Santa’s Sleighride Cocktail Recipe

When Christmas comes around, I’m always hunting for a holiday drink that feels festive but doesn’t make me jump through hoops. Santa’s Sleighride Cocktail is honestly just the right mix of cozy flavors and easy steps, so you get something that fits right in at any holiday get-together.

It looks super cheerful, tastes smooth, and really sets the mood for a fun night.

I like how this cocktail balances out sweetness with a touch of spice. You can sip it by the fireplace or bring out a tray at a party—either way, it just works.

The recipe isn’t fussy, and you don’t need any weird bar gadgets.

You’ll probably have a sense of what it tastes like before your first sip. I’ll walk you through the steps and toss in some tasting notes so you know what you’re getting into.

Santa’s Sleighride Cocktail Recipe

I love this drink because it blends holiday flavors with a creamy texture and a bit of spice. The combo of brandy, amaretto, and eggnog makes for a rich base, and then you get a little sweetness and balance from the simple syrup and sugar crystals.

Equipment

To make this cocktail, I grab a few tools that keep things easy and tidy. The cocktail shaker is the real MVP here since it chills and mixes everything just right.

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or shot glass for measuring
• Strainer (if your shaker doesn’t have one)
• Martini glasses or coupe glasses
• Small plate for sugar crystals
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Small saucepan (if you’re making fresh simple syrup)
• Grater or microplane for nutmeg

I like to set everything out before I start. It keeps me from scrambling in the middle of mixing.

Ingredients

The flavors really come together when I use fresh, good-quality ingredients. I try to measure carefully so the balance stays on point every time.

• 2 oz brandy
• 1 oz amaretto
• 3 oz eggnog (chilled)
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (let it soften a bit)
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
• Cinnamon sticks (optional garnish)
• Sugar crystals (for glass rim)
• Fresh cranberries (optional garnish)

Sometimes I dial back the simple syrup if my eggnog is already super sweet. The garnishes just make the drink look extra festive.

Instructions

I follow a few easy steps to nail the flavor and texture. The shaker is key for blending the ice cream with the eggnog and booze, so you get a smooth drink.

• Chill your martini glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
• Dip the rims in simple syrup, then coat them with sugar crystals.
• Add brandy, amaretto, eggnog, simple syrup, and vanilla ice cream to your shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake until it’s nice and cold and everything’s mixed.
• Strain into your prepared glasses.
• Sprinkle a little ground nutmeg on top.
• Toss in a cinnamon stick and a few cranberries if you’re feeling fancy.

I always shake longer than I think I need—otherwise the ice cream doesn’t blend all the way.

Notes

Freshly grated nutmeg makes a way bigger difference than you’d think. Pre-ground works in a pinch, but it’s just not as fragrant.

If I’m out of vanilla ice cream, I’ll swap in a splash of heavy cream. It’s less sweet but still super smooth.

For a lighter version, I cut the eggnog with a bit of milk. Still creamy, just not so heavy.

If I’m serving a group, I prep the sugar rims on the glasses ahead of time. It’s one less thing to worry about when people show up.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the balance of sweet and spiced flavors hits me right away. There’s this cool creaminess that softens any sharper notes, so it’s honestly easy to drink—definitely not too heavy.

I get this gentle warmth from the spices, sort of like the feeling you get from holiday baking. The sweetness is there, but it doesn’t take over, and it blends in nicely with the richer flavors.

The finish? There’s a light hint of vanilla, plus just a touch of cinnamon. That cozy feeling sneaks in, familiar but with a little twist of complexity.

Texture-wise, this stands out for me. It’s smooth and velvety, which makes each sip feel extra comforting, almost like a treat.

I also notice the flavors seem to open up more if you let the drink sit for a minute. The spice gets a bit stronger, while the sweetness fades quietly into the background.