Imagine a snowy evening, the air crisp and filled with anticipation for the festive days ahead. Now, add the warmth of a cozy hearth and the company of your dearest friends, all enveloped in the soft glow of twinkle lights. What's missing from this picture-perfect scene? A drink that embodies the spirit of the holidays with a plant-based twist – enter the Coconut Eggnog Martini. As I whisk you away to the tropics with the fragrant allure of spices and the sultry caress of coconut, you'll find yourself both at home and on an exotic island, sipping a holiday classic reinvented.
Recipe Info
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
The Ingredients and Their Benefits
The star of this concoction is unquestionably the coconut—both milk and cream that lavish this martini with a rich, velvety texture and a hint of island flair. It's a celebration in a glass, really. Then there's a quartet of aromatic accomplices: nutmeg and cinnamon, those quintessential eggnog wingmen, alongside a dash of vanilla for depth, dancing together in holiday harmony. And for the adults in the room, a pour of rum offers its warm, charming embrace, or opt for a splash of non-dairy milk or coconut water for a mellow, non-alcoholic rendition.
Coconut milk (2 cups): The foundation of our creamy dream, coconut milk introduces a tropical note while keeping things oh-so-smooth.
Coconut cream (1 cup): Amps up the creaminess for that indulgent mouthfeel.
Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): Our plant-based sweetener that whispers sweet nothings into our eggnog martini.
Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): The spice that's nice and absolutely necessary for any self-respecting eggnog.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Spicy warmth that hugs you from the inside.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A background note of sweet sophistication.
Salt (a pinch): Just a flirtation to enhance all the other flavors.
White or spiced rum (4 ounces; 1 ounce per serving): The kick that makes this a true martini—festive with a capital "F".
Non-dairy milk or coconut water (4 ounces; 1 ounce per serving): For a softer version, sans the alcohol but with all the flavor.
Pro Tip: When your martini glass feels as chilly as the North Pole on a brisk night, that's when it knows it's ready to serve—straight from the freezer.
Step-by-Step Guide
Blend your heart out with the coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until you achieve velvety perfection.
Split the base into two if you're going both boozy and sober; we're not ones to judge—holiday cheer comes in all forms.
In a shaker, combine 1 cup of the eggnog base with 1 ounce of rum and ice for the spirited folks. An enthusiastic shake later, strain into a frost-kissed martini glass.
❝Mindful Moment: As you shake the martini, hear the ice cubes' rhythmic rattle, a solo dance before the final reveal.
For the sans-alcohol lot, treat 1 cup of the base to a shiver-inducing shake with ice (and perhaps some non-dairy milk or coconut water for a lighter touch) before straining into its glassy home.
Dress up your martinis with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick or star anise, and, if you're feeling extravagant, a cloud of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. They say garnishes are the jewelry of the cocktail world, after all.
Nutritional Benefits
Coconut milk and cream provide medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may support metabolism.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are believed to have antioxidant properties and may aid in digestion.
The recipe is free from cholesterol and lactose, making it heart-friendly and easy to digest.
Conclusion
As you raise your Coconut Eggnog Martini to toast with loved ones, let the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg weave through your holiday laughter, evoking memories and creating new ones. Each sip brings a creamy wave of coconut, a reminder of summer warmth amid winter's embrace. For one magical evening, your holiday is both here and in a tropical paradise. This is no ordinary martini—it's a story, a celebration of connection and plant-based indulgence. So, deck your tables, don your festive attire, and savor the season with every clink of the glass. Happy holidays!
Craft a festive plant-based sip with this vegan Coconut Eggnog Martini recipe that blends tropical coconut with classic holiday spices, and enjoy a creamy delight this winter season.