Festive Eggnog Martini with Vanilla Vodka and Spiced Rum
There's nothing quite like an Eggnog Martini to kick off the festive season in style! This creamy, dreamy Christmas cocktail brings together the cozy warmth of spiced rum, the velvety sweetness of eggnog, and a touch of vanilla vodka for that irresistible holiday glow. I'm using Eierlikör here, the Austrian version of eggnog that's a little thicker, richer, and made with egg yolks, sugar, and spirits instead of milk or cream. Dusted with cinnamon and finished with a festive cinnamon stick, it's the kind of drink that feels like Christmas cheer in a glass, perfect for cozy nights by the twinkling tree or joyful gatherings with friends.
Ready to mix up some Christmas magic? 🎄
If you're as head-over-heels for the holidays as I am, you'll find plenty more inspiration in my Christmas recipe collection. From cheerful bakes to festive cocktails, it's a treasure trove of recipes that'll make your Advent season sparkle. And while you're sipping your Eggnog Martini, I highly recommend pairing it with my Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies (a family favorite passed down from my grandmother) or these delightfully spiced Cinnamon Cookies for an extra dose of Christmas comfort.
I love serving Eggnog Martinis at my Advent celebrations because they're a true crowd-pleaser! Each year, I start decorating my home in early November (yes, really!) and transform it into a cozy winter wonderland filled with candles, fairy lights, and the scent of cinnamon. For me, the holiday season is all about creating warm memories and spoiling the people I love with delicious treats. This cocktail fits right in: festive, creamy, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.
So grab your shaker and your favorite glass, and let's toast to the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this Eggnog Martini will wrap you in all the cozy, joyful flavors of Christmas. Don't forget to check out my guide to eggnog vs. egg liqueur so you always have the perfect base for your holiday creations!
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
- Vanilla Vodka
- The soft, sweet notes of vanilla vodka make this cocktail taste like Christmas in a glass. It smooths out the warmth of the rum and brings a lovely roundness to the Eierlikör. If you don't have vanilla vodka on hand, don't worry! You can easily make your own. Check out my guide on how to make vanilla vodka at home and keep a bottle ready for all your festive cocktail creations. A splash of pure vanilla extract in regular vodka works in a pinch too.
- Eierlikör (Austrian Egg Liqueur)
- I'm using Eierlikör here, which gives the martini a rich, custardy texture and a beautifully golden hue. If you're using American eggnog instead, reduce the amount slightly since eggnog is thinner and already includes milk or cream. This keeps your martini perfectly balanced and creamy, not too light.
Be sure to check out my guide to eggnog vs. egg liqueur before you start mixing so you know exactly how to adapt your ingredients. It's the ultimate festive cheat sheet!
- Spiced Rum
- A splash of spiced rum brings in those cozy, Christmassy notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and clove. It deepens the flavor and makes every sip feel like a warm holiday hug. If you prefer something milder, light rum will do the trick, but personally, I adore the little spicy kick the spiced version adds.
- Cinnamon
- That sprinkle of cinnamon on top is your finishing touch, simple, beautiful, and so festive. It enhances the flavor and adds a warm aroma as you sip. Pop in a cinnamon stick too, and you'll instantly feel like you're sipping Christmas by the fireplace.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Fill your shaker with ice
Start by grabbing your cocktail shaker and filling it about halfway with ice cubes. The goal is to chill your drink thoroughly without watering it down too much. You want it cold, creamy, and perfectly smooth!
Step 2: Add the good stuff
Pour in the vanilla vodka, Eierlikör, and spiced rum. This is where the magic happens! The rich, golden Eierlikör meets the warmth of rum and the sweetness of vanilla vodka, creating that signature Christmas harmony we all love.
Step 3: Shake it up
Close your shaker tightly and give it a good shake for about 10 to 15 seconds. You'll feel the outside of the shaker turn frosty, which is your sign that the cocktail is perfectly chilled.
Step 4: Fine-strain into a chilled glass
Strain your mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pre-chilled martini glass. This extra step keeps your drink velvety smooth, with no ice chips interrupting that silky texture.
Step 5: Add your festive finish
Dust the top with a pinch of ground cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick. It's such a simple touch but makes the presentation absolutely beautiful. Plus, that cozy aroma of cinnamon as you sip? Pure Christmas joy.
Now take a moment, hold your glass up to the light, and admire that creamy golden glow. Cheers to a cozy evening filled with twinkling lights, good company, and all the warmth this festive Eggnog Martini brings!
🎄 Batch version
This Eggnog Martini is even better when shared! Here's how to make a larger batch for your festive gatherings so you can spend more time celebrating and less time shaking individual drinks.
To serve 6 Use
- 1 ½ cups vanilla vodka
- 1 ½ cups Eierlikör (or slightly less eggnog if you're using the American version)
- ¾ cup spiced rum
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large pitcher or mixing jug and stir well to combine.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- When ready to serve, give the mixture a quick stir, then pour into chilled martini glasses.
- Dust each glass with ground cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
You can also pre-rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar for a sparkly touch that looks beautiful under Christmas lights.
Serve the batch alongside a plate of your favorite Coconut Egg white Cookies or Cinnamon Cookies and enjoy watching everyone's faces light up with festive delight.
🌡️ Storage
- Leftover Mix
- If you have any leftover Eggnog Martini mixture (lucky you!), store it in a sealed glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a good shake before serving again, as the creamy Eierlikör or eggnog may separate slightly.
- Make-Ahead for Parties
- If you're making the larger batch ahead of time, keep it covered or sealed tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mixture may separate slightly as it chills, so give it a gentle stir or shake before serving. Always keep it cold and serve it freshly mixed for that silky, creamy texture.
