Arielle Cruz
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by spiking your store-bought eggnog? While some may prefer the convenience of pre-made eggnog, adding a splash of liquor can elevate your festive cheer. The traditional choice is brandy, but feel free to experiment with dark rum, Cognac, or even bourbon for a stronger kick. For a single serving, mix 4 ounces of eggnog with 1 ounce of your chosen spirit. If you're feeling creative, try adding freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon, or a dash of orange peel for a vibrant twist. Don't forget to shake your eggnog with ice first to dilute its thickness and create a light and frothy texture. So, stock up on those cartons and get ready to cheers to a merry season ahead!
How to add alcohol to store-bought eggnog
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Type | Brandy, Cognac, Dark Rum, Bourbon, Tequila, Mezcal, Irish Cream Liqueur |
| Alcohol Brand | Sailor Jerry's, Kraken, Captain Morgan, Myer's Dark Jamaican Rum, The Real McCoy 5 Year, Privateer Amber, Ed Hamilton 86 Proof, El Dorado 12, Hamilton 86, Courvoisier VSOP |
| Ratio | 4:1 or 5:1 eggnog to alcohol |
| Serving Size | 4oz eggnog with 1oz alcohol |
| Garnish | Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Grated Orange Peel, Whipped Cream |
| Preparation | Shake with ice to dilute and chill |
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What You'll Learn
Brandy is a traditional pairing with eggnog
Brandy is made from distilled wine and is often aged in oak casks, giving it a complex flavour profile with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel. When paired with eggnog, the brandy adds a depth of flavour that enhances the creamy, sweet, and comforting taste of the eggnog. The warmth of the brandy also helps to cut through the richness of the eggnog, making the cocktail more well-rounded and balanced.
In addition to its flavour benefits, brandy is also a popular choice for eggnog because of its historical significance. Eggnog originated in Britain, where it was originally a drink of the aristocracy, who could afford costly spirits like brandy. When the drink was brought to the American colonies during the 18th century, brandy was heavily taxed, so rum became a popular substitute. However, brandy remained a popular choice for those who could afford it, and it has been associated with eggnog ever since.
Today, brandy is still considered the traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, although other spirits like rum, Cognac, and bourbon are also commonly used. When spiking store-bought eggnog, it's recommended to aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to brandy for the best flavour. This means adding one shot (1.5 ounces) of brandy to every 8-ounce glass of eggnog.
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Dark rum and cognac is a popular pairing
When choosing a dark rum, you can opt for a spiced rum like Sailor Jerry's or Appleton Estate, or a darker variety such as El Dorado 8 or 12, Hamilton 86, or a high-quality spiced rum. For cognac, you can explore options like Pierre Ferrand Ambre, Germain-Robin Craft Method, or Marie Duffau Napoleon (an Armagnac). These choices will add depth to your eggnog without breaking the bank.
The recommended ratio of eggnog to your chosen spirit is about 5:1 for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass of eggnog, add one 1.5-ounce shot of alcohol. If you're making a larger batch, adjust the quantities accordingly. For instance, in a pitcher or punch bowl, combine a one-quart carton of eggnog with around four and a half shots, or use a half-gallon carton with about nine shots.
Additionally, consider ageing your spiked eggnog for enhanced flavour. Mix your eggnog and alcohol, then store it in the fridge for a minimum of two weeks to a month, or even longer if you can wait. This ageing process allows the flavours to mellow and integrate, resulting in a smoother and more delicious cocktail.
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Bourbon is a good addition for a Southern twist
Bourbon is a good addition to store-bought eggnog for a Southern twist. Eggnog is a drink made with eggs, cream, sugar, and spices, and bourbon adds a kick to this creamy, sweet concoction. The drink is typically associated with the American South, and bourbon is a popular spirit in that region, so it's a natural pairing.
Bourbon has a warm, rich, and smooth flavour that cuts through the sweetness of the eggnog. It is one of the most common additions to eggnog, along with brandy and rum. While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, and rum was a popular choice historically due to the high taxes on brandy in the 18th century, bourbon has become a go-to for those seeking a stronger kick.
When adding bourbon to store-bought eggnog, a good ratio to aim for is 1:5 (one part spirit to five parts eggnog). This equates to about one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol for every 8-ounce glass of eggnog. If you are making a larger quantity, add four and a half shots to a one-quart carton of eggnog. It is not necessary to use a high-end bourbon for your eggnog; a good-quality, standard bottle will do.
To make a simple bourbon eggnog, blend eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla, and bourbon in a blender. Chill the mixture for at least an hour before serving, but preferably overnight to allow the flavours to develop. You can also add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra spice.
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Liqueurs like Cointreau add depth to the drink
Brandy is the traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, but you can also use a mixture of dark rum and cognac. For a Southern twist, opt for bourbon instead.
If you want to add a splash of liqueur, try Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Tuaca. The warm aromas of baking spices, citrus, and vanilla in these liqueurs will add depth and interest to the drink. Other liqueurs to consider include ginger liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur.
When adding alcohol to store-bought eggnog, aim for a ratio of about five-to-one eggnog to alcohol. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol. If you're making a larger quantity, use a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four-and-a-half shots.
For a well-balanced drink, finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding smoke to your beverage for a unique flavour and aroma.
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Grate some nutmeg or cinnamon on top
Adding alcohol to store-bought eggnog is a great way to enhance the flavour and make it more festive. While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, you can also experiment with dark rum, Cognac, bourbon, or even a splash of a liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Regardless of the alcohol you choose, grating some nutmeg or cinnamon on top will elevate your eggnog to the next level.
Nutmeg is a classic eggnog spice and can be found in most commercial eggnog products. However, grating your own fresh nutmeg will intensify the flavour and add a beautiful, festive aroma. The best tool for the job is a Microplane grater, which will create a fine powder that dissolves easily into your drink. If you don't have a Microplane grater, a stainless steel grater with small holes will also work well. Simply grate a small amount of nutmeg directly onto the top of your eggnog for an authentic, warm spice flavour.
If you're looking for a slightly different flavour profile, cinnamon is another wonderful option. Ground cinnamon is more commonly used than fresh, but if you can get your hands on some cinnamon sticks, freshly grated cinnamon will add a bright, vibrant touch to your eggnog. Again, a Microplane grater is ideal for achieving the perfect consistency, but any fine grater will do. Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated cinnamon over your eggnog for a sweet, spicy kick.
Whether you choose nutmeg, cinnamon, or a combination of the two, grating your own spices will always result in a more intense flavour and a more impressive presentation. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of alcohol and spices to suit your taste. Cheers to a delicious and festive holiday season!
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Frequently asked questions
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to add to eggnog, but you can also add dark rum, Cognac, bourbon, or a mixture of these.
A ratio of about 4:1 or 5:1 eggnog to alcohol is recommended for the best flavor. That's 4 ounces of eggnog (a typical serving size) with 1 ounce of alcohol, or 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol for each 8-ounce glass of eggnog.
If you're making a single serving, simply stir the alcohol into the eggnog. If you're making a larger batch, stir together a one-quart carton of eggnog with about 4.5 shots, or a half-gallon carton with about 9 shots.
Shake the eggnog in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice to dilute it and make it light and frothy.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a touch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or grated orange peel on top. Homemade whipped cream is also a tasty addition, especially when flavored with a hint of bourbon.
