Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink typically made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. While traditional homemade eggnog recipes don’t contain alcohol, many people enjoy spiking their eggnog with liquor, wine, or beer to give it an extra kick. But with so many options to choose from, what liquor really mixes best with eggnog?
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a rich, custard-like beverage traditionally made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. It dates back to medieval Britain and was brought over to the American colonies, where it became strongly associated with the Christmas holiday season. The name “eggnog” likely originated from the word “nog”, an old English term for a strong ale. The egg was added to the hot ale to make a nourishing wintertime drink.
Traditional homemade eggnog is made by beating egg yolks together with sugar, then slowly heating the mixture on the stove top to thicken it slightly. Warm milk and heavy cream are then incorporated along with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. The egg whites are whipped into soft peaks and gently folded into the cooled custard-like base just before serving. This gives eggnog its signature rich, creamy texture.
Today, most commercially produced eggnog is made without eggs for safety reasons. It relies on thickening agents like gelatin, guar gum, and carrageenan instead. It often contains milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg or cinnamon flavoring. Some non-dairy versions are made with coconut or almond milk. It’s typically available seasonally from late fall through the end of the year.
Why Add Alcohol to Eggnog?
Spiking eggnog with alcohol may have originated out of practicality – adding liquor helped preserve eggnog’s freshness before refrigeration. But adding alcohol also balances the rich sweetness, enhances the vanilla and spice flavors, and gives the drink more complexity.
The warmth from the alcohol is perfect for enjoying cold, creamy eggnog during the winter holidays. It adds a little holiday cheer to a dessert beverage associated with celebrations and gatherings. Finally, the high fat and protein content of eggnog helps slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream for a smoother drinking experience.
Best Liquors to Mix with Eggnog
There are many different types of liquor that can complement and enhance the flavor of eggnog. Here are some of the best options:
Brandy
Brandy is one of the most traditional and popular liquors mixed with eggnog. Its delicately sweet, oak-aged flavor balances perfectly with the richness of eggnog. The spices and vanilla are enhanced by the fruity notes of the brandy. An aged, high quality brandy is best for really taking eggnog to the next level.
Rum
Dark rum is another excellent choice for eggnog. Aged dark rums will add notes of caramel, vanilla, baking spices, and toasted oak that pair beautifully with nutmeg and cinnamon. For more complexity, try a small amount of navy strength rum along with dark rum. The higher proof cuts through the richness while bringing flavors like ginger, clove, and molasses.
Bourbon
The sweet vanilla and oak notes of quality bourbon are a fantastic match for eggnog’s custard-like flavor. The spice aromas in bourbon accentuate the nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger often added to eggnog. Sipping spiked eggnog with a smooth, aged bourbon is a great way to warm up in winter.
Whiskey
For an eggnog with more spice and bite, try mixing with whiskey such as Tennessee whiskey or rye. The spiciness and peppery notes bring extra complexity and cut through the richness. Irish whiskey can also work well – the creaminess and toasted caramel flavors complement the eggnog beautifully.
Cognac
Fine cognac makes eggnog feel even more luxurious. Its mellow flavor and aromas of dried fruit pair nicely with the sweet, creamy base. The dried fruit notes also echo typical eggnog spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. And cognac’s warming alcohol heat is very welcome in cold weather.
Scotch
Single malt scotch can put an upscale twist on eggnog, although the smoky, peaty notes of Islay scotch can overwhelm the other flavors. Instead go for the sweet vanilla and honey flavors of a Speyside like Glenfiddich or the baked apple notes of something from the Highlands. The resulting scotch-spiked eggnog will be delicious and quite elegant.
How Much Alcohol to Use
A general guideline is to add 1-2 oz (30-60 mL) of liquor per 8-10 oz (250-300 mL) portion of eggnog. Adding much more than that can overpower the other flavors and make the drink too boozy. It’s best to add the liquor slowly and taste as you go until you reach the desired balance and strength.
