Zabaglione Cocktail Recipe

If you’re into desserts with a little elegance, you might want to try a Zabaglione Cocktail. This recipe mixes classic Italian zabaglione custard with smooth liqueur for a creamy, delicious drink.

It’s a fun way to turn a favorite dessert into a cocktail. I love sharing recipes that are simple but still feel special.

With just a few basic ingredients and some simple equipment, you can whip up this treat at home. My aim is to walk you through each step so you get smooth, rich results every time.

This post covers what you need to start making your own Zabaglione Cocktail. There’s equipment, ingredients, and easy instructions coming up.

Zabaglione Cocktail Recipe

Zabaglione Cocktail Recipe
Making a Zabaglione Cocktail feels rewarding and, honestly, pretty easy with the right approach. This cocktail brings together sweet, creamy flavors and a little sharpness.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl (metal or glass works)
  • Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • Heat-proof bowl (for a double boiler)
  • Saucepan (for the double boiler setup)
  • Tall cocktail glass or coupe
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Serving spoon or small ladle
  • Ice (optional, for chilling)
  • Fine grater (for nutmeg or chocolate garnish)

Ingredients

  • 3 large egg yolks room temp
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 ounces Marsala wine or sweet sherry, Moscato if you want to switch it up
  • 1 ounce Cognac or brandy optional, adds depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly grated nutmeg or chocolate for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a saucepan with 1–2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Set a heat-proof bowl on top, making sure the bowl’s bottom doesn’t touch the water.
  • Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt in the bowl for about a minute, until well mixed.
  • Slowly add Marsala wine and vanilla extract. If you’re using Cognac or brandy, toss it in now.
  • Keep whisking the mixture over the simmering water. You want it to thicken into a light, airy custard—usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
  • Take it off the heat once it’s foamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Pour the zabaglione into a chilled cocktail glass.
  • Grate nutmeg or chocolate on top before serving. Serve it right away while it’s warm, or chill it for a cold version if that’s your thing.
  • I always whisk fast to keep the eggs from scrambling. Watching the consistency is key—it should be light and fluffy, not soupy.

Notes

The eggs need gentle cooking, never direct heat. I keep a close eye so the custard doesn’t curdle.
If I’m in the mood for a lighter texture, I’ll fold in some softly whipped cream once the zabaglione cools a bit. Suddenly, it’s almost a dessert in a glass.
Sometimes I swap Marsala for other dessert wines, just for variety. If it’s too sweet, I dial back the sugar a bit.
Serving right away gives the best flavor and texture, in my opinion. If I have to prep ahead, I keep everything chilled until it’s time.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

First thing I notice with the Zabaglione Cocktail is the creamy, silky texture. The foam feels light but smooth—makes sipping pretty satisfying.

The flavor’s rich and sweet. I taste that egg yolk and sugar right off the bat, balanced by a gentle tang from the Marsala wine.

It’s not overly heavy or cloying. There’s a mild vanilla note in there too, from the Marsala and sometimes a splash of extra vanilla extract.

The aroma is gentle but inviting, with hints of custard and wine. Here’s a quick flavor profile, just for reference:

I like to serve it slightly warm—it really brings out all the flavors. The warmth just makes the drink feel comforting.

Honestly, I like to take my time and savor each sip.

Substitute

Sometimes, I have to swap out ingredients when making a Zabaglione cocktail. It happens—here are a few options I’ve found actually work pretty well:

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • If I’m out of Marsala wine, I’ll grab:
    • Sweet sherry
    • Madeira
    • Port
    • Or sometimes just dry white wine with a drizzle of honey
  • For a non-alcoholic version, I go with:
    • Grape juice
    • Apple juice (not my favorite, but it works in a pinch)
  • No eggs in the fridge? I use:
    • Pasteurized egg product
    • Aquafaba if I want to keep it vegan

Instructions

  • I whisk the substitute wine or juice with sugar and eggs (or whatever I’m using instead) in a bowl.
  • Need it dairy-free? I just use coconut cream instead of regular cream.
  • The bowl goes over barely simmering water, and I keep whisking until it’s thick and foamy—takes a bit of patience, honestly.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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