Eggnog Espresso Martini

If you are winding down after a busy day or serving cocktails at your next holiday gathering, our eggnog version of an espresso martini is a great option. It’s a festive homemade holiday cocktail that feels elevated but takes only minutes to shake up.

Eggnog is such a great ingredient to use to make all types of festive recipes. If you are a fan of the Christmastime cocktail, you will love our Instant Pot Eggnog Cheesecake, Spiked Eggnog with Rum, Classic Eggnog Cheesecake, Eggnog French Toast Bake, Eggnog Martini or our Baileys and Eggnog.

• Perfect Balance: The boldness of espresso and coffee liqueur meets the creamy texture of your favorite eggnog.
• Easy to Customize: Add a dash of nutmeg, vanilla extract or cinnamon stick for warmth and spice.
• Entertaining-Friendly: Whip up a batch and keep it in the fridge to chill until your guests arrive.
• Cozy and Caffeinated: Great for coffee lovers who want something seasonal.

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 creamy texture and a sweet, spiced flavor. Either homemade eggnog or store-bought both work.
• Vanilla Vodka: Adds a subtle vanilla note that pairs beautifully with 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 depth.

For this easy cocktail recipe, you'll want to have on hand a cocktail shaker, measuring spoon and a shot glass.

Here are a few simple substitutions to mix up this festive drink next time.

• Cold Brew Concentrate: Use in place of espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine.
• Plain Vodka: A great substitute if you don’t have vanilla vodka on hand. You could add a half teaspoon of vanilla to get the same vibe, but it is not necessary.
• Cold Foam Topping: Spoon a little on top before garnishing for extra flair.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances sweetness and cuts bitterness in the coffee.
• Coupe Glass: I love the look of a coupe glass, swap the martini glass for a coupe or cocktail glass.

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 20-30 seconds to get everything well-chilled and lightly frothy.

Double Chocolate Chunk Muffins

Gluten Free Zucchini Bread

Blueberry Galette

Strawberry Galette

Pour this creamy espresso twist into a frosty glass and garnish for a bold yet festive finish.

• Shaken/Stirred: Shake well in a cocktail shaker with ice to chill and lightly froth, then strain into your glass. Spoon the froth on top of your cocktail if desired.
• Glass: Serve in a coupe glass, martini glass or any small cocktail glass.
• Garnishes: Add a dash of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick or a few espresso beans for a cozy holiday vibe.

Pair this cocktail with festive sweets and cozy holiday treats.

• Holiday Desserts: Crockpot candy, apple pie, Instant Pot tiramisu cheesecake, vanilla cake mix cookies, pecan pie, pumpkin muffins, Instant Pot eggnog cheese or our classic eggnog cheesecake.
• Seasonal Pairings: Pumpkin banana bread, chocolate chip brownie bars, eggnog French toast bake, banana chocolate chip cookies, lemon and cranberry muffins, double chocolate muffins.
• Seasonal Sips: Eggnog martini, peppermint mocha, spiked eggnog, maple whipped coffee, caramel mocha, Baileys hot chocolate, espresso Irish coffee, peppermint espresso martini, Crockpot hot chocolate, eggnog and Baileys.

Here are some of our best tips to helping you make the best eggnog espresso martini.

• Chill your Glass: Place your martini glasses in the freezer ahead of time for the best experience.
• Fresh Espresso Matters: Use fresh espresso or cold brew concentrate for the boldest flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: A cinnamon stick, dash of nutmeg, or even a few espresso beans can enhance both aroma and appearance.
• Serve Immediately: This drink is best served cold, freshly shaken and enjoyed right away.

Do you have questions about our eggnog espresso martini?

Yes, you can use cold brew concentrate for a similar flavor without brewing espresso.

Yes, it’s essential for chilling and combining the ingredients properly—plus it gives that signature frothy finish.

A chilled martini glass or coupe glass works best to showcase the drink and keep it cold.

It’s balanced! The coffee liqueur and eggnog add sweetness, while the espresso and vodka give it depth and strength.

Absolutely. Mix a full recipe ahead of time, then shake with ice per serving for the freshest result.

Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

Sheet Pan Banana Pancakes

Banana French Toast Casserole

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generate for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.

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.