Noah Vinter
Eggnog is a holiday staple, but what foods go well with this creamy, nutmeg-sprinkled drink when alcohol is added to it? Eggnog is traditionally made by combining cream, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, and is often enjoyed on its own, chilled or warm. However, when mixed with alcohol, it becomes a festive cocktail. The most traditional spirit to pair with eggnog is brandy, but there are several other options that can enhance its flavour, including bourbon, rum, whiskey, and cognac. For those who prefer a 'cleaner' flavour, vodka is a good choice. When it comes to food pairings, eggnog with alcohol can be enjoyed with desserts or as a post-dinner drink by the fireplace. Its rich, creamy flavour can complement sweet treats, and its warmth and spice notes make it ideal for cold winter evenings.
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What You'll Learn
Brandy, bourbon, and rum
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, and it is often considered the most suitable choice. Cognac, in particular, is a good option, adding a nice sweetness to the creamy egg base. The brandy note is warm without being overwhelming and adds depth to the drink.
Rum is also a traditional choice, having been used for centuries. It adds warmth and depth to the cocktail, complementing the rich and creamy eggnog. A dark rum, such as The Real McCoy 5 Year, Privateer Amber, or Ed Hamilton 86 Proof, is often used, but a spiced rum can also add a tasty kick. However, be aware that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavour of your eggnog.
Bourbon is a good option for those who like their eggnog with a kick. It is a popular choice in the American South, but those who are not expecting the strong flavour might be surprised. Watershed Distillery’s Bourbon is one option to try, and it is said to pair well with hints of vanilla.
When it comes to food pairings, nutmeg is a popular addition to alcoholic eggnog. It is a warm and aromatic spice that pairs exceptionally well with the flavours of eggnog. Homemade whipped cream is also a welcome addition to any of these drinks.
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Whiskey and cognac
When adding whiskey to your eggnog, a good rule of thumb is to add around 1.5 ounces of spirit per serving. You can adjust this to your taste, of course, and add a little more if you're feeling festive! As for the type of whiskey, a mid-range affordable whiskey is perfect. The same goes for cognac—if you have some lying around, it will work well in your eggnog.
If you're making your eggnog from scratch, separate the eggs and keep the whites to use elsewhere, such as in a meringue. Then, beat the yolks with sugar until the mixture lightens in colour. Add your dairy, liquor, and salt, and slowly beat in the egg mixture. Pour your eggnog into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the fridge. It's said that the longer you store it, the better it tastes, with the flavours mellowing and integrating. Alton Brown recommends storing it for a minimum of two weeks, and up to a year! To serve, pour about 5 ounces into a small glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Eggnog is a holiday tradition and a true delight, and with the addition of whiskey or cognac, it becomes a decadent treat to warm your bones during the chilly season.
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Vanilla vodka and amaretto
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink, often served at Christmas time, that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. When adding alcohol, dark spirits such as rum, whiskey, and bourbon are traditional choices. However, for a lighter option, you can create an eggnog martini using vanilla vodka and amaretto.
The vanilla vodka and amaretto eggnog martini is a perfect Christmas cocktail. It combines delicious eggnog with the sweetness of vanilla vodka and amaretto, and a hint of nutmeg. This cocktail is a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit and can be served at your Christmas party or as a festive after-dinner drink.
To make this martini, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 1/2 ounces of vanilla vodka, 1 ounce of amaretto, and 2 ounces of eggnog. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 30 seconds until they are fully combined. Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass and dust with ground nutmeg. You can also garnish it with a cinnamon stick if you wish.
For a fun and festive touch, rim your cocktail glass with cinnamon sugar. This optional step not only looks cute but also adds a great flavour to your drink. You can also add some caramel syrup or caramel sauce to your martini glass for an extra touch of sweetness.
The beauty of this cocktail is that it uses store-bought eggnog, making it a quick and convenient option during the busy holiday season. So, if you're looking for a tasty and festive cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the eggnog martini with vanilla vodka and amaretto is definitely worth considering.
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Spiced bourbon eggnog
To make this delicious beverage, you'll need to gather your ingredients and plan ahead, as the eggnog needs time to chill before serving. For the best flavour and texture, opt for a homemade eggnog recipe rather than store-bought. Start by beating egg yolks in a mixing bowl until smooth. In a saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, grade A maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, nutmeg, whole cloves, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it has cooled, add your chosen spirit.
When selecting a bourbon for your eggnog, opt for a high-quality, mid-range option. Some recommended bourbons include Four Roses, Maker's Mark, Elijah Craig, and Woodford Reserve. Avoid using expensive, top-shelf bourbon, as the other flavours in your eggnog will overpower its nuances. Instead, a reasonably priced, high-proof bourbon will do the trick. As for the amount, the general rule is one part spirit to five parts eggnog. However, you can adjust this ratio to your taste preferences.
Now, let's talk about food pairings. Spiced bourbon eggnog goes well with a variety of desserts, especially those with chocolate. Try serving it alongside a whiskey chocolate cake or stout brownies. It also pairs beautifully with Christmas cookies, such as holiday spice chocolate chip cookies or cranberry-orange cookies. If you're feeling creative, you can even bake with eggnog, trying recipes like Eggnog Bundt Cake or Holiday Eggnog Biscotti.
So, this holiday season, impress your guests and keep them cosy with a batch of spiced bourbon eggnog. With its warm spices, creamy texture, and sweet bourbon kick, it's the perfect festive treat to enjoy by the fire. Cheers!
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Southern Comfort and white chocolate liqueur
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, spices, and alcohol—usually rum, whiskey, or bourbon. It is a heavy, sweet, and creamy beverage, often served chilled or warm.
Southern Comfort (SoCo) is a dark liquor with a fruity, sweet taste. It is a versatile spirit that pairs well with various mix-ins. White chocolate liqueur, with its depth of flavour, can enhance the taste of Southern Comfort without overwhelming the natural flavour of eggnog.
The "White Christmas" cocktail is a popular drink that combines eggnog, Southern Comfort, and white chocolate liqueur. The recipe for this cocktail can be adjusted to personal preference; for instance, a higher volume of eggnog will result in a milder drink. The cocktail is usually served in a cocktail glass and can serve two people.
To make a White Christmas cocktail, you can rim a cocktail glass with brown sugar and cinnamon. Then, add ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in eggnog, Southern Comfort, and white chocolate liqueur. Shake well and strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Finally, garnish with a cinnamon stick.
This cocktail is an excellent alternative for those who are not fond of traditional eggnog, as the white chocolate liqueur and Southern Comfort reduce the "egginess" of eggnog, making it more approachable.
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