The Original Recipe

• The white Russian is a simple drink with some complex flavors. For a basic white Russian, mix equal parts coffee liqueur, vodka and half-and-half on the rocks, then serve with a straw or cocktail stick for stirring. Slight variations of the drink include substituting the vodka with flavored vodkas like vanilla, chocolate and coffee, and also substituting the half-and-half with other dairy such as heavy and light creams or whole milk.

Cocktail Noggins

• A Russian eggnog cocktail requires only one substitution -- instead of pouring half-and-half into the cocktail, pour eggnog instead. Depending on the consistency of the eggnog, either store-bought or homemade, you might have to adjust for its thickness. If the eggnog has a higher milk fat percentage, such as anything above half-and-half's -- which is about 12 percent -- then you should pour anywhere from a 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 times the original amount of each liquor. For low-fat and non-fat eggnogs, pour the same amounts as a regular white Russian.

Punch It Up

• Russian eggnog punch has the same ingredients as the cocktail, but with far less potency. An easy communal eggnog calls for 1 part each vodka and coffee liqueur and 8 parts store-bought eggnog. For white Russian eggnog punches with homemade eggnog, add the liquors to the punch after completing the eggnog. For a quick and simple homemade eggnog, blend whole milk, 1 egg, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar for each cup of milk and a dash of vanilla extract, refrigerate it, then add the vodka and coffee liqueur right before serving.

Egg-citing Extras

• Whether your Russian eggnog is a tasty cocktail or a crowd-pleasing punch, a few extras will enhance both the flavor and appearance of the beverage. For both single and multiple servings, top the drink with a sprinkling of nutmeg. Other toppings that work with the drink's flavors include cinnamon and sweetened cocoa. For larger punches, add a few cinnamon sticks, peppermint candy canes, or roasted or chocolate-covered espresso beans. For individual cocktails, rim the glass with a cinnamon and sugar mixture or chocolate shavings.