Eggnog Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A fun and fancy spin on a holiday tradition, the Eggnog Martini is the perfect cocktail to enjoy by a roaring fireplace.

Any time of the year is a good time to start thinking about Christmas. I always promise myself that I’ll have all of my gift shopping done by the beginning of November, so that from then on I can just grab little things here and there for friends and family. But guess what? By the second week of December, I’m still trying to figure out what my nephews might want, even after asking them.

There’s an expression that says doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. By that rationale, the Christmas season is just plain crazy. The hustle, bustle, lights, decorating, browsing, spending money, planning parties, food shopping, spending money, hearing that Paul McCartney song over and over and over everywhere you go… It can drive you nuts. And it feels the same every year, despite our plans to try and make it a little easier on ourselves every go-around.

But once the gifts are wrapped and the traveling days are done, everything calms down a little. Everybody starts to arrive at the family home. The kids are running around, my brother’s cat is lounging under the tree, just staring up at the ornaments and lights twinkling off of them. And then the liquor cabinet is cracked open. Sure it’s a little early, before lunch even, but we’re all on vacation. And today’s cocktail, the Eggnog Martini, should get everyone in the mood for a few carols, followed by a viewing of A Muppet Family Christmas.

As we all lounge around, sipping on the creamy, vodka goodness of our Eggnog Martinis and allowing the hours to slow down, the rat race of the previous weeks is soon a distant, blurry memory.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Eggnog Martini?

Eggnog is usually made with darker, spiced spirits, like rum or bourbon. But in our recipe, we’ll be using both vodka and amaretto. We suggest a vanilla-flavored vodka, which will complement the nutty taste of the Italian liqueur. Both assimilate with ease amongst the creamy and rich eggnog, resulting in a sweeter tipple that is just as strong as its classic counterpart.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill a martini glass in your freezer for fifteen to thirty minutes for an extra cold sipping experience. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of nutmeg, then hold it by the stem to keep your drink cool as long as possible.

CAN YOU STORE THE EGGNOG MARTINI?

If you want to prepare a large batch of this recipe ahead of a holiday party, just scale up the portions and combine the ingredients together (minus the ice) in a large, resealable container, stirring gently. Keep the mixture in your fridge for at least a day or so, and shake over ice before serving.

IS THIS A “REAL” MARTINI?

No. An authentic and classic martini is made with gin and dry vermouth, with vodka being a popular alternative.

Other Holiday Cocktails Worth Trying

One of my favorite things about spending Christmas with my family is the abundance of snacks and libations. Oftentimes we’ll open a bottle of wine or champagne, but we like to have as much fun as possible with everything, so season-themed cocktails often join the festivities. Check some of these recipes out below to get a few ideas for your next Yuletide soirée.

• Christmas Martini – Creamy and chocolatey, this ‘Tini-inspired treat is another long-stemmed sipper worthy of Santa’s praise.
• Sugar-Cookie Martini – Tall, sweet and strong, this is what the Kringle prefers over milk and cookies.
• Coquito – A Christmas Puerto Rican tradition, this coconutty and creamy mixture will disappear in a flash, it’s so good.
• Christmas Punch – Is it your turn this year to host the big holiday party? This recipe will make things easier.