings the holiday spirit to life? The Apple Cider Eggnog Cocktail is exactly that-a creamy, spiced wonder that combines cozy spiced apple cider with rich eggnog, a splash of dark rum, and all the festive trimmings. Served in wine glasses with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and an apple slice balanced on the rim, it's as dazzling as a Christmas tree and just as joyful. This isn't your everyday eggnog-it's a sparkling holiday showstopper that deserves a place at every Advent gathering.
Wondering what makes this cocktail even more special?
Here's the fun part: you can make it with classic eggnog, or, if you're like me and adore European traditions, try it with Austrian egg liqueur (Eierlikör). Curious about the difference? I've written a full guide on Austrian Eierlikör vs. Eggnog that even includes a recipe for homemade advocaat egg liqueur-perfect if you want to take this cocktail to the next level with a DIY touch. And if you're in the mood for more warm and festive sips, my homemade Glühwein (mulled wine) is another holiday classic not to miss.
To round out your Christmas table, serve this Apple Cider Eggnog Cocktail alongside raspberry almond thumbprint cookies (a treasured recipe from my granny), mix in a Blue Christmas Cocktail for a splash of color, and treat your guests to Mini Christmas Trifles for dessert. Can you picture it already? A holiday spread full of sparkle, sweetness, and just the right amount of boozy cheer.
This Apple Cider Eggnog Cocktail is festive, creamy, and utterly irresistible-let's get shaking and bring a little magic to your holiday season!
🥘 Ingredients
- Spiced Apple Cider
- The cozy, warming base of this cocktail. You can use my homemade spiced apple cider or a good-quality store-bought version. The spices add that Christmassy hug in a glass.
- Eggnog
- Creamy, rich, and festive. You can use classic eggnog, or try it with Austrian egg liqueur (Eierlikör) for a European twist. If you're curious about the difference, check out my post on Eierlikör vs. Eggnog, which also includes a recipe for homemade advocaat egg liqueur.
- Dark Rum (optional)
- Adds depth and warmth to the cocktail, making it extra cozy for cold December nights.
- Ground Cinnamon
- Maple Syrup or Honey
- Whipped Cream - topping
- Cinnamon Sticks & Apple Slices
- For garnish and flair.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Warm the cider
Pour your spiced apple cider into a small saucepan and gently heat it over low heat with the cinnamon and maple syrup (or honey). Don't let it boil-you want it warm and cozy, not bubbling away. As it heats, your kitchen will already start to smell like Christmas magic! ✨
Step 2: Stir in the holiday spirit
Once the cider is perfectly warmed, remove the pan from the heat. Now comes the fun part: stir in the eggnog (or Eierlikör) and, if you're in the mood for a little extra warmth, a splash of dark rum. Creamy, spiced, and just the right amount of boozy-pure holiday joy in liquid form.
Step 3: Dress it up
Strain the drink into a jug, then pour the cocktail into gorgeous wine glasses. This is your chance to make it sparkle: add a swirl of whipped cream, dust with a little extra cinnamon, and tuck a cinnamon stick and apple slice into each glass.
Step 4: Sip & celebrate
Serve immediately while it's still warm and aromatic. Gather your loved ones, clink glasses, and toast to a season filled with joy, cookies, and twinkling lights. 🎄
Serving Suggestions 🎁✨
- Perfect with cookies:
- This cocktail practically begs to be served at a Christmas cookie party. Pair it with my raspberry almond thumbprint cookies-a beloved recipe from my granny that has been part of our family Christmas table for generations. The fruity jam filling balances the creamy sweetness of the cocktail beautifully.
- A colorful drinks duo:
- If you want a stunning holiday drinks lineup, serve this alongside my Blue Christmas Cocktail. The two together create a red-and-blue festive pairing that looks absolutely magical on the table.
- A sweet ending:
- Round out your gathering with Mini Christmas Trifles layered with speculoos cookies and berries. The trifles add texture and freshness, complementing the smooth, spiced creaminess of the Apple Cider Eggnog Cocktail.
- Cheese and spice:
- For a savory touch, a cheeseboard with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or creamy brie makes a fantastic partner. The cocktail's sweetness balances the saltiness and richness of the cheese. Add spiced nuts or roasted almonds for extra crunch.
- Festive brunch option:
- This cocktail isn't just for evenings. It shines at a holiday brunch as well-serve it warm with sweet breads, stollen, or even gingerbread muffins. It's like Christmas morning in a glass!
