What is eggnog?
Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink typically made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. It’s often flavored with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and liquor is commonly added to make an alcoholic version. The most popular liquors used in eggnog are brandy, rum, bourbon, and whiskey. The creamy texture and sweet flavor of eggnog pair well with these spirits.
What are the most common types of alcohol used in eggnog?
Brandy
Brandy is one of the most traditional liquors used in eggnog. It’s made by distilling wine, resulting in a sweet, fruity flavor that complements the richness of eggnog. Brandy has a smoothness that works well with the texture of the drink. Many classic eggnog recipes call for brandy as the liquor of choice.
Rum
Dark rum is another very popular choice for eggnog. Its rich, sweet molasses and vanilla flavors pair perfectly with the dessert-like eggnog. Light or white rums can also be used, but the depth of flavor from a good aged dark rum really enhances the drink. Rum adds a touch of complexity while maintaining eggnog’s traditional cozy feel.
Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey has become a trendy eggnog liquor in recent years. Its sweet, oaky notes complement eggnog’s cinnamon and nutmeg spices. The bold vanilla flavors of bourbon also match well with the drink’s creamy dairy base. Using bourbon makes for a sophisticated, whiskey-lovers take on classic eggnog.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is another excellent choice for eggnog. Like bourbon, it has a smooth sweetness from malted barley that pairs nicely with eggnog’s flavor profile. Irish whiskey tends to be lighter and fruitier than bourbon, adding a bright note to the rich drink. Its mild complexity won’t overpower the other flavors.
What factors help determine the best type of alcohol for eggnog?
Personal taste
Perhaps the most important factor in choosing an eggnog liquor is personal preference. If you enjoy the sweet vanilla oakiness of bourbon, that will likely make your favorite eggnog. Rum lovers will prefer the depth of flavor from a good dark rum. There’s no right or wrong, just what tastes best to you.
How you’ll be serving it
Consider whether you’ll serve the eggnog chilled, warmed, or frozen. The intensity of flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg increase when eggnog is warmed, so a bolder liquor like bourbon or rum would match best. Chilled or frozen eggnog has subtler spice flavors, so a lighter spirit like brandy may complement it better.
What you’re eating with it
Food pairings can also help determine liquor choice. Eggnog with spicy gingerbread cookies or pumpkin pie will taste best with a rich, sweet liquor like rum or bourbon. Lighter desserts like sugar cookies may go better with fruitier brandy or whiskey.Complementing other flavors is key.
How much alcohol should you add to eggnog?
The amount of liquor added is based on personal preference, but traditional recipes call for 1-2 ounces (1-2 shots) of alcohol per serving. This keeps the comforting eggnog flavor at the forefront instead of tasting only of booze. For lighter portions, add 1 ounce. To make it an alcoholic sipper, up to 2 ounces maintains the balance. Much more than that and the intensity of the liquor takes over.
What are some recipe ideas for different types of alcoholic eggnog?
Classic Brandy Eggnog
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Brandy | 1/2 cup |
| Freshly grated nutmeg | To taste |
Spiced Rum Eggnog
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Dark rum | 1/2 cup |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 2 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | Pinch |
Bourbon Eggnog
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Bourbon | 1/2 cup |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
Irish Whiskey Eggnog
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 3 cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Irish whiskey | 1/2 cup |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh grated nutmeg | Pinch |
Conclusion
There’s no consensus on the single best liquor for eggnog – it really comes down to individual preferences. But some great choices based on flavor profiles are brandy, rum, bourbon, and Irish whiskey. The quantity added also varies from 1-2 ounces per serving. Ultimately the goal is complementing, not overpowering, eggnog’s quintessential holiday flavors. As long as you enjoy the combination you’ve chosen, that’s the right liquor for your perfect eggnog.