Coconut Rum Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

Eggnog always feels like a holiday treat, but honestly, I like to give it a twist that makes it stand out. A coconut rum eggnog cocktail blends the creamy richness of classic eggnog with smooth coconut flavor for a drink that feels both festive and tropical.

It’s super simple to make, and you don’t need any special skills to get it right. Just a few minutes, and you’re set.

When I make this, I love how the coconut rum adds a light sweetness that balances out the spices in the eggnog. It’s a small change, but it makes the drink taste fresh and just a little unexpected.

You can serve it at a holiday party or just pour a glass at home when you want something cozy but not too heavy. I mean, who doesn’t want a little tropical vibe in December?

This recipe uses a handful of basic ingredients and comes together fast. Once you try it, you’ll get why it’s my go-to when I want something special without a ton of work.

Coconut Rum Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

I like this recipe because it combines the rich flavor of eggnog with the smooth sweetness of coconut rum. The creamy base blends really well with warm spices, and the coconut notes make it taste tropical but still totally like a holiday drink.

Equipment

• Blender – I use this to mix everything evenly and get a smooth texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – These help keep the balance of milk, rum, and spices right.
• Mixing bowl – Sometimes I need this for whisking spices or separating ingredients.
• Pitcher or large jar – I store the finished cocktail in the fridge before serving.
• Whisk – Handy for blending spices into the liquid if I don’t want to use the blender.
• Serving glasses – I usually go for small glass mugs or cocktail glasses.
• Grater or microplane – For fresh nutmeg or cinnamon garnish.
• Bar spoon – Just useful for stirring before serving.

I find keeping everything measured and ready makes the process faster. A blender gives the smoothest result, but a whisk works if I want a lighter texture.

Ingredients

• Eggnog – 2 cups, store-bought or homemade.
• Coconut rum – 1 cup, for sweetness and coconut flavor.
• White rum – ½ cup, for a little extra kick.
• Coconut milk – ½ cup, adds creaminess.
• Evaporated milk – ½ cup, balances out the sweetness.
• Sweetened condensed milk – ¼ cup, for richness.
• Cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) – ¼ cup, for that smooth coconut flavor.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon.
• Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon.
• Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon.
• Cinnamon sticks – 1–2, for garnish.
• Shredded coconut – optional, for topping.

I like to adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of condensed milk. Using fresh grated nutmeg makes the flavor pop way more than pre-ground.

Instructions

• Add eggnog, coconut rum, white rum, coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream of coconut, and vanilla to the blender.
• Blend until smooth and well mixed.
• Sprinkle in ground cinnamon and nutmeg, then blend again for a few seconds.
• Taste and adjust sweetness or rum level if you feel like it needs it.
• Pour into a pitcher or jar and chill for at least 1 hour.
• Stir before serving.
• Pour into glasses, garnish with cinnamon sticks, shredded coconut, or grated nutmeg.
• That’s pretty much it.

I sometimes skip the blender and whisk by hand if I want less froth. Chilling helps the flavors blend better.

Notes

I like using coconut rum for sweetness, but spiced rum works if I want more depth. White rum adds strength without changing the flavor much.

Fresh spices make a big difference. I grate nutmeg right before serving, and it smells so much stronger than the bottled stuff.

If I want a thicker drink, I’ll add more cream of coconut or condensed milk. For a lighter version, I use unsweetened coconut milk and less condensed milk.

This cocktail keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days. I always give it a good stir before pouring because the spices and coconut cream can settle at the bottom.

Tasting Notes

Honestly, I get this smooth blend of creamy eggnog mixed with just the right touch of coconut rum. It’s sweet, but not in an overpowering way—just enough to keep things interesting.

The flavors play off each other and, surprisingly, it feels rich without being heavy. That first sip? It instantly gives off warm holiday vibes, which makes me think this is basically made for a Christmas drink or some kind of cozy holiday cocktail.

There’s this gentle hint of spice—nutmeg and cinnamon, mostly. Those spices kind of swirl together with the sweetness and, yeah, it really does remind me of classic holiday drinks I grew up with.

Texture-wise, it’s silky, almost velvety. It coats my mouth, but not in a clingy way, and the finish is sweet with a little coconut that hangs around just long enough. Not too strong, thankfully.

If you serve it chilled, it’s refreshing and still comforting somehow. But if you warm it up a bit? Suddenly, it’s like dessert in a glass—super soothing.