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🌡️ Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh
- This cocktail is at its magical best when served immediately after mixing. The whipped cream topping, cinnamon dusting, and garnish are what make it sparkle, so prepare those just before serving.
- Keeping it warm
- Hosting a bigger crowd? You can keep the cider base warm in a slow cooker on the lowest setting. Stir in the eggnog (or Eierlikör) and rum just before serving to keep it smooth and creamy.
- Leftovers
- If you happen to have a little leftover (rare, I promise!), let it cool completely and store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 day. Gently rewarm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling so the eggnog or Eierlikör doesn't curdle.
- Whipped cream topping
- Always add the whipped cream fresh right before serving-it doesn't store well on the drink itself.
🍽 Equipment
- Small saucepan - To gently warm the spiced apple cider without boiling it.
- Wooden spoon or whisk - For stirring in the eggnog (or Eierlikör) and rum until smooth and creamy.
- Wine glasses or heatproof mugs - I love serving this cocktail in wine glasses for a festive, elegant touch, but heatproof mugs work beautifully too if you prefer cozy and rustic.
- Measuring cups and spoons - To keep your ingredients perfectly balanced.
- Ladle - Handy for serving if you're making a larger batch.
- Whipped cream dispenser or piping bag (optional) - To create that pretty swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Cinnamon sticks & apple slices - Technically garnishes, but they're essential for that show-stopping presentation.
💭 Top tips
- Eggnog or Eierlikör?
- Both work beautifully, but keep their differences in mind. Eggnog (American style) is lighter and milkier, often already spiced. Austrian egg liqueur (Eierlikör) is thicker, richer, and boozier-like pouring custard into your cocktail. Whichever you choose, stir it in after taking the cider off the heat so it stays smooth and creamy.
- Mind the sweetness.
- Eggnog and Eierlikör are sweet on their own, so taste before adding too much maple syrup or honey. You can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's stirred in.
- Go homemade for extra magic.
- Want to really wow your guests? Try making your own homemade advocaat egg liqueur or even whip up a batch of traditional eggnog. It adds such a special touch.
- Keep it cozy, not boiling.
- Warm your cider gently-never let it bubble. Overheating can cause the dairy to curdle when you add the eggnog or liqueur. Think gentle Christmas hug, not rolling boil.
- Dress to impress.
- This cocktail is a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds. Serve in wine glasses with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and that gorgeous apple slice + cinnamon stick combo. Instant "wow" factor!
- Batch it for parties.
- Hosting a crowd? Scale the recipe up (see my batch version) and keep it warm in a slow cooker on the lowest setting. Guests can ladle out their own festive cheer throughout the night.
🙋🏻 FAQ
Yes! Simply skip the rum and replace the eggnog/Eierlikör with a creamy alternative like warm vanilla oat milk or non-alcoholic eggnog. You'll still get that festive, spiced flavor.
Traditionally, this cocktail is served warm for maximum coziness. But you can absolutely chill the cider first, then mix with cold eggnog for a refreshing twist-perfect if your holiday season is warmer.
You can prepare the spiced cider base in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, rewarm gently and stir in the eggnog/Eierlikör and rum just before pouring into glasses.
Lightly sweetened whipped cream works best-it balances the spices without overpowering the drink. Unsweetened cream is fine too if you prefer less sweetness, especially when using rich Eierlikör.
If your wine glasses are delicate, let the cocktail cool for a few minutes before pouring. Heatproof glassware (like tempered wine glasses or mugs) is the safest option for very hot drinks.
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
Apple Cider Eggnog Cocktail
Equipment
- mall saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Wine glasses or heatproof mugs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whipped cream dispenser or piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups spiced apple cider
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup eggnog or Austrian egg liqueur/Eierlikör
- ¼ cup dark rum optional, for extra warmth
- Whipped cream for topping
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks & apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 cups spiced apple cider with the ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup eggnog (or Eierlikör) and ¼ cup dark rum, if using.
- Strain the mix into a jug, then pour into wine glasses or heatproof mugs.
- Top each glass with Whipped cream, dust with Ground cinnamon, and garnish with Cinnamon sticks & apple slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday magic!
Notes
Hosting a party? Scale the recipe up:
- 2 ½ quarts (2.5 liters) spiced apple cider
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) eggnog (or Eierlikör)
- 1 cup (240 ml) dark rum (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons (75 ml) maple syrup or honey
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
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