Spiked Eggnog

I'm going to be honest with you. Every Christmas, I end up with way too much eggnog in my fridge. Donald always buys an extra carton "just in case," and then we're staring down a half gallon with nowhere to go. That's exactly how this spiked eggnog recipe happened in our kitchen last December.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Like This Spiked Eggnog
• Ingredients For This Spiked Eggnog Recipe
• Spiked Eggnog Recipe
• How To Make Spiked Eggnog At Home
• Storing Your Spiked Eggnog
• Fun Variations To Try
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipes You May Like
• Wrapping Up This Spiked Eggnog Recipe

It only takes three ingredients and about three minutes, and it turned our leftover eggnog into the easiest holiday cocktail I've ever made. Smooth, creamy, and warm with cinnamon and a little almond note from the amaretto, it's become the thing I make the second guests walk through the door.

If you love a good holiday drink as much as we do, you'll want to bookmark my non alcoholic Moscow mule too, since it's perfect for anyone at the party who's skipping the alcohol that night.

Why You'll Like This Spiked Eggnog

This one earns its spot on the party table fast. Here's why I keep coming back to it:

• Only three ingredients, and you probably have two of them already
• Ready in three minutes, no blender or shaker needed
• Rich and creamy, with warm spice from the rum and a soft almond flavor from the amaretto
• Easy to make one glass or a whole pitcher for a crowd
• No cooking, no fuss, just stir and pour
• Feels fancy but takes almost no effort at all

Alex actually asked me once why the "grown up eggnog" smelled so good. That's the amaretto talking, and it really does make the whole kitchen smell like the holidays.

Ingredients For This Spiked Eggnog Recipe

Here's everything you need for one serving. It scales up easily if you're making a batch for a party.

• 1 ounce amaretto liqueur
• 1 ounce spiced rum
• 6 ounces chilled eggnog
• Optional for garnish: whipped topping, cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg

That's it. No fancy syrups, no juggling ten bottles. The amaretto brings a soft almond warmth, and the spiced rum adds those cozy cinnamon and clove notes that make eggnog taste like Christmas in the first place.

A quick note before we get into it. This drink is meant for guests who are old enough to legally enjoy alcohol. If you've got a mixed crowd, keep a carton of plain eggnog nearby so everyone has an option.

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How To Make Spiked Eggnog At Home

For A Single Glass

Grab an 8 ounce rocks glass. Pour in the amaretto and the spiced rum, then give it a good stir. If you like your drinks cold, toss in a few ice cubes here.

Top the glass with your chilled eggnog and stir again. Taste it. If you want more warmth from the rum or more of that almond flavor, adjust as you go. This is your glass, so make it the way you like it.

Finish with whipped topping, a dusting of cinnamon, or a little nutmeg on top if you're feeling fancy. Serve it right away.

One thing I learned the hard way. Leftover spiked eggnog only keeps in the fridge for about two days. The alcohol helps it last a bit longer than plain eggnog, but the dairy can still turn if it's been sitting out at a party for hours.

For A Pitcher Or Party Batch

If you're hosting, making a big batch saves you from mixing individual glasses all night. Pour off some eggnog from the carton to make room, then add the same ratio of amaretto and spiced rum right into the jug. Seal it and shake well so everything combines.

Here's my go to measurement. For a half gallon container, pour off about 8 to 10 ounces of eggnog first. Then add 4 to 5 ounces each of amaretto and spiced rum. Shake it up, taste it, and adjust before you serve.

You can actually make this pitcher up to a day ahead if you're planning a party and want one less thing on your list. Cover it tightly and give it another good shake right before your guests arrive.

Storing Your Spiked Eggnog

This drink is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, pour them back into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It'll stay good for up to two days.

Give it a stir or a shake before pouring again, since the ingredients can separate a little as it sits. I wouldn't recommend freezing it, since the texture just isn't the same once it thaws.

Fun Variations To Try

Once you've made this a few times, you'll probably want to switch it up a little. Here's what I've tried in my own kitchen.

• Swap the spiced rum for bourbon if you want a stronger, more whiskey forward flavor
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth
• Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar before pouring for a fun touch
• Serve it warm instead of chilled by heating the eggnog gently on the stove first

Have you ever tried warming this one up instead of serving it cold? Honestly, it's a completely different drink, and just as good on a really cold night.

If you're looking for something a little different for your next gathering, my sunrise grapefruit cocktail is a nice bright option to have on the menu alongside this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol is best for spiked eggnog?

Amaretto and spiced rum are my go to combination since the almond and warm spice flavors work so well with eggnog. Bourbon or brandy are also great swaps if you want something a little different.

Can spiked eggnog be made ahead of time?

Yes. You can mix up a full pitcher up to 24 hours before your party. Just keep it covered and in the fridge, and give it a good shake before serving.

How do you make a large batch of spiked eggnog?

Pour off a little eggnog from your carton first, then add the same ratio of amaretto and spiced rum straight into the container. Shake well, taste, and adjust as needed before serving.

Should spiked eggnog be served with ice?

That's really up to you. I like mine straight from the fridge without ice, but if you prefer a colder, slightly diluted drink, ice works just fine.

Recipes You May Like

• Creamy Homemade Eggnog For The Holidays, perfect if you want the classic version to serve alongside this spiked one
• Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail, another creamy holiday cocktail that's just as easy to make
• Rich Fireball Eggnog For Cozy Celebrations, a spicier twist on eggnog if you love a little heat

Wrapping Up This Spiked Eggnog Recipe

This spiked eggnog recipe has become the drink I reach for every single time we host over the holidays. It's simple, it tastes like the season, and it turns leftover eggnog into something guests actually ask for the recipe of.

Give it a try at your next gathering and let me know how it turns out for you. Happy sipping, and happy holidays from my kitchen to yours!