Arielle Cruz
Eggnog is a rich, creamy, and sweetened dairy milk-based drink that traditionally includes alcohol. The drink is typically made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices like nutmeg. When it comes to choosing the right alcohol to add to eggnog, brandy is the most traditional choice, but other popular options include rum, bourbon, and whiskey. Some people also like to experiment with different combinations of spirits or add a splash of liqueur for extra flavour. The key is to balance the sweetness of the eggnog with a drink that has a high alcohol concentration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol type | Brandy, rum, bourbon, whiskey, cognac, liqueur, vodka |
| Alcohol concentration | High |
| Amount | 1 part alcohol to 5 parts eggnog, or 2 parts alcohol to 4 parts eggnog |
| Timing | Added at the same time as vanilla, or after cooling the eggnog |
| Taste | Balances out the sweetness of eggnog |
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What You'll Learn
Brandy is the traditional choice
Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fruit wine, typically from grapes but also other fruits such as apples, peaches, or blackberries. The type of brandy you choose for your eggnog can vary depending on your taste preferences and the specific flavour profile you want to achieve. For a classic, elegant choice, cognac, a type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France, pairs well with the vanilla and nutmeg notes often found in eggnog.
For a more budget-friendly option, you can opt for a mid-range brandy that still offers a smooth flavour without breaking the bank. As eggnog is typically served during the holiday season, you may also want to explore spiced brandies that capture the festive flavours of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. These spiced varieties can enhance the warmth of your eggnog and create a cosy, indulgent beverage.
When adding brandy to your eggnog, it is recommended to start with a small amount, about 1/4 cup, and adjust to your taste preferences. You can add the brandy at the same time as the vanilla or after the eggnog has cooled down. This allows you to control the potency of the drink and ensures that the alcohol does not overpower the other delicate flavours in the eggnog.
If you want to experiment with combinations, brandy pairs well with other spirits too. You can create a unique twist on the traditional eggnog by mixing brandy with dark rum or Cognac, adding a layer of complexity to the drink. Alternatively, for a Southern-inspired variation, substitute the brandy with a generous splash of bourbon, providing a bolder flavour that balances the sweetness of the eggnog.
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Bourbon for a Southern twist
While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, you can give the drink a signature Southern twist by adding a generous splash of your favourite bourbon. For those who like their eggnog with a kick, bourbon's baking spices, sweetness, and ability to cut through the cream make it a perfect match for this holiday drink.
If you're making your own eggnog, you can add the bourbon at the same time as the vanilla, or after cooling the eggnog. You can also add more to taste if you like a stronger drink. For a 1-quart container of eggnog, use 6.5 ounces of liquor in total.
Bourbon eggnog can be made with or without egg whites, and some recipes also include amaretto. If you're using egg whites, beat the egg whites with sugar until soft peaks form, then fold them into the yolk mixture. If you're not using egg whites, beat the egg yolks with sugar until the mixture is thick and light in colour, then add the vanilla and nutmeg before slowly incorporating the spirits.
For a stronger drink, use 100-proof bourbon and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of amaretto. You can also add a dash of cinnamon and star anise to your glass for a fabulous holiday cocktail.
If you're short on time, you can buy pre-made bourbon eggnog, such as Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog, which is made with smooth Kentucky bourbon and real dairy cream.
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Rum, especially dark rum
Rum is one of the most popular alcohol choices for eggnog, with many recipes specifically calling for dark rum. The spirit adds a welcome sweetness that contrasts with the drink's eggy flavour. Aged rum, in particular, brings a lightly spiced, caramelly flavour to the drink.
When making rum eggnog, you can use a traditional recipe or a quicker version. The traditional recipe involves separating the eggs and beating the yolks and whites separately before combining them. The yolks are beaten with sugar until light and fluffy, while the whites are beaten with sugar until soft peaks form. The two are then gently folded together. In a separate bowl, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract are beaten together, and this mixture is then slowly folded into the egg mixture. Finally, the rum is added—usually about 1.5 ounces per serving. The drink can be served immediately over ice and garnished with grated nutmeg and cinnamon.
If you're making a large batch, you can combine all the ingredients at once, except for the egg whites, which can be stored separately in the fridge and folded in just before serving. This way, the eggnog can be stored in the fridge for two to three days.
When choosing a rum for your eggnog, you don't need to use a top-shelf liquor, as the flavour of the rum will be mixed with other ingredients. However, it's best to avoid very cheap liquors, as the flavour can be harsh and throw off the drink. Some recommended dark rums for eggnog include The Real McCoy 5 Year, Privateer Amber, and Ed Hamilton 86 Proof.
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Whisky/whiskey
Whisky or whiskey is a popular choice of alcohol to add to eggnog. In fact, in Kentucky, there is no substitute for whiskey in eggnog. The baking spices inherent in the spirit, its sweetness, and its ability to cut through the cream make it a perfect match for this holiday drink.
Whisky eggnog is best prepared a few days in advance as it improves with age. The drink is also quite rich, so it's recommended to use farm-fresh eggs, and pasteurized eggs if you're concerned about spoilage.
To make whisky eggnog, you'll need eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and star anise. You can also add vanilla and whipped cream. For the whisky, you can use Canadian whiskey or bourbon.
Here's a recipe for whisky eggnog:
- Beat the egg yolks with sugar until fluffy.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and whisky.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
For an extra festive touch, you can rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Simply coat the rim of the glass with water, simple syrup, or gingerbread syrup, and then stamp and roll the rim in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
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Liqueurs like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Tuaca, or Disaronno
Cointreau, for instance, is an orange-flavoured liqueur that pairs exceptionally well with eggnog. It adds a citrusy twist to the creamy beverage, creating a boozy creamsicle effect. The orange notes in Cointreau can also be used to make an orange-spiced eggnog, a festive variation that's perfect for the holiday season.
Grand Marnier, another orange-flavoured liqueur, also blends beautifully with eggnog. It provides a wonderful, orangey finish to the drink, complementing the sweetness and creaminess of the eggnog. Grand Marnier is an excellent choice for those who want a sophisticated, grown-up twist on their holiday eggnog.
Tuaca, a naturally flavoured Italian brandy liqueur, can be a unique addition to your eggnog. It is a sweet, golden-brown blend of brandy, citrus and orange essences, vanilla, and other spices. Tuaca's mild, sweet flavour makes it a versatile liqueur, enjoyed both hot and iced. It can add a fruity dimension to your eggnog, creating a complex and intriguing flavour profile.
Disaronno, an amaretto liqueur, can be used to create an Amaretto Eggnog. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy the sweet, nutty flavours of amaretto. It is a simple twist on the classic eggnog, where the liqueur is stirred into the warmed eggnog, adding a delightful, sweet aroma and flavour.
When using liqueurs in your eggnog, it's important to consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. Liqueurs like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Tuaca, and Disaronno can enhance the sweetness of the eggnog, so you may want to adjust the sugar levels accordingly. Additionally, these liqueurs can be added before or after chilling the eggnog, depending on your preference for a stronger or more subtle flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
The three most common types of alcohol mixed with eggnog are brandy, rum, and bourbon. Other good options include whiskey, Cognac, and spiced rum.
A solid alcohol-to-eggnog ratio is 1:5 (1 part spirit, 5 parts eggnog). This applies to both store-bought and homemade eggnog. For a single serving of eggnog, combine 4 ounces of eggnog with 1 ounce of your preferred spirit.
Golden or dark rum is preferable to white rum, as it has more depth of flavor. Spiced rum can also be used, but it may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.
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