If you love eggnog during the holiday season, then you have to try this amaretto eggnog, which is a boozy version featuring the classic Italian almond liqueur. While the base recipe is incredibly easy, it’s super customizable with different flavors so you can make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Almond-Kissed Twist on a Classic: Amaretto adds a sweet, nutty warmth that transforms traditional eggnog into something richer and more dimensional!
- Cozy Holiday Flavor in Every Sip: The blend of creamy eggnog, almond notes, and gentle spice makes this feel instantly festive
- Fast, Effortless, and Crowd-Pleasing: Just pour, stir, and serve. It tastes fancy with almost zero effort
- Perfect for Parties or a Quiet Night In: Works as a signature holiday cocktail or a simple dessert drink
- Customizable to Your Taste: Serve it warm or chilled, add vodka or bourbon for more strength, top with whipped cream, spice it up with nutmeg, or adjust the amaretto for sweetness!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces amaretto liqueur
- 4 ounces prepared eggnog
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Any amaretto is fine, but DeKuyper and DiSaronno are common choices
- I use regular eggnog, but you can swap in vanilla, cinnamon, red velvet, or other flavors to create different combinations. Homemade eggnog is great too, of course! You can add more if desired as well (if you prefer a weaker drink)
- For a stronger option, swap out 1 ounce of the amaretto for a vodka, spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon of choice!
- Prefer a creamier drink? Add ½ to 1 ounce of cream or half and half to the drink!
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass with ice
- Add the eggnog and amaretto, and stir gently to combine
- Garnish with a dusting of grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy!
Optional Heating Instructions
For a hot version of this drink, warm the eggnog in a microwave (high power for 1 minute, stir, then 30-second intervals until hot), or on the stovetop (use a saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly, until hot). Stir in the amaretto and ladle into a mug for serving!
Pairing Suggestions
Sweet Treats
- Biscotti – The almond-forward flavors echo the amaretto beautifully. Try my Air Fryer Biscotti for an easy recipe!
- Gingerbread Cookies – Warm spices contrast the eggnog’s creaminess
- Panettone – Light, airy, and studded with fruit; it balances the drink’s richness
- Shortbread Cookies – Buttery and simple so the cocktail stays the star
Savory Snacks
- Cheese Board – Creamy brie, aged cheddar, or gouda help offset the sweetness
- Salted Nuts – Almonds or cashews bring a salty crunch that complements the almond notes
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Breadsticks – A salty-sweet contrast that works exceptionally well with eggnog!
Holiday Desserts
- Pecan Pie – Nutty caramel flavors pair naturally with amaretto. Pecan Pie Bark is the perfect option if you don’t want a whole pie!
- Apple Crisp – Warm fruit and cinnamon bring brightness to a rich drink. Try my Air Fryer Apple Crisp!
- Chocolate Truffles – Deep chocolate cuts through the eggnog’s sweetness
Breakfast & Brunch
- Cinnamon Rolls – A cozy, indulgent match for a holiday brunch
- French Toast – Custardy flavors mirror eggnog’s profile. Air Fryer French Toast Casserole is a great option as well
- Cranberry Scones – Tart berries add a refreshing contrast. I love these Cranberry Orange Scones in particular!
Recipe FAQs
Can You Make Eggnog With Amaretto?
Yes. Amaretto adds a sweet, nutty almond flavor that blends smoothly with traditional eggnog, making it an easy and delicious holiday variation.
What’s The Best Liquor To Put In Eggnog?
Classic choices include rum, bourbon, and brandy, all of which balance the sweetness of eggnog. Amaretto is a great option if you prefer something lighter and nuttier.
What Kind Of Alcohol Is Amaretto?
Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavored liqueur made from apricot kernels, almonds, or both. It’s low-proof compared to spirits like rum or whiskey, making it ideal for softer, dessert-style drinks.
Tips For the Best Amaretto Eggnog
- To adjust the strength, you can either add extra eggnog, or reduce the amaretto down as low as 1 ounce. Amaretto isn’t particularly strong as a liqueur, so this drink is not overly boozy to start
- This drink will be on the sweeter side since both amaretto and eggnog are sweetened. You can thin the drink with some milk, cream, or half and half to help balance the sweetness
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware. Rocks glasses are a great option, or small punch cups if you plan to scale and serve a crowd. For a hot version, use a footed latte glass
- While garnishes are completely optional, some great ideas include a dollop of whipped cream, cinnamon stick (doubles as a stirrer), sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh grated nutmeg, or some toasted slivered almonds!
- You could also add a rim to the glass by dipping it in simple syrup, then crushed almonds or cinnamon sugar for a festive touch!
- For parties, scale and mix all ingredients in a large pitcher up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge or in an ice bucket until ready to serve!
- Eggnog Martini
- Eggnog Scones
Final Thoughts
This amaretto eggnog cocktail is one of my favorite easy holiday drink recipes. Just two ingredients, no cocktail shaker needed, ready in minutes, and delicious too – you can’t go wrong!
It’s easy to customize using different flavors of eggnog, or by adding other alcohols to the mix to make it your own. This makes it easy to personalize for various guests, and since it’s low fuss, it makes for stress free entertaining during the busy holiday season.
So if you’re looking for a simple and sippable option for this year’s Christmas party, give this eggnog amaretto cocktail a try! Cheers!
Easy Amaretto Eggnog Recipe
Equipment
- Rocks glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces amaretto liqueur (such as DiSaronno or DeKuyper)
- 4 ounces prepared eggnog
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass of choice with iceIce
- Add the eggnog and amaretto, and stir gently to combine2 ounces amaretto liqueur, 4 ounces prepared eggnog
- Garnish with a dusting of grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- I use regular eggnog, but you can swap in vanilla, cinnamon, red velvet, or other flavors to create different combinations! Feel free to add more if desired as well (if you prefer a weaker drink)
- For a stronger option, swap out 1 ounce of the amaretto for a vodka, spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon of choice!
- Prefer a creamier drink (or to reduce sweetness)? Add ½ to 1 ounce of cream or half and half to the drink!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or garnishes, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
