Mason Delacroix
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink that can be made with eggs, milk, cream, spices, and alcohol. While it can be enjoyed without alcohol, many people like to spike their eggnog with liquor. The type of alcohol added to eggnog is a matter of personal preference, but some common choices include brandy, rum, whiskey, and bourbon. When choosing a liquor to add to eggnog, it is generally recommended to avoid cheap liquors, as their harsh flavour can throw off the drink. Instead, opt for a mid-range, affordable option, saving your top-shelf liquor for sipping on its own. Additionally, when mixing alcohol with eggnog, a good ratio to follow is 1 part spirit to 5 parts eggnog.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common types of alcohol added | Brandy, Rum, Bourbon, Whisky |
| Other types of alcohol added | Cognac, Grand Marnier, Tuaca, Cointreau, Capt Morgan Spiced Rum |
| Alcohol concentration | High |
| Amount of alcohol | 1 part alcohol to 5 parts eggnog |
| When to add alcohol | When the eggnog is cooled |
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Brandy, rum, bourbon, or whiskey
Brandy, rum, bourbon, and whiskey are all popular additions to eggnog. The choice of alcohol is a matter of personal preference, but each spirit has its own distinct flavour profile that complements the creamy, sweet, and comforting taste of eggnog.
Brandy is the most traditional choice for eggnog, particularly Cognac, and is often considered the most suitable option. It has a sweet and lively flavour with depth and a warm note that pairs well with the creamy egg base. Korbel VS is a recommended brand for brandy eggnog. While brandy is a fairly common addition, a bottle from Blacklisted adds extra depth and character to the drink with its complex flavours. Sainte Louise is another top pick for bartenders as an affordable, high-quality option with a dry profile.
Rum is another traditional choice for eggnog, having been used for centuries. It has a seamless blend with the egg-based concoction, preserving the wholesome holiday flavour. A gold or aged rum is recommended, with spiced rum being a popular option as it adds extra flavour. Mount Gay Eclipse is a recommended brand for rum eggnog, while Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum is a top choice for its quality and flavour profile. Combining dark rum with cognac is also a popular choice.
Bourbon is a classic addition to eggnog, especially for drinkers from the American South. It is a full-bodied spirit that balances well with the sweet and creamy taste of eggnog. Maker's Mark is a recommended brand for bourbon eggnog.
Whiskey also makes a good choice for eggnog, with its spirit profile popping out of the drink. However, some people may find that the flavour becomes too much after a while. A sweeter bourbon like Maker's Mark or a spicier rye whiskey like High West Double Rye Whiskey is recommended for a better experience.
The recommended alcohol-to-eggnog ratio is 1:5 (1 part spirit to 5 parts eggnog), but this can be adjusted to personal preference. It is also important to know your audience, as some people may be taken aback by the strong kick of certain spirits.
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Spiced rum
Spiked eggnog is a popular holiday beverage, and spiced rum is a great alcohol to add to it. The drink is usually served chilled, but it can also be warmed, making it perfect for cold winter nights.
To make a single serving of spiced rum eggnog, pour some eggnog into a lowball glass. Then, add a shot of spiced rum—you can use dark or clear rum, depending on your preference. If you want to get creative, experiment with different flavours of rum, such as vanilla, banana, or coffee, and blend this with a flavoured eggnog that will complement the rum. For example, you could try banana rum with vanilla eggnog.
Give the drink a good stir, as the thickness of the eggnog might cause the rum to float on top. Top with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, and add a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. If you're making a larger batch, simply adjust the quantities accordingly. For instance, you could combine one part rum with five parts eggnog, or use 3.5 cups of rum for a gallon of eggnog.
For an extra special touch, you can cure the egg yolks in rum and sugar overnight before mixing in the egg whites and cream. This process neutralises harmful pathogens in raw eggs and mellows the alcohol flavour.
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Cognac
Eggnog is a rich, sweetened dairy milk-based drink traditionally including alcohol. It is usually served chilled with a frothy consistency thanks to whipped egg whites, although it can also be served at room temperature or warmed. It is a traditional holiday drink, dating back hundreds of years, and is thought to bring prosperity to your home.
