Eggnog with Baileys

I always find myself craving creamy, nostalgic drinks once the holidays roll around. One of my favorite eggnog cocktails to serve this time of year is Eggnog with Baileys because it blends two beloved holiday staples into one smooth and cozy drink. The first time I made it, I was hosting an early December brunch, and what started as a quick experiment turned into the most requested drink of the morning.

This cocktail also fits beautifully into many different holiday moments. You can serve it at Christmas Eve gatherings, pair it with dessert after a big meal, or sip it slowly while wrapping gifts. It’s simple enough to mix in a pitcher for parties but special enough to feel like a treat. If holiday recipes that blend comfort and creaminess are your thing, this is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Eggnog with Baileys cocktail is wonderfully versatile, incredibly smooth, and perfect for anyone who loves dessert cocktails. It captures the classic charm of eggnog while giving it a modern twist with Irish cream. The spices make it warm and festive, and the texture is rich without being overwhelming.

Here are a few reasons this drink is such a crowd pleaser:

• Simple ingredients make it quick to prepare in large or small batches.
• Baileys adds a creamy sweetness that blends perfectly with eggnog.
• The spices create a cozy Christmas aroma.
• Great for entertaining since it can be prepared ahead of time.
• Works well as both a cocktail and a dessert style drink.

This combination is especially nice for people who enjoy sweet, creamy winter cocktails with a smooth finish.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this cocktail enhances the flavor and texture. Eggnog provides the classic holiday base, Baileys brings velvety richness, and the spices add warmth and depth. Adjusting the spice levels lets you make the drink more aromatic or more mellow depending on your preference.

• 8 oz Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
• 3 cups Eggnog chilled
• Ground Nutmeg
• Ground Cinnamon
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

These ingredients blend into a creamy cocktail that feels festive and familiar. The Baileys tones down the thickness of the eggnog while adding its signature Irish cream flavor.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

While Baileys is the classic choice for this recipe, you can easily adapt the cocktail with other Irish creams or flavored liqueurs. The quality of your eggnog also affects the final result, so feel free to choose between homemade and store bought varieties.

Here are some good options:

• Baileys Irish Cream: The traditional choice for a smooth, sweet flavor.
• Alternative Irish Creams: Kerrygold and Five Farms offer richer, more buttery notes.
• Eggnog: Homemade eggnog gives a thicker base, while brands like Hood or Southern Comfort (non alcoholic) blend smoothly.
• Spice Substitutions: Use pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different winter flavor.
• Liqueur Swap: Add a splash of bourbon cream if you want extra warmth.

These swaps let you tailor the drink while keeping the core flavor profile intact.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need anything complicated to make this holiday cocktail. A pitcher makes it easy to prepare multiple servings at once, and chilled glasses help enhance the creamy texture when serving.

Useful bar tools include:

• Large pitcher or mixing bowl
• Spoon or silicone whisk
• Rocks glasses, mugs, or stemmed glasses
• Grater for nutmeg

A rocks glass is a great choice if you want a more relaxed feel, while a stemmed glass makes the drink look elegant for parties.

How to Make It

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and the batching method makes it ideal for holiday entertaining. The spices add depth and aroma, and chilling the mixture gives the drink a silky, unified texture.

1. Combine Baileys Irish Cream and chilled eggnog in a large pitcher.
2. Stir gently to blend the liquids together.
3. Add a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
4. Stir again to mix the spices evenly into the drink.
5. Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Pour the eggnog mixture into individual glasses.
7. Top with more cinnamon and nutmeg.
8. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish and serve immediately.

The result is a velvety, spiced cocktail that delivers holiday comfort in every sip.

Pro Tips

A few small adjustments can elevate this Baileys eggnog cocktail and make it even creamier and more flavorful. These tips can help you perfect the recipe, especially when preparing it for guests.

• Chill glasses before serving for a smoother feel.
• Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma.
• Stir gently to avoid creating too much foam.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract if you want extra sweetness.
• Drizzle caramel around the inside of the glass for a dessert touch.
• Use a handheld frother for a fluffier top layer.
• Try adding a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

Experimenting with these tips can help you create a personalized version that suits your taste.

Variations

Eggnog with Baileys is delicious on its own, but you can easily switch it up to match different preferences and holiday moods. These variations offer fun ways to customize the recipe.

• Add 1 oz bourbon for a stronger, warmer cocktail.
• Use chocolate Irish cream for a richer dessert taste.
• Stir in a splash of peppermint schnapps for a seasonal twist.
• Make a dairy free version using almond or oat milk eggnog and dairy free Irish cream.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a milkshake like treat.

These variations keep the cocktail exciting throughout the holiday season.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Baileys eggnog cocktail is ideal for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, and cozy nights by the fire. It works wonderfully as a dessert drink because of its creamy sweetness. It also pairs well with many seasonal treats and brunch menu items.

Serve it with:

• Gingerbread cookies or biscotti
• Cinnamon rolls or French toast
• Chocolate truffles
• Classic sugar cookies
• Other eggnog cocktails like a Peppermint Eggnog Martini or Spiked Eggnog

The warm spices and creamy texture make it a perfect match for sweet holiday recipes.

Storage and Serving Notes

Because this cocktail is batched in a pitcher, it is easy to store and serve throughout a party. The flavors get even better as they rest, which makes it ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Here are some storage tips:

• Keep the mixture refrigerated and covered.
• Best enjoyed within 48 hours.
• Stir before pouring if the spices settle.
• Avoid freezing as the dairy may separate.

This makes it a convenient drink for hosting without worry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about Baileys eggnog cocktails and how to adjust them for different tastes.

Does Baileys curdle in eggnog?
No, Baileys blends smoothly with eggnog because both are cream based.

Can I make this drink stronger?
Yes, add bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum for a bolder flavor.

What kind of eggnog works best?
Both homemade and store bought work well, but thicker eggnog creates a richer drink.

Can I serve it warm?
You can gently heat eggnog, but avoid boiling since Baileys can separate at high temperatures.

Is this cocktail very sweet?
It is naturally sweet, but you can reduce sweetness by adding more nutmeg or using an Irish cream with lower sugar.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy creamy Christmas cocktails, here are more holiday recipes you might love:

• Eggnog Martini: A silky cocktail with warming spice.
• Mint Hot Chocolate: Perfect for cold winter nights.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Martini: Sweet, spiced, and dessert like.
• Gingerbread White Russian: Cozy and full of winter flavor.
• Mrs. Claus’s Eggnog: A classic holiday favorite with added warmth.