Eggnog and Spiced Rum Holiday Cocktail Shot - Cheers to a Merry Christmas!

There’s something magical about the holidays—twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, family gatherings, and that irresistible mix of nostalgia and indulgence that arrives right along with the season. But let’s be honest: sometimes you want a little extra cheer in your cup. Enter the Eggnog Shot—a two-ingredient powerhouse that comes together in minutes and tastes like pure Christmas spirit. It’s rich, creamy, spicy, and guaranteed to slap a smile on your face.

If you want something to make your toes curl and spark that warm holiday glow, this tiny-but-mighty shot gets the job done. With just one ounce of eggnog and one ounce of spiced rum, you’re only a couple shakes away from the most festive little drink at your holiday gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, planning a cookie-baking night with friends, or simply craving a quick festive sip after a long day of shopping, the Eggnog Shot is the perfect way to add effortless holiday magic to any moment.

What Makes This Eggnog Shot So Irresistible?

The holidays are full of tradition, and eggnog is one drink that consistently makes a comeback every year. But instead of serving it in a mug, this recipe transforms classic nog into a fun, flavorful, celebratory shot.

Here’s why it works so well:

1. It’s amazingly simple.

Two ingredients, 2 minutes, and zero fuss. No blending, no stovetop, no fancy bar gear required. It’s the easiest holiday shot you’ll make all season.

2. It packs flavor and personality.

Eggnog brings that signature creamy, sweet, nutmeg-touched base. Spiced rum adds warmth, holiday spice, and a bold kick that balances the richness perfectly.

3. It looks festive with almost no effort.

A cinnamon stick and sprinkle of ground nutmeg elevate the whole presentation. In seconds, your tiny shot glass turns into a mini Christmas moment.

4. It’s totally customizable.

Whether you like your shots strong, smooth, or somewhere in between, this recipe adjusts beautifully. You can make a single serving or a full batch for a party.

5. It’s a crowd-pleaser.

Eggnog lovers adore it. Eggnog skeptics? They usually convert after their first sip.

Eggnog Shot Recipe

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1 (2-ounce shot)

If you love rich, creamy drinks with a strong holiday spin, this shot has your name all over it. Here’s exactly what you’ll need.

Ingredients

1 Ounce Eggnog
Use alcohol-free eggnog for the best balance. Since the spiced rum is already strong, classic non-alcoholic nog gives you that creamy flavor without overwhelming intensity.
1 Ounce Spiced Rum
Choose a good quality rum—your shot depends on it. Cheap rum = a harsh, forgettable shot. A mid-range or premium spiced rum adds warm cinnamon, vanilla, and clove notes.
Cinnamon Sticks (optional garnish)
These make the presentation stunning and offer a subtle aromatic touch.
Ground Nutmeg (optional garnish)
Just a pinch adds that classic eggnog aroma.

Items Needed

Cocktail Shaker (optional)
Great if you prefer a well-mixed drink or chilled ingredients. Optional but recommended.
2 or 3 Ounce Shot Glass
A slightly larger shot glass gives you room for garnish.
Jigger
For measuring precise ounces. You can eyeball it, but a jigger makes it perfect every time.

Directions

1. Shake it up.

Add the eggnog and spiced rum to your cocktail shaker. Cover the shaker tightly and give it just a few quick shakes—enough to blend but not over-aerate the eggnog.

No shaker? No problem!
Simply pour both ingredients straight into your shot glass and give it a gentle stir, though the shake gives a slightly smoother result.

2. Pour and garnish.

Pour the mixture into your shot glass. Top with a mini cinnamon stick or break a full-size stick into a 2-inch piece. Add a tiny sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

3. Enjoy immediately.

This shot is at its best when served right away—creamy, cold, smooth, and full of holiday cheer.

Tips for Making the Perfect Eggnog Shot

A two-ingredient recipe might sound too easy to mess up—but the details matter. Here’s how to take your Eggnog Shot from good to unbelievably good.

Use a Quality Spiced Rum

Because this recipe is so simple, the rum you choose really shines through. A bottle with warm, smooth flavor elevates the entire shot.

Great spiced rum options include:

Captain Morgan
Sailor Jerry
Kraken
Bacardi Spiced Rum

Avoid the cheap bottom-shelf brands unless you like your shots to taste… fiery. A little investment goes a long way.

Choose Alcohol-Free Eggnog

Since this shot uses a full ounce of rum (which is a strong ratio in such a small drink), opting for alcohol-free eggnog keeps the taste balanced. You want the creamy, sweet holiday flavor to complement the rum—not disappear under it.

