Oh, you’re in for a treat with this Eggnog Brandy Alexander! This creamy, boozy holiday drink is a total crowd-pleaser.
It’s like Christmas in a glass – rich eggnog, a touch of brandy, and a hint of nutmeg spice. I first made this for a family holiday party, and let me tell you, everyone kept coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Whether you’re serving it up for a festive gathering or just treating yourself by the fire, this drink will definitely bring all the cozy vibes.
Let’s make it together!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 oz crème de cacao
- Ice (about a cup, for shaking)
- Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes beforehand for an extra frosty treat.
- Use fresh nutmeg: If you can, grate fresh nutmeg instead of using pre-ground – it makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Go easy on the ice: Don’t overfill your shaker with ice, or your drink could end up watered down.
- Adjust sweetness: If your eggnog is already sweet, you can use slightly less crème de cacao for balance.
- Make it kid-friendly: Swap the alcohol for a splash of vanilla extract and serve it as a fun holiday eggnog mocktail.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Serving glasses (martini or coupe glasses work beautifully)
Substitutions & Variations
- No crème de cacao? Use a splash of chocolate syrup or coffee liqueur instead.
- Different liquor? Swap the brandy for bourbon, spiced rum, or even whiskey for a twist.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free eggnog (like almond or oat milk eggnog) for a lactose-free version.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can mix the eggnog, brandy, and crème de cacao ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Shake it with ice right before serving for the freshest flavor.
Instructions
1. Chill the glass:
Place your serving glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to get it nice and frosty.
2. Measure and mix:
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 cup eggnog, 2 oz brandy, and 1 oz crème de cacao. Add a handful of ice.
3. Shake it up
Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the drink is chilled and frothy.
4. Strain and serve
Strain the mixture into your frosty glass.
5. Garnish
Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top and add a cinnamon stick if you’d like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh! But if you have leftover pre-mixed eggnog and alcohol, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice right before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it – the easiest, creamiest Eggnog Brandy Alexander! Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a quiet holiday night at home, this festive drink is pure holiday magic in a glass. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your experience or any questions – I can’t wait to see how you made it your own! Cheers!