Eggnog Espresso Martini
This Eggnog Espresso Martini blends bold coffee flavor with creamy eggnog and a splash of vanilla vodka for a cozy, festive twist on a classic cocktail. It's rich, smooth and balanced with just the right kick of caffeine and sweetness, like a creamy espresso martini all dressed up and ready for the holiday season.
Shaking eggnog with vanilla vodka and coffee gives you the bold flavor of an espresso martini with a creamy, festive twist. It's chilled, smooth and ready in minutes, and it's a good fit for holiday parties, Christmas Eve or a cozy night in after dinner.
If eggnog is part of your holiday routine, we think you'll love our Spiked Eggnog with Rum for another classic sip, and our Instant Pot Eggnog Cheesecake when you want something creamy for dessert.
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Ingredients
A few simple ingredients are all you need to shake up this creamy, coffee-spiked holiday cocktail.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Fresh Espresso: The foundation of a classic espresso martini, strong and bold.
- Eggnog: Adds a creamy texture and a sweet, spiced flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work.
- Vanilla Vodka: Gives a subtle vanilla note that goes well with the coffee and eggnog.
- Kahlua or Coffee Liqueur: Gives the martini added richness and coffee flavor.
- Simple Syrup, Optional: Sweetens the drink slightly.
- Nutmeg and Cinnamon, Optional: Adds warmth and a cozy holiday flavor.
We shake this one in a cocktail shaker and use a shot glass to measure the liquids. If you don't have a shaker, a jar with a tight lid works too.
Variations
- Cold Brew Concentrate: Use in place of espresso if you don't have an espresso machine.
- Plain Vodka: A good swap if you don't have vanilla vodka on hand. For a similar vanilla flavor, add a half teaspoon of vanilla, though it isn't necessary.
- Cold Foam Topping: Spoon a little on top before garnishing for extra flair.
- Pinch of Salt: Helps bring out the sweetness and soften the bitterness of the coffee.
How to Make an Eggnog Espresso Martini
This holiday twist on a classic espresso martini comes together with bar basics and seasonal eggnog.
Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
Add eggnog, vodka, espresso and Kahlua. If you are adding any of the optional ingredients add them now too.
Shake until chilled and strain into a glass.
Hint: Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to get everything well chilled and lightly frothy.
Recipe Tips:
- Shaken: Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into your glass. Spoon the froth on top if you'd like.
- Glass: Serve in a coupe glass, martini glass or any small cocktail glass. For an extra cold sip, chill the glass in the freezer first.
- Garnishes: Add a dash of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick or a few espresso beans for a cozy holiday touch.
- Make It a Mocktail: Swap the vanilla vodka and Kahlua for non-alcoholic alternatives, and add a splash of vanilla for the same cozy flavor.
If you love a coffee-based cocktail, our Espresso Irish Coffee is another cozy one to try.
More Cocktails
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Favorites: Eggnog French Toast Bake, and Classic Eggnog Cheesecake.
- Sweets: Instant Pot Tiramisu Cheesecake, Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, Costco Pecan Pie, and Vanilla Cake Mix Cookies.
- Holiday Sips: Baileys and Eggnog, Peppermint Espresso Martini, Caramel Mocha, and Baileys Hot Chocolate.
Eggnog Espresso Martini Recipe FAQs
Vodka, rum, Irish cream like Baileys and coffee liqueur like Kahlua all pair well with eggnog. In this martini, we use vanilla vodka and Kahlua to bring out the coffee flavor.
While we do suggest making it fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. Mix the ingredients together and place in the fridge, then shake with ice per serving for the freshest result.
If you don't have espresso on hand, cold brew concentrate works well for a similar bold coffee flavor.
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Eggnog Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glass
- Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso about 30mL
- 3 ounces eggnog
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Add eggnog, vodka, espresso and Kahlua. If you are adding any of the optional ingredients add them now too.
- Shake until chilled and strain into a glass.
Notes
- Shaken: Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into your glass. Spoon the froth on top if you'd like.
- Glass: Serve in a coupe glass, martini glass or any small cocktail glass. For an extra cold sip, chill the glass in the freezer first.
- Garnishes: Add a dash of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick or a few espresso beans for a cozy holiday touch.
- Make It a Mocktail: Swap the vanilla vodka and Kahlua for non-alcoholic alternatives, and add a splash of vanilla for the same cozy flavor.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to get everything well chilled and lightly frothy.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
This recipe is so quick to make, and very delicious. We make it all the time in the winter, and will even use decaf shots at night!