Arielle Cruz
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink that can be served chilled, at room temperature, or warm. It is typically made with eggs, milk, cream, and spices like nutmeg and vanilla. While eggnog can be enjoyed without alcohol, many people choose to spike it with liquor. The type of alcohol added to eggnog is a matter of personal preference, but some common choices include brandy, rum, bourbon, whiskey, and liqueur. When spiking eggnog, it is recommended to use a mid-range affordable liquor rather than a top-shelf or cheap liquor. The ratio of eggnog to alcohol is typically around 4:1 or 5:1, but this can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most traditional spirit | Brandy |
| Other spirits | Bourbon, rum, whisky, vodka, cognac |
| Spirit to eggnog ratio | 1:5 (1 part spirit, 5 parts eggnog) |
| Amount per 8-ounce serving | 1.3 ounces (7.5/6) |
| Garnish | Nutmeg, cinnamon stick, orange peel |
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Brandy is the traditional choice
When it comes to choosing an alcohol to pair with eggnog, brandy is the traditional choice. This spirit has been used to spike eggnog for hundreds of years, with the drink originating in the 1700s in the New World. Brandy is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails, and it pairs especially well with the nutmeg spices in eggnog. When selecting a brandy to use in your eggnog, opt for a good quality bottle rather than your most expensive one. This is because the brandy will be mixed with other sweet and creamy ingredients, so the nuances of a finer liquor may be lost.
For those with a sweet tooth, the combination of brandy and eggnog is a match made in heaven. However, due to the sweetness of both ingredients, some may find the resulting cocktail too cloying. As such, it is important to proceed with caution when mixing brandy and eggnog, tasting as you go to ensure the final product is balanced. A solid alcohol-to-eggnog ratio to start with is 1:5 (1 part spirit, 5 parts eggnog), but this can be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
When selecting a brandy for your eggnog, consider opting for Cognac, a variety of French brandy that is commonly used in cocktails. Cognac has a smooth, elegant flavour that can enhance the eggnog's richness without overwhelming the other ingredients. However, other varieties of brandy can also be used, depending on your taste preferences and what is available to you.
In addition to brandy, other liquors that can be used to spike eggnog include rum, whisky, and bourbon. Some people even choose to combine multiple spirits for added complexity and oomph. However, when combining spirits, it is important to exercise caution as the alcohol content of the cocktail can creep up quickly. So, whether you choose to stick with the traditional brandy or experiment with other liquors, always remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your festive eggnog in moderation.
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Rum, but not spiced
Eggnog is a rich, creamy, and indulgent cocktail that is usually enjoyed during the holiday season. While brandy is the most traditional spirit to pair with eggnog, rum is also a popular choice. However, it is important to note that dark rum is preferred over white rum, as the latter can overwhelm the other flavours in the drink. Additionally, spiced rum is typically avoided as it can overpower the other ingredients.
To make spiked eggnog with rum, you can follow these general steps:
- Cure the egg yolks in rum and sugar overnight. This process helps neutralise harmful pathogens in raw eggs and mellow the alcohol flavour.
- Mix in the egg whites and cream.
- Add spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. These spices add warmth and enhance the flavour of the drink.
- Stir well to ensure the rum is evenly distributed throughout the eggnog, as the thickness of the eggnog can make it challenging for the ingredients to mix together.
- Serve warm or cold, garnished with a cinnamon stick for added flavour and aesthetics.
This spiked eggnog recipe with rum is perfect for holiday celebrations and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Remember to always consume alcohol responsibly and enjoy in moderation.
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Whisky
If you're looking for a cleaner taste, Irish whiskey will cut through the sweetness of the eggnog more than bourbon and can add some interesting fruit and oak flavours. For a more complex eggnog, Balblair 12-Year-Old Highland single malt Scotch whisky adds more complexity than rum and cognac, although it is a little less sweet and warming.
When making whisky eggnog, a good rule of thumb is to follow a 2 parts liquor, 4 parts eggnog ratio.
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Bourbon
When making a bourbon eggnog, you'll want to pick a bourbon that helps bring out the flavours already present in the eggnog, such as cinnamon and vanilla. Bulleit Bourbon, Maker's Mark, and Watershed Distillery’s Bourbon are all good options.
To make a single serving of bourbon eggnog, you'll need 6 ounces of eggnog (homemade or store-bought) and 1 ½ ounces of bourbon. For a boozy, vanilla, and caramel taste, simply add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavours. If you're making a large batch, you can turn every ounce into a cup, so you'll need 6 cups of eggnog and 1 ½ cups of bourbon, plus half a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of nutmeg.
To make the cocktail, first, make a cinnamon sugar rim by wetting the glass and dipping it into cinnamon sugar. Then, add the eggnog and bourbon to your glass and stir. Finally, garnish with cinnamon and nutmeg, add a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
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Vanilla vodka
When making an eggnog cocktail with vanilla vodka, you can add a few other liqueurs or flavors to make it extra special. One option is to pair vanilla vodka with almond-flavored liqueur, such as Disaronno, and shake it over ice with nutmeg to enhance the flavors. This combination creates a smooth and tasty drink. For an extra fancy touch, rim the cocktail glass with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before filling it with ice and pouring in the cocktail.
Another popular variation is to make an eggnog martini with vanilla vodka. This martini is lighter than traditional eggnogs and has a lower alcohol content, similar to a glass of wine. It typically includes amaretto, which adds a nutty sweetness that pairs well with the vanilla and nutmeg flavors. To make this martini, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and eggnog, and shake well. Then, strain the cocktail into a chilled glass and garnish with ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick, if desired.
The versatility of vanilla vodka in eggnog cocktails is endless. You can experiment with different ratios of liquor to eggnog, depending on your preference and the number of servings you need. Additionally, if dairy is a concern, you can use dairy-free eggnog made with coconut milk to create a delicious vegan version of the cocktail.
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Frequently asked questions
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to add to eggnog, but you can also add other liquors.
Eggnog is a versatile drink and can be mixed with a variety of spirits, including rum, whisky, bourbon, and cognac.
A good rule of thumb is to mix one part spirit with five parts eggnog. This ratio applies to both store-bought and homemade eggnog.
Yes, eggnog can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. You can omit the alcohol if you're making a kid-friendly version.
In addition to alcohol, eggnog typically includes eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.
