Updated: August 26, 2026
Eggnog is typically a beverage I don’t make or buy until it’s cold outside and the year starts to wind down. However, when I do purchase eggnog (or make homemade eggnog), I enjoy making creative eggnog cocktail recipes that are easy and fun for our friends to enjoy.
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Table of Contents
What Does Eggnog Taste Like?
Eggnog has a unique flavor that’s hard to explain. The taste of eggnog can best be described as a rich, creamy custard or melted vanilla ice cream. Eggnog is very easy to make at home by combining simple ingredients such as heavy cream, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract and nutmeg. However in this recipe, I am going to show you the best alcohols to pair with eggnog so you can enjoy a tasty, easy cocktail from store-bought eggnog.
The Best Alcohol To Pair With Eggnog
Eggnog pairs with a variety of different spirits, most of which may already exist in your home. Brandy is the most traditional spirit to pair with eggnog, but there are other liquors that pair well with the nutmeg spices in eggnog. Some of my favorites to create a good spiked eggnog recipe are:
- Bourbon
- Brandy
- Cognac
- Crown Royal Vanilla
- Dark Rum
- Disaronno Liqueur
- Irish Cream Liqueur (Baileys is my favorite)
- Vanilla Vodka
- Vodka
How to Make Boozy Eggnog
If you have some time on your hands, I recommend making your eggnog from scratch and pairing it with your favorite alcohol in order to create the ultimate spiked eggnog recipe. You can also learn how to make homemade eggnog on my site as well. If you’re lactose intolerant, try my dairy-free eggnog recipe. Below you will find step-by-step instructions with photos for this spiked eggnog recipe:
STEP 1: Prepare the glass – Pour a small amount of eggnog onto a shallow plate and dip the rim of a martini or coupe glass into it. Dip the coated rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and set aside.
STEP 2: Add the ingredients – Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vanilla vodka, Disaronno, eggnog, and nutmeg.
STEP 3 – Shake until chilled. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled and creamy.
STEP 4: Strain and serve – Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, if desired. Serve straight up in a martini or coupe glass, or over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Enjoy!
How to Make a Pitcher of Eggnog Cocktails
This eggnog cocktail is easy to scale into a large batch and can be prepared ahead of time, so there’s no need to shake each drink individually. You can use the following measurements if you want to make around 60 fl ounces or 10 cocktails:
For 10 cocktails / 60 oz, use:
- 40 ounces (5 cups) eggnog
- 10 ounces (1¼ cups) vanilla vodka
- 10 ounces (1¼ cups) Disaronno
- 2½ teaspoons nutmeg
Flavor Pairings For This Spiked Eggnog Recipe
For this eggnog with alcohol recipe, I decided to use Disaronno since it is an almond-flavored liqueur. Almond flavored liqueur pairs beautifully with vanilla. So as a compliment to the Disaronno, I chose a vanilla vodka, shaken over ice with nutmeg to brighten the flavors. If you plan on making a large batch of this recipe, I would follow a 2 parts liquor, 4 parts eggnog ratio.
Spiked Eggnog FAQ:
How much alcohol should I add to eggnog?
A good starting point is ½ to 1 cup of alcohol per quart of eggnog, depending on how strong you like it. Start small, taste as you go, and adjust to your preference.
Can I make eggnog without alcohol?
Yes! Simply leave out the alcohol or substitute with rum extract. The recipe will still turn out creamy and delicious. It’s perfect for kids, non-drinkers, and holiday gatherings. Here is our family's Homemade Eggnog Recipe for reference.
Can I add alcohol after the eggnog is already made?
Absolutely. If you’re serving a crowd, make the base first and let guests customize their own glass with their preferred spirit
When should I add the alcohol?
If you want a smoother, mellower flavor, whisk the alcohol into the warm mixture right before chilling. If you want a sharper, stronger taste, stir it in just before serving.
How do I make my eggnog thicker?
If you prefer a thicker texture, simmer the mixture slightly longer to let it naturally reduce, or add an extra egg yolk. Alcohol will thin it slightly, so adjust as needed.
Can I make a big batch of spiked eggnog ahead of time?
Yes! Eggnog tastes even better after the flavors have time to meld. You can prepare it 24 hours in advance, store it in an airtight pitcher or container, and stir again before serving.
Eggnog Cocktail Recipe:
The Best Eggnog Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vanilla Vodka
- 1 oz Disaronno Liqueur
- 4 oz Eggnog
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- Cinnamon & Sugar Mixture
- Ice
Instructions
- Take a cocktail glass, rim the glass with eggnog, then rim the glass with a cinnamon sugar mixture. Set glass aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 oz of vanilla vodka, 1 oz of Disaronno liqueur. Shake store bought eggnog and then add 4 oz of eggnog to cocktail shaker. Add 1/4 tsp of nutmeg or freshly grated nutmeg to bring out the flavors of the cocktail. Shake with ice for 20 seconds.
- Serve strained in cinnamon sugar rimmed cocktail glass, such as a martini glass, coupe glass or over ice in a rocks glass. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks fantastic! I’ve never had eggnog with alcohol in it, but I think the thinner consistency would be more appealing than straight eggnog. Your recipe sounds good, especially with the nutmeg.