For large batches of spiked eggnog for parties, the standard alcohol ratio is:
- 1 part liquor
- 2 parts eggnog
So for example, for every 1 cup (8 oz) of liquor like brandy or rum, add 2 cups (16 oz) of eggnog. This makes the total beverage about 20% alcohol by volume.
How to Make Spiked Eggnog
Making great spiked eggnog is easy!
Simply combine store-bought or homemade eggnog with your liquor of choice in a large glass pitcher or bowl. For 1-2 servings, combine in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. If using homemade eggnog, allow it chill fully in the refrigerator before adding liquor.
Taste and slowly add more liquor as needed to reach your desired booziness. Stir gently to combine. For parties, keep a bottle of liquor handy for guests to personalize their own as desired. Serve eggnog chilled in small glasses or punch cups.
Some other serving tips:
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top
- Add a cinnamon stick swizzle stick
- Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar before pouring
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Spiked eggnog is typically consumed cold. But you can also gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave for a delightful wintry sipper by the fire.
Eggnog Safety Tips
When making your own eggnog with raw eggs, keep these food safety guidelines in mind:
- Use pasteurized eggs
- Discard eggnog after 3-5 days
- Don’t let eggnog sit out for more than 2 hours, keep refrigerated
- Don’t serve raw eggnog to pregnant women, young children, or those with weakened immune systems
When adding alcohol:
- Pace yourself – drink slowly since eggnog hides alcohol flavor
- Don’t drive after consuming, arrange alternative transportation
- Keep out of reach of children
Festive Eggnog Cocktail Recipes
Looking to get more creative with your spiked eggnog? Try one of these fun, festive eggnog cocktail recipes!
Coquito
Coquito is a Puerto Rican take on eggnog featuring rum and coconut milk. The cinnamon garnish ties it to the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup white rum
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- Club soda or ginger ale, to top
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
- Slowly stir in coconut milk until incorporated.
- Add both rums and stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- To serve, pour over ice and top with a splash of club soda or ginger ale.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Cranberry Eggnog Margarita
This creative twist combines eggnog and margarita flavors for a festive holiday cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) silver tequila
- 2 oz (60ml) prepared eggnog
- 1 oz (30ml) cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz (15ml) triple sec
- Juice from 1 lime
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add tequila, eggnog, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a margarita glass over fresh ice, if desired.
- Garnish with a lime slice.
Peppermint White Russian
Adding peppermint schnapps and eggnog gives a seasonal twist to the classic White Russian cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Kahlua or coffee liqueur
- 1 oz (30ml) peppermint schnapps
- 2 oz (60ml) eggnog
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed candy cane, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add vodka, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps, and eggnog.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane if desired.
The Best Eggnog and Liquor Combinations
In summary, while many types of liquor can complement eggnog’s rich, creamy flavor profile, here are some of the very best combinations:
| Liquor | Flavor Notes | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Brandy | Fruity, sweet, oaky | Complements eggnog’s vanilla and spice |
| Dark Rum | Molasses, vanilla, spice | Enhances cinnamon, nutmeg flavors |
| Bourbon | Sweet, oaky, vanilla | Balances rich sweetness |
| Whiskey | Spicy, peppery | Cuts through richness |
| Cognac | Fruity, mellow | Luxurious complement |
| Scotch | Vanilla, honey | Adds elegance |
The possibilities don’t stop there either. Feel free to get creative and try eggnog with your favorite spirits or liqueurs. The rich, velvety texture of eggnog makes it highly mixable. Just be sure to add liquor slowly and taste as you go until you reach the desired balance.
Conclusion
Adding alcohol to eggnog can take the classic holiday drink to new heights. While there are many excellent liquor choices, options like brandy, rum, bourbon, whiskey, and cognac are hard to top. Their flavors meld beautifully with eggnog’s signature creaminess and spice. Just remember to enjoy your spiked eggnog responsibly -sip it slowly and be sure to account for the alcohol it contains. Cheers and happy holidays!