Vivian Marlowe
Eggnog is a creamy, nutmeg-sprinkled drink that is a must-have during the holidays. While it can be enjoyed chilled or warm on its own, many people like to add a little extra holiday spirit to their glass. The most common boozy eggnog mix-ins are brandy, rum, and bourbon. However, there are many other types of alcohol that can be paired with eggnog, such as whiskey, cognac, and tequila. When choosing the right alcohol to pair with eggnog, it's important to consider the drinker's taste and the desired alcohol-to-eggnog ratio, as too much alcohol can overpower the subtle flavours of the eggnog.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common pairings | Brandy, rum, bourbon, whiskey |
| Ideal rum type | Golden or dark rum |
| Rums to avoid | White rum, spiced rum |
| Ideal whiskey type | Rye whiskey, bourbon |
| Whiskeys to avoid | Scotch whiskey |
| Other alcohol to consider | Cognac, tequila, vanilla vodka |
| Alcohol to avoid | Gin, Fireball |
| Ideal alcohol-to-eggnog ratio | 1:5 or 4:1 |
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What You'll Learn
Brandy, a sweet and traditional pairing
Brandy is a sweet and traditional pairing with eggnog. The spirit is made by distilling wine and has a slightly sweet flavour, which helps to cut through the richness of eggnog. Cognac, a type of brandy, is a particularly good choice for spiking your 'nog, as it is less spicy than other options and has a smooth, warming quality. It is also the most traditional choice, having been used to spike eggnog for a few centuries.
Brandy is a good choice for those with a sweet tooth, as it adds to the sweetness of the eggnog, creating a perfectly balanced drink. The brandy note is warm and distinct, but it does not overwhelm the eggnog. The drink is almost floral and has a depth of flavour that makes it a real delight to drink.
Brandy is a versatile spirit that works well with the other ingredients in eggnog. It is a good choice for those who want a traditional holiday experience, as it pairs well with the cosy, holiday drink. The sweetness of the brandy also helps to cut through the richness of the eggnog, making it a good choice for those who might find the drink too cloying.
When mixing brandy with eggnog, a good ratio to follow is 4:1, eggnog to alcohol. This means combining 4 ounces of eggnog with 1 ounce of brandy. This ratio ensures that the brandy enhances the flavour of the eggnog without overwhelming it.
While brandy is a great choice for spiking eggnog, it is important to note that both brandy and eggnog are quite sweet. This combination may be too cloying for some people, so it is important to know your audience when serving this drink.
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Rum, a classic with depth of flavour
Rum is a classic pairing with eggnog, with a depth of flavour that complements the creamy, nutmeg-sprinkled drink. It is so iconic that rum is often listed in traditional eggnog recipes. When choosing a rum to mix with eggnog, opt for a golden or dark rum, as these have more depth of flavour than white rum. A spiced rum can also add a kick to your drink, but it may overwhelm the flavour of your homemade eggnog.
For a truly indulgent treat, try adding a splash of golden or dark rum to your eggnog. The rich, tropical flavours of a good aged rum will enhance the eggnog's creamy texture and subtle spices. The rum-nog combination is a well-loved holiday classic, with a long history as a festive tipple.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with different types of rum to find your favourite. A golden rum will add a touch of luxury, while a dark rum will bring a deeper, more intense flavour. For an extra festive kick, a spiced rum could be the perfect choice. However, be cautious as the strong spices may overpower the eggnog's more delicate flavours.
For those who enjoy a stronger flavour, a bourbon-nog is a popular alternative. The bourbon's vanilla and spice complement the nutmeg and creamy sweetness of the eggnog, creating a multi-dimensional drinking experience.
While brandy is considered the most traditional choice for eggnog, rum is a close second. Both spirits have been used to spike this holiday drink for centuries. So, if you're looking for a classic combination with a depth of flavour, rum is an excellent choice to spike your eggnog this festive season.
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Bourbon, a strong kick
Bourbon is a popular choice to mix with eggnog, especially for those who like their drinks with a strong kick. Eggnog drinkers from the American South are likely to be familiar with this combination. However, those who are not expecting the potent kick might be taken aback.
When mixing bourbon with eggnog, a good alcohol-to-eggnog ratio is 1:5 (1 part spirit, 5 parts eggnog). This ratio applies to both store-bought and homemade eggnog. For example, if you buy a one-quart container of eggnog, add 6.5 ounces of bourbon. It is important to note that you should not use your most expensive bottles of bourbon as you are mixing the liquor into a sweet and custardy drink. Opt for a good quality bottle instead.
One way to make a bourbo-nog is to add 80ml of Four Roses Small Batch bourbon to 200ml of base nog. This combination results in a nicely multidimensional drink that is fairly dry with complementary spice. The bourbon influence is evident, with notes of vanilla, toffee, and red fruit, rounding out the palate. The indulgent finish is memorable, with an ice cream-like quality.
While bourbon is a great option for those who enjoy a strong kick, it is important to know your audience when serving this combination. For those who prefer a less intense drink, other options such as brandy, rum, or Cognac may be more suitable.
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Cognac, a smooth and warming option
While eggnog can be enjoyed without any alcohol, a splash of liquor can make it a festive treat. The most common boozy additions to eggnog are brandy, rum, and bourbon. However, if you're looking for a smooth and warming option, Cognac is a great choice.
Cognac is a variety of brandy, distilled from wine and known for its slightly sweet flavour. When added to eggnog, Cognac provides a less spicy option that is smooth and warming. It allows the nutmeg, a classic eggnog spice, to shine through. Cognac eggnog is also notably sweeter than other options, making it perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
To make a Cognac eggnog, a good ratio to follow is 4 parts eggnog to 1 part alcohol. For example, you could mix 80ml of Cognac with 200ml of eggnog. This ratio ensures the Cognac is well-incorporated without being overwhelming.
When selecting a Cognac for your eggnog, you don't need to break the bank. Opt for a mid-range or budget-friendly option, as you'll be mixing it into a sweet and custardy drink. Save your most expensive bottles for sipping on their own.
So, if you're looking for a smooth and warming alcohol to pair with your eggnog, Cognac is an excellent choice. Its sweetness, smoothness, and warming qualities make it a delightful addition to this holiday beverage.
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Whiskey, but not Scotch
While eggnog can be enjoyed without any alcohol, a splash of liquor can add some extra festive cheer to this seasonal sipper. The most common boozy additions to eggnog are brandy, rum, and bourbon. However, if you're looking for a whiskey to pair with your eggnog, it's important to note that not all whiskeys are created equal in this regard.
Whiskey can be a great match for eggnog, with its ability to complement holiday flavours like vanilla and spice. When choosing a whiskey to mix with eggnog, it's recommended to opt for a rye whiskey or a style that you would enjoy sipping on its own. However, one type of whiskey that you should avoid mixing with eggnog is Scotch. The smokiness of Scotch whiskey will likely overwhelm the subtle flavours of the eggnog, resulting in an unpleasant combination.
If you're looking for a traditional holiday experience, brandy is a popular choice for spiking your eggnog. Brandy's slightly sweet flavour can help to cut through the richness of the eggnog, creating a well-balanced drink. Cognac, a type of brandy, is also worth considering, as it adds less spice and provides a smooth, warming sensation.
Rum is another classic pairing with eggnog, with its ability to add a little spice and funk to the drink. When choosing a rum, opt for a golden or dark rum, as these varieties offer more depth of flavour than white rum. Spiced rum can also be a fun option, adding an extra kick to your eggnog. However, be cautious as spiced rum may overpower the more subtle flavours of your eggnog.
When mixing alcohol with eggnog, it's important to find the right ratio. A common ratio is 4:1 or 5:1, with four or five parts eggnog to one part alcohol. This ensures that the alcohol enhances the eggnog's flavour without overwhelming it.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single best alcohol to mix with eggnog, but the three most common choices are brandy, rum, and bourbon.
For eggnog, it is recommended to use Cognac, a type of brandy that is less spicy and very smooth and warming.
It is recommended to use a golden or dark rum, as white rum is too light. Spiced rum can also add a kick to your drink, but it may overwhelm the flavour of your homemade eggnog.
It is recommended to use a mid-range brand of bourbon, such as Four Roses Small Batch.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid mixing Scotch whisky with eggnog, as its smokiness will overwhelm the subtle flavours of the drink. Gin is also not a good pairing with eggnog, as the bright juniper clashes with the mellow vanilla and cinnamon of the eggnog.
