It's time to make one more special beverage to celebrate the holiday season. And I can't think of a better starting point than eggnog, that creamy concoction traditionally served during the holiday season.
This variation combines eggnog and Baileys Irish Cream, plus some vodka for a little extra punch. It's a little decadent and entirely delicious!
Why You'll Love This Eggnog Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail takes the classic holiday eggnog and gives it an extra layer of indulgence. The Baileys Irish Cream blends seamlessly with the eggnog, making it even creamier and adding a subtle hint of chocolatey, whiskey flavor. A little bit of vodka brings just enough punch to balance out all that sweetness, so it's smooth but not too heavy.
It's a cocktail that feels festive without being fussy. You only need a few ingredients, and it comes together in seconds. If you're already an eggnog fan, you'll love it. And if you've never been quite sure about eggnog, this might be the version that wins you over.
What is Eggnog Made of?
Traditionally, it's made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs (usually beaten until frothy to give it that rich, creamy texture). Warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon give it that signature holiday flavor.
Most of us today just pick up a carton of eggnog at the grocery store, but the homemade versions are still loved for their extra richness. Either way, the base is the same: creamy dairy, a touch of sweetness, and those cozy spices that make it taste like the holidays.
Baileys Eggnog Cocktail Recipe Ingredients
- Bailey's Irish Cream
- Eggnog
- Whipped vodka
**Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for detailed quantities and directions**
How to Make Eggnog Cocktail
This is a very simple drink. Simply add all 3 ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish, if desired, with a shake of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Oh, and maybe just a little whipped cream. It is the holidays after all.
How to Add a Decorative Rim
You'll notice above that I added a nice rim to the glass. I used a combination of brown sugar and nutmeg and absolutely loved the flavor it added to every sip. Simply delicious!
To do the same, mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar with one teaspoon of nutmeg. Wet the rim of the glass with water or simple syrup (I use agave syrup) and then dip it in the brown sugar mixture.
Alternatively, you can serve this drink on the rocks. It would make a fantastic beverage to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
I mean, the guy's been working really hard, and I'm sure he'd appreciate a break from all the milk.
It still goes great with cookies. (ideas: cornflake marshmallow wreaths, coconut date balls, and thumbprint cookies)
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Best make his a double. 😀 🎅
Eggnog Cocktail Variations
The most logical question with this is "what is whipped vodka and is there a substitute". It simply refers to a flavor infused vodka.
Take a whiff, it's an instant reminder of the smell of fresh whipped cream. I use it in my Orange Creamsicle cocktail, and now in this one.
If you need a substitute, try vanilla flavored vodka.
Whichever version you choose, this combination of eggnog and Baileys is the perfect toast to the holiday season!
Fun Fact About Egg Nog
Most historians agree that the drink now known as eggnog originated from the early medieval British drink called posset. Posset was used as a cold and flu remedy, and consisted of hot milk curdled with wine or ale and flavored with spices.
The 13th century brought the addition of eggs. Eggnog crossed the Atlantic to the USA when we were British colonies.
President George Washington was known to serve an eggnog-like drink to visitors which included rye whiskey, rum and sherry. His recipe reads as follows: "One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, ½ pint rye whiskey, ½ pint Jamaica rum, [and] ¼ pint sherry."
The recipe instructs cooks to "mix [the] liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating.
Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently." (Wikipedia)
I think we can all agree that the "taste frequently" part of the recipe is the most important step! 😃
More holiday cocktail ideas
- Baby Yoda Cocktail (ok, not a holiday but so cute!!!)
- Caramel Apple Cider cocktail
📖 Recipe
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Eggnog and Baileys Cocktail
Video
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka "whipped" flavor
- 2 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
- 4 oz Eggnog
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into glass of choice.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Emily Flint
I LOVE eggnog in any form but this cocktail is definitely one of my favorites! I tried it with vanilla vodka and it was just as delicious. Happy Holidays!
Sula
Happy Holidays!
Audrey
This is amazing. I love the baileys in this.
Sula
It's delicious!!
Kim Guzman
You had me at Bailey's. Yum! This was perfect!
Sula
Yes the Bailey's really makes it great!!
Big Trouble
I bet Santa appreciated you making his (or hers or theirs) a double! This looks delicious and whipped vodka sounds like you could drink it with a spoon!
Sula
Santa seemed to prefer this over the cookies! LOL
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/
It's been a while since I had any creamy spirit. My partner is in charge of cocktails and storing the drinks rack, so I'll suggest a Baileys for the next shop trip!! Happy holidays!
Sula
I hope you get the chance to enjoy it soon! Happy Holidays!
Gina Abernathy
I bet this is tasty. My mom is a Baileys fan so I will pass this on to her.
Sula
Anyone who likes Baileys will love this!
Jess
This looks like such a rich and decadent cocktail! Almost a dessert in a glass. Perfect for the holidays!
Sula
LOL yes I've had several of these desserts in a glass this month!! 🙂
Katrina Crandall
Well now, this holiday cocktail recipe is amazing! I love eggnog - my favorite is actually coconut milk eggnog, which I just discovered this year! I will try it with this recipe and see how it works out. I'm not sure if it will change the consistency or flavor of this cocktail... but there's one way to find out. 😀 Merry Christmas to you!
Sula
Oh this sounds like a VERY worthy experiment! Enjoy your holiday!
Melinda
I love anything with Bailey’s or eggnog. The combo is double yummy! Can’t wait to try for New Years.
Sula
Oh if you have even a slight liking of those tastes you will go crazy for this combination!!
marita
Wow this loooks delicious. All these spirits are in our cabinet as well, so that I am going to make some for me and my husband tonight. Thanks for sharing.
Sula
I know you will LOVE it!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
Great idea! I'm sure this tastes fantastic, and it's a great way to use leftover eggnog from Christmas.
Sula
Yes, can't let that eggnog go to waste!
Vincit Omnia
Nice change of pace! Thanks!
Sula
Enjoy!