- Eggnog or Eierlikör Safety Note
- Because this cocktail contains dairy-based ingredients, always keep it refrigerated and never leave it out at room temperature for long. For best flavor and freshness, serve it cold and finish it the same day you make it.
- Freezing
- Freezing isn't recommended for this cocktail. The creamy ingredients don't thaw well and can separate. It's best enjoyed fresh - after all, part of the holiday charm is shaking up something delicious right before toasting with your loved ones!
🍸 Serving Ideas
This Eggnog Martini was made for Christmas gatherings. It's creamy, cozy, and elegant. A true star of any festive table. Whether you're hosting an Advent get-together, Christmas Eve celebration, or just a cozy evening by the tree, it pairs beautifully with all kinds of sweet holiday treats.
Here are a few of my favorite pairings that make this cocktail shine:
🍪 Classic Christmas Cookies
Serve your Eggnog Martini with a plate of my Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, a beloved family recipe from my grandmother, or my Cinnamon Cookies for that extra hint of spice. If you love nutty flavors, Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies are a must - delicate, buttery, and dusted with vanilla sugar.
🌰 Elegant Cookie Companions
For something a little different, try pairing your cocktail with Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies. Their nutty, caramelized flavor complements the creamy sweetness of the martini beautifully. I also adore serving this drink with my Coconut Egg White Cookies, which add a light and chewy texture to balance the richness of the cocktail.
🍨 A Festive Dessert Touch
If you're in the mood for something truly show-stopping, serve your Eggnog Martini alongside my Mini Christmas Trifles. Layers of cream, fruit, and cookies make them the perfect indulgent dessert to enjoy with a glass of this festive cocktail.
✨ Presentation Tip
Arrange your cookies on a tiered platter and serve the martinis on a tray lined with fairy lights or a sprig of holly for a magical touch. It's simple, festive, and guaranteed to make your guests smile!
🍽 Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer or small kitchen sieve
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Martini glasses (chilled)
- Small sieve for dusting cinnamon
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
💭 Top tips
- Use the right base
- Whether you're team Eierlikör or eggnog, choosing the right one makes all the difference. I used Eierlikör for this recipe because it's thicker, creamier, and has that rich custardy depth I adore. If you're using American-style eggnog, reduce the amount slightly so the drink doesn't get too light. For best results, check out my detailed guide to eggnog vs. egg liqueur before you start mixing.
- Make it ahead
- Hosting a party? You can easily prepare the base mix a few hours in advance. Combine the vodka, rum, and Eierlikör in a sealed jug, and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just shake (or stir) it again right before serving to refresh that creamy texture.
- Chill everything
- This cocktail tastes best when it's icy cold. Chill your martini glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. It's a simple trick, but it makes your Eggnog Martini feel extra luxurious and professional.
- Homemade vanilla vodka is worth it
- If you haven't tried it yet, making your own vanilla vodka is a total game-changer. It adds a smooth, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the festive flavors in this cocktail. You can find my simple guide here: How to make vanilla vodka at home.
- Decorate your drinks
- Don't skip the cinnamon garnish! A light dusting of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick turn this simple cocktail into a festive showstopper. You can even add a rim of cinnamon sugar to your glasses for a sparkling holiday touch.
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📖 Recipe
Eggnog Martini
Equipment
- Fine mesh strainer or small kitchen sieve
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Martini glass chilled
- Small Sieve for dusting cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Ingredients
- Cubed Ice
- 2 oz Vanilla vodka
- 2 oz Eierlikör or slightly less eggnog
- 1 oz Spiced rum
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
- 1 Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with Cubed Ice.Cubed Ice
- Add 2 oz Vanilla vodka, 2 oz Eierlikör or slightly less eggnog, and 1 oz Spiced rum.2 oz Vanilla vodka, 2 oz Eierlikör or slightly less eggnog, 1 oz Spiced rum
- Shake well for about 10 to 15 seconds until chilled.
- Fine strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Dust with Ground cinnamon and garnish with 1 Cinnamon stick.Ground cinnamon, 1 Cinnamon stick
- Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors of Christmas in every sip!
Notes
🎉 Hosting a Christmas Party?
To serve 6, use:- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) vanilla vodka
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) Eierlikör (or about 325 ml eggnog if using the American version)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) spiced rum
- Add all ingredients to a large pitcher or mixing jug and stir well to combine.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- When ready to serve, give the mixture a quick stir, then pour into chilled martini glasses.
- Dust each glass with ground cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- You can also pre-rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar for a sparkly touch that looks beautiful under Christmas lights.
- For the best flavor, check out my guide to eggnog vs. egg liqueur to adjust your ingredients perfectly, and don't miss my homemade vanilla vodka recipe for that smooth, festive sweetness.
- Serve your Eggnog Martini with a plate of Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, Cinnamon Cookies, or Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies to complete your holiday spread.
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.
Mandy says
I was so excited when I saw eggnog out at my grocery this week, and immediately made this martini! It was epic!
Nora says
Thank you so much, Mandy! I am so happy you liked it!
Lilly says
You had me at Eierlikör. I have such a persistent fondness for that stuff and I love that you made coktail worthy with your Martini version!
Nora says
That's awesome! Thank you, Lilly!
Jacqueline says
I'd not come across vanilla vodka before and ended up making my own following your recipe. It's a new favorite drink along with this eggnog martini which is going to be the star of our Christmas party!
Nora says
That's so wonderful, Jacqueline! Thank you!
Bob says
This creamy and festive blends vanilla vodka, spiced rum, and eggnog into a smooth, holiday-worthy drink, finished with a dusting of cinnamon and a cinnamon-stick garnish.
Nora says
Thank you, Bob!