Eggnog Shots
It’s almost time to start planning our Christmas menus (yes I know it’s a little early, but I always like to be super prepared!), and I’m kicking things off this year with these cute eggnog shots! A little bit retro and nostalgic, these are a real classic that’ll never go out of style. Made with creamy eggnog and spiced rum, then finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick, they’re smooth, strong, and instantly festive. You can shake them up in seconds, pour, garnish, and you’re ready to toast! I really enjoyed testing these out in my kitchen, and I hope you’ll love them just as much as I do.
Why you’ll love them:
-
So easy – Just two ingredients plus a garnish, and you’re done.
-
Minimal effort, maximum festive vibes – No long ingredient list or complicated steps.
-
Party-perfect – Ideal for Christmas gatherings, holiday happy hours, or New Year’s Eve.
-
Great for the holiday itself – Serve them as a quick sip before dinner, after dessert, or as a nightcap by the tree.
-
Easy to scale – Make one for yourself or shake up a whole tray for a crowd!
Ingredients
You’ll find the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but don’t skip the sections in between! I’ve packed them with tips, notes, and extra ideas to help you get the best results.
-
Eggnog – The creamy base of this shot. Store-bought works perfectly here, but if you have homemade on hand, even better.
-
Spiced rum – Brings warmth and holiday spice. Any brand you like will do, though the spicier the better for that Christmas vibe.
-
Cinnamon sticks – Optional, but they make the shots look extra festive and double as stirrers.
-
Ground nutmeg – A classic eggnog garnish that adds a cozy finish. Just a light sprinkle goes a long way!
How To Make Eggnog Shots
-
Add the eggnog and spiced rum to a cocktail shaker, pop the lid on, and give it a couple of shakes to mix. (No shaker? No problem — you can pour everything straight into the glass. It won’t be quite as blended, but still delicious.)
-
Pour into shot glasses, then garnish with a cinnamon stick and /or a little sprinkle of nutmeg if you’re feeling festive.
Recipe Notes
I recommend using alcohol-free eggnog since the shot is already strong. That way the eggnog flavor really shines instead of getting lost! For the garnish, I broke large cinnamon sticks into about 2-inch pieces, which is the perfect size whether you want to rest them on top of the glass or tuck them inside.
If you’d prefer something a little less boozy, just cut the rum back by ¼ ounce and replace it with an extra ¼ ounce of eggnog.
These shots technically can be made ahead, but they’re definitely best served right away. If you do prep them in advance, store the mixture in a mason jar or another airtight container (skip the metal) and keep it no more than two days.
Cold ingredients make for the best shots since they’re already chilled when served. If your eggnog or rum isn’t cold, just drop in a small piece of ice right before shaking. For bigger batches, add a little extra ice. Just not too much, since you don’t want the shots watered down!
Serving Ideas
These eggnog shots are the kind of fun little drink that instantly feels like Christmas. Serve them at a holiday party as a quick toast to kick things off, or set out a tray after dinner alongside cookies and other festive desserts. They’re also a great option for Christmas Eve — just a little something spiced and sweet to sip before the stockings get hung. And since they’re small but strong, they make the perfect nightcap when you want holiday cheer without committing to a full cocktail!
Eggnog Shots
Ingredients
- 1 ounce eggnog
- 1 ounce spiced rum
- Cinnamon sticks optional garnish
- Ground nutmeg optional garnish
Instructions
- Add the eggnog and spiced rum to a cocktail shaker, pop the lid on, and give it a couple of shakes to mix. (No shaker? No problem — you can pour everything straight into the glass. It won’t be quite as blended, but still delicious.)
- Pour into shot glasses, then garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or a little sprinkle of nutmeg if you’re feeling festive.
These eggnog shots come together in a couple of minutes, and I hope you’ll agree that they’re a wonderfully festive little treat to enjoy over Christmas! Let me know what you think in the comments section below. I’d love to hear how you served them, and any pairing ideas you might have had that worked particularly well! Remember to tag me in your pics on Instagram too @slimmingviolet!