When making eggnog, it is recommended to use a mid-range affordable liquor, as the flavour of cheap liquor can be harsh and throw off the drink. High-proof alcohol is said to have the best synergy with the other ingredients. It is also important to note that the alcohol in eggnog recipes may not kill salmonella, so it is recommended to use pasteurized eggs.
Eggnog can be made in advance, as it tends to get better with time. The drink can be stored in the fridge for a minimum of two weeks, although the flavours will mellow and integrate even more after three weeks.
When serving eggnog, it is recommended to use a chilled 6 oz mug. This will prevent the residual egg note that lingers in a taller glass or mug.
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Liqueur
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, but you can also add a liqueur such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Tuaca. The warm aromas of baking spices, citrus, and vanilla they contain will add depth and interest to the classic Christmas drink.
If you want to add alcohol to your eggnog, choose a drink with a high alcohol concentration to help counterbalance the sweetness of the eggnog. Common choices of alcohol to add to eggnog include brandy, rum, bourbon or whiskey. Rum is the traditional liquor used in most eggnog recipes, but you can also use a mixture of dark rum and cognac. For a signature Southern touch, trade these for a generous splash of your favorite bourbon.
If you're looking for a perfect combination of spices, try adding Capt Morgan Spiced Rum. You can also add liqueur to individual glasses, and there's no set amount, so add a little, taste, and then add a little more to suit your preference.
Keep in mind that alcohol acts as a preservative, so eggnog with liqueur will keep for several days in the fridge. It tends to get better with time, becoming thicker and more silky, and the flavors meld together more uniformly.
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Alcohol concentration
The alcohol concentration in eggnog varies depending on the recipe and personal preference. Some sources recommend a ratio of one part alcohol to five parts eggnog, while others suggest adding alcohol to taste, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing until the desired flavour is achieved.
When making eggnog, it is important to consider the type of alcohol being used. Different types of alcohol have different strengths and flavours, which can affect the overall alcohol concentration and taste of the eggnog. Common choices of alcohol include brandy, rum, bourbon, and whiskey, which can be added to eggnog in various combinations and amounts. For example, a recipe for Jingle Balls Nog includes cognac, cream sherry, almond milk, cream, egg, vanilla, and nutmeg, while another recipe calls for a combination of bourbon, whiskey, rum, and brandy.
The alcohol concentration in eggnog can also be adjusted to personal preference. Some people may prefer a stronger eggnog and will add more alcohol, while others may prefer a milder eggnog and will add less alcohol or omit it altogether. It is worth noting that the alcohol in eggnog acts as a preservative, allowing it to be stored for several days in the refrigerator. Additionally, aging alcoholic eggnog for an extended period, such as a year, has been said to improve its flavour and destroy pathogens.
It is important to note that the alcohol concentration in eggnog should be high enough to mitigate any risks associated with consuming raw eggs. While there is debate on whether the amount of alcohol in eggnog recipes is sufficient to kill salmonella, a concentration of at least 20% alcohol is recommended for safety. To achieve this, equal amounts of alcoholic spirits and milk or cream can be used.
When adding alcohol to eggnog, it is generally recommended to start with a small amount, such as a quarter cup of brandy, bourbon, rum, or whiskey, and gradually increase to taste. This allows for better control over the final alcohol concentration and flavour of the eggnog. Additionally, it is suggested to use mid-range affordable liquor instead of top-shelf liquor or very cheap liquor, as the former provides a good balance between quality and cost, while the latter may have a harsh flavour that can affect the overall taste of the drink.
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Frequently asked questions
Brandy is the most traditional alcohol to add to eggnog, but rum, rye whiskey, and bourbon are also common.
Some less traditional alcohol options to add to eggnog include cognac, dark spiced rum, and brandy, or rum and whiskey. You can also add a splash of a flavorful liqueur, such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Tuaca.
There is no set amount of alcohol to add to eggnog, but a common ratio is one part alcohol to five parts eggnog. If you have a 1-quart container of eggnog, that's 6.5 ounces of liquor.
Choose an alcohol with a high alcohol concentration to balance out the sweetness of the eggnog. You can use affordable liquor, but avoid really cheap liquors as the flavor tends to be harsh.