Any store-bought eggnog works well, including:

Classic dairy eggnog
Oat milk eggnog
Almond milk eggnog

Just make sure it’s cold before you mix it.

Pick the Perfect Cinnamon Stick Size

Large cinnamon sticks can overwhelm a tiny shot glass, so break them into 2-inch pieces. They fit beautifully on the rim or inside the glass, adding a decorative touch without being bulky.

Adjust the Strength to Your Liking

Don’t want such a strong kick? Try this variation:

Use ¾ ounce spiced rum
Add 1¼ ounces eggnog

It will still taste delicious but won’t hit quite as hard.

Serve Immediately—or Store Smartly

Eggnog and rum blend beautifully, but the texture changes if the mixture sits for too long.

If making ahead:

Store in a glass mason jar
Keep sealed and refrigerated
Avoid metal containers (they can alter flavor)
Don’t prepare more than 48 hours ahead

Before serving, shake vigorously to recombine the ingredients.

Start With Cold Ingredients

This is the secret to the perfect Eggnog Shot. Using cold rum and cold eggnog means:

No extra ice needed
No watering down
Smoother texture

If your ingredients aren’t cold, add a single ice cube to the cocktail shaker right before shaking. Don’t leave it in long enough to melt—you want chill, not water.

Making a larger batch? Add a little extra ice, but not too much. A flooded shaker will dilute the flavor quickly.

How to Make a Large Batch for Parties

If you’re hosting a holiday party, these shots are a guaranteed hit—and they’re incredibly easy to scale up.

Batch Formula:

Equal parts eggnog + equal parts spiced rum

For example:

10 shots → 10 ounces eggnog + 10 ounces rum
20 shots → 20 ounces eggnog + 20 ounces rum

Mix everything in a large mason jar or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors meld. Shake or stir well before pouring into shot glasses.

Add garnishes individually so each shot looks festive and intentional.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you master the classic Eggnog Shot, try these playful twists:

1. Fireball Eggnog Shot

Replace the spiced rum with Fireball whisky for a cinnamon-forward, candy-sweet holiday shot.
Perfect for cinnamon lovers.

2. Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog Shot

Swap the rum for vanilla bourbon to add a deeper, richer flavor.
Smooth, warm, and dangerously delicious.

3. Chocolate Eggnog Shot

Add ½ ounce crème de cacao to the classic mixture.
Top with chocolate shavings for a dessert-like twist.

4. Gingerbread Eggnog Shot

Add a splash of gingerbread syrup or use gingerbread-flavored rum.
This tastes like a gingerbread cookie dipped in eggnog.

5. Frozen Eggnog Shot

Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy shot that’s perfect for warm-weather holiday celebrations.

Serving Ideas: Make Your Eggnog Shot Party-Ready

If you’re serving these at a holiday gathering, presentation matters. Here’s how to make your shot station festive and fun.

Create a Christmas Shot Bar

Set out:

Shot glasses
A shaker
Cinnamon sticks
Ground nutmeg
Mini candy canes
Whipped cream
Caramel drizzle

Let guests garnish their own shot for an interactive holiday moment.

Offer a Mini Eggnog Flight

Serve three small 1-ounce shots featuring:

Traditional spiced rum
Fireball
Vanilla bourbon

This is always a crowd-pleaser.

Serve Shots with Holiday Desserts

The Eggnog Shot pairs beautifully with:

Christmas cookies
Gingerbread men
Pumpkin bread
Chocolate truffles
Cheesecake bites

A tiny creamy shot followed by a sweet treat? Absolute holiday bliss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eggnog curdle when mixed with alcohol?

Not usually with spiced rum. The fat content of the eggnog stabilizes the mixture. However, avoid mixing eggnog with highly acidic alcohols like lemon liqueur.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Try 1 ounce eggnog + 1 ounce spiced rum extract or cinnamon syrup.

Can I double the shot?

Yes—just use a 3-ounce shot glass and double the recipe.

Can you heat this shot?

You can, but it changes the texture dramatically. This recipe is best served cold.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Shot All Season Long

There are holiday cocktails—and then there’s the Eggnog Shot: bold, creamy, festive, and incredibly fun. It’s the perfect drink when:

You want something quick but impressive
You’re hosting a holiday party
You’re craving a simple seasonal nightcap
You want to surprise guests with something playful and delicious
You’re looking for an easy recipe that doesn’t require bartending skills

In just two minutes, you’ll have a shot that tastes like Christmas in a cup—smooth, spicy, lightly sweet, and full of holiday joy.

Whether you enjoy it fireside with friends or serve it to a crowd, this tiny cocktail delivers big festive flavor with almost zero effort. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again every holiday season.