Mason Delacroix
Eggnog is a cherished holiday drink, and a splash of alcohol can make it even more festive. But what is the best alcohol to spike eggnog with? The most traditional choice is brandy, but there are many other options to explore. Dark rum is a popular alternative, and spiced rum can add extra flavour. For a Southern twist, bourbon is a great choice, and for a unique touch, a splash of a liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier can add depth with their warm spices, citrus, and vanilla notes. When mixing, the general rule is one part alcohol to five parts eggnog, and don't forget to finish with a dash of nutmeg and a pinch of orange zest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best alcohol to spike eggnog with | Brandy, dark rum, bourbon, Cognac, Sailor Jerry’s, Kraken, spiced rum, Old Monk Rum, Don Q Cristal, Tuaca, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Myer’s Dark Jamaican Rum |
| Golden ratio | 1 part alcohol to 5 parts eggnog |
| Quantity | 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol for an 8-ounce glass of eggnog |
| Quantity (pitcher) | 3.5 cups of alcohol for a gallon of eggnog |
| Quantity (pitcher) | 4.5 shots for a one-quart carton of eggnog |
| Quantity (pitcher) | 9 shots for a half-gallon carton of eggnog |
| Garnish | Nutmeg, orange zest, cinnamon stick |
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What You'll Learn
Brandy, the traditional choice
Brandy is the traditional choice for spiking eggnog. It is a classic combination and a good choice if you are looking for a simple, straightforward way to spike your eggnog. The brandy and Cognac combination with eggnog is a little floral and nicely warm, making it a perfect winter cocktail.
Brandy pairs well with the creamy sweetness of eggnog. The general rule of thumb is to use one part spirit to five parts eggnog. For an 8-ounce glass, that would be 6.5 ounces of eggnog to 1.5 ounces of brandy. If you are making a larger quantity, you can adjust the ratio accordingly. For a stronger drink, you can add more brandy, but you may need to add more cream to maintain the right consistency.
If you are making a pitcher of eggnog, you can add a gallon of eggnog and 3.5 cups of brandy, adjusting to taste. You can also add spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Grate the nutmeg fresh, and add a pinch of finely grated orange zest for a festive touch.
Brandy-spiked eggnog is a cherished holiday drink, and with its warm, floral notes, it is a perfect choice for a winter cocktail.
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Dark rum, a popular option
Dark rum is a popular choice for spiking eggnog, and for good reason. Its full-bodied, creamy texture and notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove complement the drink's thick consistency and sweet, spicy flavours.
When selecting a dark rum to spike your eggnog, you may opt for a spiced rum to enhance the drink's warmth and depth of flavour. However, some prefer a less spiced rum, adding nutmeg and other spices separately to taste. Aged dark rums with spicy-sweet flavours are also a good choice, as they complement eggnog's inherent sweetness.
When mixing your drink, it's important to remember that eggnog is quite thick, so it takes some time and stirring to fully incorporate the rum. The general rule of thumb is to combine one part of your chosen spirit with five parts eggnog, adjusting as needed to ensure the alcohol doesn't overpower the drink. For a stronger flavour, consider using a darker, more potent rum and adding a little less eggnog.
To make a pitcher of spiked eggnog, you can use a gallon of eggnog and 3.5 cups of rum. Add spices to taste, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and stir well. Serve with cinnamon sticks and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
So, if you're looking for a popular and delicious option for spiking your eggnog, dark rum is an excellent choice. Its versatility, rich flavour, and ability to enhance the warmth and creaminess of eggnog make it a festive favourite.
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Cognac, a floral pairing
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, but Cognac, a type of brandy, is also a popular choice. Cognac is made in the Cognac region of France, and its punchy and earthy qualities pair well with the sweet and creamy texture of eggnog. The result is a cocktail that is a tiny bit floral, nicely warm, and perfect for winter.
When selecting a Cognac to spike your eggnog, you don't need to go premium. Opt for an affordable, high-proof VS Cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the eggnog and other ingredients. A good, affordable option is Pierre Ferrand Ambre.
For the best flavour, aim for a ratio of about five parts eggnog to one part Cognac. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of Cognac. If you're making a larger quantity in a pitcher or punch bowl, combine a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four and a half shots. The goal is to taste a hint of the Cognac without overpowering the flavour of the eggnog.
To enhance the floral notes of the Cognac and eggnog pairing, consider adding a dash of nutmeg (freshly grated is best) and a pinch of finely grated orange zest. This will complement the warm and floral notes of the Cognac and create a delightful winter cocktail.
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Bourbon, a Southern twist
For a signature Southern touch, add a generous splash of your favourite bourbon to your eggnog. While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, bourbon is a close second. Bourbon eggnog is a simple yet delightful cocktail, perfect for the holiday season.
How to make it
The key to a good bourbon eggnog is getting the ratio right. A good rule of thumb is to combine 1 part bourbon with 5 parts eggnog. If you're making a large batch, a 1-quart container of eggnog should be mixed with 6.5 ounces of bourbon. You can adjust the ratio to your taste, but remember that a little bourbon goes a long way.
To make your cocktail, simply blend or shake the bourbon and eggnog together. You can use a jar with a lid or an electric frother for this step. If you want to get fancy, rim your cocktail glass with water, simple syrup, or gingerbread syrup, and dip it into cinnamon sugar. Then, add ice to the glass, pour in your bourbon and eggnog mixture, and stir.
Serving suggestions
Top your cocktail with freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of finely grated orange zest. For an extra festive touch, add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer and garnish with a cinnamon sugar rim. If you want to get really creative, add a dash of apple pie spice or a splash of a flavorful liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
So, if you're looking for a Southern twist on a classic holiday drink, bourbon eggnog is the perfect choice. It's easy to make, cozy, and sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Cheers!
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Spiced rum, a festive favourite
Spiked eggnog is a festive favourite, and for good reason. It's fun to make, fun to drink, and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, spiced rum is a close second and a festive favourite.
Spiced rum is a great choice for spiking eggnog because it adds warmth and depth to the cocktail, complementing the rich and creamy texture of the eggnog. The spices in the rum also enhance the drink's aroma and overall flavour. The best part? You can use any spiced rum you have on hand, as the rum's flavour can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. For a stronger rum flavour, simply increase the ratio of rum to eggnog. For a creamier taste, add more eggnog to the mix.
To make a delicious batch of spiced rum eggnog, start by curing egg yolks in rum and sugar overnight. The curing process neutralises harmful pathogens in raw eggs and mutes the alcohol flavour, making the drink more homogeneous. The next day, beat egg whites and sugar until firm peaks form, then fold in heavy cream, the egg yolk mixture, and half-and-half. Finally, stir in your spiced rum of choice.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some ground nutmeg on top of your cocktail. Not only does nutmeg add a warm, aromatic spice that pairs exceptionally well with the flavours of eggnog, but it also enhances the drink's aroma and overall taste. If you're making a large batch, a good ratio to keep in mind is 2 parts eggnog to 1 part rum. However, feel free to adjust this ratio to suit your personal preference. Cheers!
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Frequently asked questions
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, but you can also use dark rum, Cognac, bourbon, or a mixture of these.
Aim for a ratio of about 5 parts eggnog to 1 part alcohol. For an 8-ounce glass, that's 6.5 ounces of eggnog to 1.5 ounces of alcohol.
Popular rum brands to use include Sailor Jerry's, Kraken, Captain Morgan, and Myer's Dark Jamaican Rum.
Some popular brandy brands to use include Courvoisier VSOP and Cognac.
Yes, you can also use liqueurs such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Tuaca. These will add warm aromas of baking spices, citrus, and vanilla to the drink.
