This eggnog white Russian is creamy, cozy, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s a festive twist on the classic white Russian, swapping out the heavy cream for eggnog that brings warm, spiced flavor to every sip.

About this recipe

The eggnog white Russian is a holiday cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and eggnog. It’s one of the simplest cocktails you can make at home, no shaker needed, and it’s a great option if you love creamy drinks and want something festive for the holiday season.

A classic white Russian is already a cozy drink, but eggnog takes it to the next level. I use more eggnog than I would cream in a traditional version because eggnog has a lighter texture than pure cream. Adding a bit more lets its spiced flavor really shine through without making the drink feel too heavy. You can use either homemade eggnog or store-bought. Both work well, though homemade gives you more control over sweetness and spice.

Just a few ingredients

Vodka: The base spirit. It keeps things clean and lets the eggnog and coffee flavors come through. A mid-shelf vodka works perfectly here.
Coffee liqueur: Adds a rich, slightly sweet coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the eggnog. Kahlúa is the classic choice.
Eggnog: The star of this cocktail. It replaces the heavy cream from a traditional white Russian and brings warm spices. Homemade or store-bought both work. If your store-bought eggnog is on the sweeter side, you might want to reduce the coffee liqueur slightly.
Nutmeg or cinnamon: A light dusting on top rounds it all out with a cozy, holiday aroma.

Metho

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

A hand pours a dark liquid from a metal jigger into a glass filled with ice cubes, crafting an Eggnog White Russian. Small holiday decorations and a plate of snacks are blurred in the background.

Add the vodka and coffee liqueur.

A glass filled with a creamy, swirled Eggnog White Russian sits on a brown surface. Small ice cubes float in the drink, while blurred holiday decorations create a festive background.

Pour in the eggnog.

A hand stirs a creamy Eggnog White Russian in a clear glass, causing the milk and coffee to swirl together. The drink sits on a brown countertop with blurred holiday decorations in the background.

Stir gently to combine.

A glass of iced creamy Eggnog White Russian, garnished with cinnamon sticks and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, sits on a countertop, with festive decorations softly blurred in the background.

Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon.

Tips

Adjust for sweetness. Store-bought eggnog varies a lot in sweetness. Taste as you go and cut back on the coffee liqueur if your eggnog is already quite sweet.
Try it with spiked eggnog. If your eggnog already contains rum, bourbon, or brandy, reduce the vodka to keep the drink balanced.
Want more coffee flavor? Add a shot of cooled espresso and you’ve basically got an eggnog espresso martini in a rocks glass. Or try my espresso white Russian for a dedicated coffee version.

More creamy and holiday cocktails

If you love creamy cocktails, check out more of my Christmas cocktail recipes. Here are a few favorites: