Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy twist on a classic cocktail, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for winter nights or holiday gatherings. I promise, once you try this, you’ll never want to go back to a plain old White Russian again. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic drink that blends the rich, velvety flavors of eggnog with the smooth kick of vodka and coffee liqueur.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich eggnog softens the bold coffee liqueur and vodka, creating a smooth, indulgent drink.
- Simple and Quick: Just a few ingredients and 5 minutes is all it takes to whip up this festive cocktail.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust strengths and garnishes to match your holiday mood or taste preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A unique twist on a classic everyone seems to love, especially during the festive season.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe lies in a trio of simple yet luscious ingredients that each bring something unique. When combined, they deliver that creamy coffee-cocktail comfort everyone craves around the holidays.

- Vodka: A neutral spirit that gives the cocktail a gentle kick without overpowering flavors; quality vodka makes a smoother sip.
- Kahlua: This coffee liqueur adds a rich, sweet coffee flavor balancing the creaminess of eggnog perfectly.
- Eggnog: The star of the show — creamy, spiced, and festive; homemade or store-bought both work fine, but fresh is best for flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: A sprinkle on top adds warmth and aroma, driving home those holiday vibes.
- Whipped cream (optional): For those extra indulgent moments, it adds a fluffy contrast and elevates the presentation.
Tweak to Your Taste
I’ve found that this Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe is super easy to personalize. Whether you want it boozier, creamier, or even dairy-free, don’t hesitate to play around with it until it feels just right for your palate.
- Stronger Spirits: Sometimes I like to add a little extra vodka for more punch, especially when entertaining friends who enjoy a stiffer cocktail.
- Dairy-Free Eggnog: If you’re avoiding dairy, there are some fantastic almond or coconut milk-based eggnogs out there that work beautifully.
- Whipped Cream Always: When I’m feeling fancy (or festive), topping with a dollop of whipped cream and extra nutmeg sends this drink to the next level.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If your eggnog is less sweet, a tiny drizzle of simple syrup or maple syrup adds warmth and balance.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Ice
I always start by filling a sturdy glass (preferably an old-fashioned one) with plenty of ice cubes — this chills the drink to perfection without watering it down too quickly. Using fresh, clear ice cubes helps keep the flavor punchy.
Step 2: Pour Vodka and Kahlua
Next, measure and pour 1 ounce of vodka and 2 ounces of Kahlua over the ice. Pouring the coffee liqueur after the vodka helps the flavors layer gently before mixing. It’s like building a little flavor foundation.
Step 3: Add the Eggnog
Now comes the star: 3 ounces of creamy eggnog. Pour it in slowly so it blends nicely without splashing. The creaminess balances the alcohol and coffee notes while giving the cocktail a festive flair.
Step 4: Stir to Combine
Give everything a good stir with a bar spoon until you see it come together smoothly – about 20 seconds. This helps marry the flavors without over-diluting the drink.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finally, sprinkle fresh ground nutmeg over the top for that aromatic holiday vibe. If you’re using whipped cream, now’s the time to add a generous dollop. And trust me, it’s worth that extra step.
Pro Tips for Making Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe
- Use Fresh Nutmeg: Grating fresh nutmeg on top makes all the difference compared to pre-ground – it’s more fragrant and flavorful.
- Chill Your Glass: I like to pop my glass in the fridge for a few minutes beforehand so the drink stays colder longer.
- Mix with a Cocktail Shaker When Using Whipped Cream: To prevent the whipped cream from quickly melting, shake your cocktail with ice then strain into a glass before topping with cream.
- Don’t Over Stir: Stir just enough to combine; too much can melt the ice quickly and water down your drink.
How to Serve Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Garnishes
My go-to garnish is freshly grated nutmeg – it’s simple, elegant, and enhances the cozy aroma with every sip. When I’m feeling extra festive, a swirl of whipped cream crowned with a little cinnamon or a cinnamon stick stirrer adds a playful touch that guests always love.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with rich desserts like gingerbread cookies, pecan pie, or even a simple chocolate bark. During holiday parties, I often serve it alongside a cheese board with nuts and dried fruits to balance the sweetness and keep things easy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving the Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe in vintage glasses rimmed with crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar. You can even float a tiny cinnamon stick or star anise on top as a garnish for a whimsical holiday look that sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make a batch or have leftovers (not common in my house!), store the mixed cocktail in an airtight glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for freshness, as the eggnog loses some of its creaminess over time.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail because the eggnog’s texture can separate when thawed, leading to a watery, curdled mess. It’s definitely a fresh-sip kind of drink.
Reheating
This is a cold cocktail, so no reheating needed here — just fresh prep each time. If you want warm eggnog with a kick, consider a separate hot toddy-style drink instead.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade eggnog in the Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully and adds a fresh, rich flavor that’s even better than store-bought. Just make sure your homemade eggnog is well-chilled before mixing.
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How can I make this cocktail dairy-free?
You can substitute the eggnog with a dairy-free version made from almond, coconut, or oat milk. There are great pre-made dairy-free eggnogs available, or you can craft your own at home.
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Is this cocktail strong or mild?
The Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe strikes a lovely balance—creamy and smooth with a gentle alcoholic warmth. If you prefer stronger drinks, you can increase the vodka slightly to suit your taste.
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Can I prepare this cocktail in advance for a party?
It’s best to mix individual servings fresh to keep the creaminess intact and avoid separation. However, you can pre-measure vodka and Kahlua and store those separately, then add eggnog and ice just before serving.
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What’s the best way to garnish this cocktail?
I recommend freshly grated nutmeg as a classic garnish. Whipped cream is optional but highly recommended for added lusciousness, especially during festive occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe is one of those rare drinks that feels like a warm hug in a glass. Over the years, I’ve served it at holiday parties and quiet winter evenings, and it never fails to bring smiles. It’s cozy but with a little kick, sweet but balanced — basically everything you want in a festive cocktail. Give it a try this season, and I bet it’ll become your go-to winter treat, just like it is mine. Cheers to good drinks and great company!
Print
Eggnog White Russian Cocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and creamy cocktail combining vodka, Kahlua, and rich eggnog, garnished with ground nutmeg and optional whipped cream for a delightful holiday drink.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ounce Vodka
- 2 ounce Kahlua
- 3 ounce Eggnog
- Ground nutmeg, for garnishing
- Whipped cream, for optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Glass: Fill a glass with ice to chill and prepare for your cocktail.
- Add Alcohol: Pour in 1 ounce of vodka followed by 2 ounces of Kahlua into the glass over the ice.
- Add Eggnog: Pour 3 ounces of eggnog into the glass to blend with the spirits.
- Mix: Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and chilled.
- Garnish: Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for a festive touch. Optionally, add whipped cream on top as a rich garnish. For whipped cream, mix the cocktail in an ice-filled shaker and strain into a glass without ice to avoid separation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of vodka, Kahlua, and eggnog to your taste preferences.
- Using a cocktail shaker for mixing and straining helps maintain the whipped cream’s texture.
- Freshly grated nutmeg enhances aroma and flavor better than pre-ground nutmeg.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg


