How to Make an Espresso Eggnog Martini

by | Nov 16, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails

Eggnog Espresso Martini in a coupe glass with a creamy layered top, dusted with chocolate and garnished with a cinnamon stick, set on marble with a decorated Christmas cookie, pine sprigs, warm golden bokeh lights, and the Bartend Long Island watermark.
Get Recipe Ingredients

This Eggnog Espresso Martini is what we reach for when guests want dessert, coffee and a nightcap in one glass. It takes the classic espresso martini formula and swaps the cream for rich, spiced eggnog so you get that holiday flavor without losing the strong coffee kick.

We first started serving this at December corporate events where there was already a big eggnog station. Instead of spiking eggnog in a punch bowl, we shook it with fresh espresso and vodka behind the bar. The result was so popular that people were lining up for a second round before they even finished the first.

Eggnog Espresso Martini Ingredients

This recipe makes one cocktail and scales easily for a small shaker full at a time. Use store bought eggnog to keep it simple or your favorite homemade eggnog if you have a batch in the fridge.

For one Eggnog Espresso Martini

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka, plain or vanilla
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
  • 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled slightly
  • 2 ounces chilled eggnog
  • Ice, for shaking

Garnish

  • Freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
  • Coffee beans or a cinnamon stick, optional

Optional variations

  • 1/2 ounce spiced rum or bourbon in place of part of the vodka for more warmth
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if you are using plain vodka and want extra vanilla flavor
  • Chocolate or caramel drizzle inside the glass before pouring for a dessert style presentation

How to Make an Eggnog Espresso Martini

  1. Chill the glass. Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice and water while you build the drink, or place it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes so your cocktail stays cold and silky.
  2. Build the cocktail in a shaker. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso and eggnog to a cocktail shaker. The espresso can be warm but not piping hot so it does not blow the shaker seal.
  3. Add ice and shake hard. Fill the shaker about two thirds full with ice. Seal and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold. This chills the drink and helps create a light foam from the espresso.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass. Discard the ice and water from your glass. Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass to catch any ice chips for a smooth texture.
  5. Garnish and serve. Finish with a light dusting of nutmeg on top and a few coffee beans or a small cinnamon stick if you like. Serve immediately while the foam and aromas are at their best.

Bartender notes

  • Shake with plenty of ice. Eggnog already has body, so you are not trying to over thicken it. You want it very cold with a thin layer of foam on top.
  • Use freshly pulled espresso when possible. At events we keep a small espresso setup on the back bar or batch strong cold brew concentrate for volume service.
  • If you are worried about curdling, stay away from citrus or sour ingredients. Vodka, coffee liqueur and eggnog play nicely together and make a stable drink.

Eggnog Espresso Martini Variations

  • Spiced rum eggnog espresso martini. Replace half of the vodka with spiced rum for extra baking spice and warmth. This is a favorite when we are already using spiced rum in other Christmas cocktails on the menu.
  • Bourbon eggnog espresso martini. Swap the vodka for bourbon to add caramel and vanilla notes. Use a slightly smaller pour of bourbon and a touch more eggnog if you want a softer profile.
  • Chocolate eggnog espresso martini. Add 1/2 ounce chocolate liqueur or a spoonful of chocolate syrup to the shaker, then garnish with shaved chocolate instead of coffee beans.
  • Light eggnog espresso martini. Use a lighter eggnog or cut your eggnog with equal parts whole milk to soften the richness while keeping the flavor and foam.
  • Batch style eggnog espresso martini. For parties, pre mix vodka, coffee liqueur and eggnog in a sealed container and keep it chilled. Shake individual servings with fresh espresso and ice to order so each drink has fresh foam.

Serving Suggestions

We like to serve Eggnog Espresso Martinis as an after dinner option when guests are winding down or during a dessert station. They pair well with Christmas cookies, chocolate desserts, tiramisu, cheesecake and anything that already has coffee or spice notes.

At private events on Long Island, we will often feature this cocktail alongside a classic espresso martini so guests can choose between a traditional coffee cocktail or the holiday version. For more Christmas drink ideas, browse our Christmas cocktails guide or our full cocktail recipes collection.

Make Ahead and Scaling Tips

  • For a small party, you can premix the vodka, coffee liqueur and eggnog in a pitcher and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours. Shake individual portions with freshly brewed espresso and ice when guests order.
  • Do not add espresso to a large batch until you are ready to serve. Espresso flavor fades and can taste flat if it sits too long.
  • If using homemade eggnog made with raw eggs, keep everything very cold and follow food safety guidelines. Most store bought eggnog is pasteurized and more forgiving for events.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per cocktail will vary based on the brand of eggnog and coffee liqueur you use. The estimate below assumes regular dairy eggnog.

  • Serving size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: 290
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated fat: 6 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg

More Holiday Coffee and Eggnog Cocktails

Planning a holiday party and not sure how much alcohol and mixers you need to stock for espresso martinis, eggnog and more Christmas cocktails. Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate bottles by guest count. If you would rather have a professional handle the shaking and cleanup, visit our bartender booking page to bring our team to your event.

Eggnog Espresso Martini FAQs

Are eggnog and espresso good together?

Yes. Eggnog and espresso are a natural match because you get the creaminess and holiday spice from the eggnog and the bitterness and aroma from the coffee. When you shake them with vodka and coffee liqueur you get a drink that tastes like a latte, a dessert and a cocktail all at once.

What alcohol mixes well with eggnog in an espresso martini?

Vodka is the cleanest choice for an Eggnog Espresso Martini because it lets the coffee and spice shine. You can also use spiced rum, dark rum, brandy or bourbon if you want more flavor from the base spirit. Many bartenders use a mix of vodka and either rum or bourbon to balance the drink.

Will eggnog curdle when I add alcohol or espresso?

Eggnog usually stays smooth when mixed with vodka, rum, coffee liqueur and espresso. Curdling is more likely if you introduce acidic ingredients like citrus juice or if the eggnog gets too warm and sits for a long time. Keep everything cold, avoid sour mixers and shake and serve the drink right away for the best texture.

Can I use store bought eggnog for this espresso martini?

Absolutely. Store bought eggnog is consistent, pasteurized and holds up very well in cocktails. It is what we use for most events because it is safe, stable and easy to measure. If you have a favorite homemade eggnog you can use that instead as long as it is well chilled.

Can I make an Eggnog Espresso Martini without alcohol?

Yes. For a zero proof version, shake chilled eggnog with freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee and a splash of milk or cream. You still get the coffee and holiday flavor without the vodka or liqueur. Serve it in a martini glass with nutmeg and coffee beans so it feels just as festive.