Lena Savoie
There are many ways to spike store-bought eggnog, and the right alcohol should complement the flavour and texture of the drink. Brandy is the most traditional pairing, but other popular options include dark rum, Cognac, bourbon, vodka, tequila, and Irish cream liqueur. For those who want to cut through the sweetness of eggnog, vodka is a good option, while those who want to enhance the sweetness can add a splash of a liqueur such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Tuaca. The ratio of alcohol to eggnog is important, with a general rule of thumb being one part alcohol to five parts eggnog.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol type | Brandy, bourbon, rum, cognac, whiskey, vodka, tequila, sherry, liqueur |
| Alcohol quantity | 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol for each 8-ounce glass of eggnog |
| Garnish | Nutmeg, cinnamon, orange zest, pumpkin spice |
Explore related products
Brandy, bourbon, or rum
Brandy, bourbon, and rum are all popular additions to store-bought eggnog.
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes. However, you can also add a mixture of dark rum and cognac. For a Southern twist, replace these spirits with a generous splash of bourbon.
If you're using brandy, a good starting point is to add 1/4 cup for every 5 parts of eggnog. You can also add more to taste. A 1-quart container of eggnog should be mixed with 6.5 ounces of liquor. For a festive touch, top each glass with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of finely grated orange zest.
When mixing eggnog with rum, you can use either dark spiced rum or clear rum. Simply combine the rum and eggnog in a lowball glass, adding a little cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth. If you're making a larger batch, use a gallon of eggnog and 3 1/2 cups of rum.
For bourbon eggnog, a popular recipe includes milk, vanilla, and bourbon, blended until well combined. Chill the mixture for at least an hour, but preferably overnight, as the flavor improves. Before serving, top with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg.
Tequila's Unique Effect: The Upper Alcohol
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cognac or dark rum
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, but you can also use a mixture of cognac and dark rum. Cognac is a variety of brandy, distinguished by its region of production—the Cognac area of France—and the specific grapes used. It has a catchy, lively flavour with depth, and a nice, warm note that doesn't get lost in the eggnog.
Dark rum is also a traditional choice for eggnog, having been used in the holiday drink for a few centuries. It adds a sweetness that contrasts the drink's eggy flavour. When making rum eggnog, use a gold or aged rum, as white rum is too light and transparent. Aged rum adds a lightly spiced, caramelly flavour.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, you don't need to use your most expensive bottles of cognac or rum, as they're being used as mixers. Recommended cheaper cognacs include Pierre Ferrand Ambre, Germain-Robin Craft Method, and the Marie Duffau Napoleon (an Armagnac). For dark rums, try The Real McCoy 5 Year, Privateer Amber, or Ed Hamilton 86 Proof.
The recommended ratio for mixing alcohol with store-bought eggnog is 1 part alcohol to 5 parts eggnog. For a 1-quart container of eggnog, that's 6.5 ounces of liquor in total.
Helping a Recovering Alcoholic After Relapse: What to Do Next
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Irish cream liqueur
When adding alcohol to store-bought eggnog, the general recommendation is to aim for a ratio of about 5:1 of eggnog to alcohol. This equates to adding one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol to every 8-ounce glass of eggnog. If preparing a larger quantity in a pitcher or punch bowl, add four and a half shots to a one-quart carton of eggnog, or nine shots to a half-gallon carton. It is important to ensure the alcohol does not overpower the flavour of the eggnog.
For a more intricate cocktail, combine Irish cream liqueur with eggnog and other ingredients. One option is to create an eggnog martini by shaking vanilla-flavoured vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and eggnog together. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar, such as a martini glass or coupe glass, or serve over ice in a rocks glass. This sophisticated cocktail is perfect for the holiday season.
Another creative idea is to infuse Irish cream liqueur-spiked eggnog with smoke. In a cocktail glass, mix eggnog and liqueur, and then light a sprig of rosemary. Extinguish the flame by covering the sprig with an upside-down shaker, allowing smoke to infuse into the drink. Remove the tumbler after at least one minute and serve. This impressive cocktail will tantalise your taste buds and fill the air with a delightful aroma.
Alcohol on Head Wounds: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vodka
If you're looking for something simpler, you can just add a shot of vodka to your eggnog and stir well. It's best to use reasonably priced vodka, as the other flavours in your eggnog will likely overpower the nuances of a premium liquor. The higher alcohol content of vodka will also help to neutralise some of the eggnog's sweetness.
For a festive twist, top your drink with a dash of nutmeg, a pinch of finely grated orange zest, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also add a cinnamon-infused whiskey to your eggnog for a fiery holiday drink. To make this, combine whiskey, simple syrup, and cinnamon sticks in a large glass jar. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark spot for 3-5 days, shaking occasionally. After a few days, you can add dried chilli peppers and vanilla bean if desired, reseal, and store for a day or two longer. Finally, strain the whiskey mixture and mix 2 ounces with 4 ounces of eggnog per serving.
The general rule for mixing alcohol with eggnog is to use one part spirit to five parts eggnog. So, for every 1-quart container of eggnog, use 6.5 ounces of liquor. However, you can always add more or less alcohol depending on your preference and the preference of your guests.
Healing Cuts: Alcohol's Pain and What to Do
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Whiskey
The general rule for mixing alcohol with eggnog is to combine 1 part spirit with 5 parts eggnog. For a 1-quart container of eggnog, that means adding 6.5 ounces of liquor. However, you can add as much or as little alcohol as you like.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, whiskey can be a great choice. You don't need to spend a lot of money on an expensive bottle, as the other flavours in your eggnog will likely overpower the nuances of a premium liquor. Instead, opt for a reasonably priced, mid-range whiskey that you enjoy sipping on its own.
When choosing a whiskey to mix with your eggnog, stay away from flavoured varieties, as added spices or infusions will likely overwhelm the already intense flavours of the holiday drink. Similarly, steer clear of Scotch whisky, as its smokiness will likely overwhelm the subtle flavours of the eggnog. Instead, opt for a bourbon or a rye whiskey, which tend to have spicier notes that pair well with the holiday flavours of vanilla and spice in eggnog.
So, if you're looking to add a little extra cheer to your store-bought eggnog, whiskey—especially bourbon or rye—is a great choice. Just be sure to use a good-quality whiskey that you enjoy, and don't be afraid to experiment with different brands and varieties to find your perfect pairing.
Older Adults: Alcohol-Impaired Crash Fatalities
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, but you can also add dark rum, Cognac, bourbon, whiskey, or vodka.
For an 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol. For a one-quart container of eggnog, use 6.5 ounces of liquor. The goal is to taste a hint of the alcohol without it overpowering the flavour of the eggnog.
Mix eggnog with spirits in a cocktail glass. Light a sprig of rosemary, cover it with an upside-down shaker to douse the flame, and create smoke. Pull out the sprig and cover the cocktail glass with the shaker, allowing the smoke to infuse into the eggnog for at least one minute.
Combine 2 ounces of eggnog with 0.75 ounces of Suntory Toki Whisky and 0.75 ounces of Grand Marnier over ice and shake. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with Chinese five-spice and add a roasted star anise for garnish.
Shake the eggnog in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice to dilute it and make it frothy. Shaking eggnog with ice will also chill the drink.
