6 Tasty Eggnog Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to eggnog to make it better? ›

Spiced Rum

Speaking of spice, this eggnog addition packs a punch. And one sip will be all the proof you need that rum isn't just for tiki drinks. With flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove taking center stage and a full-bodied creamy texture, spiced rum is a natural BFF for eggnog.

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

For the most traditional holiday experience, reach for brandy (specifically, Cognac) to spike your 'nog. It's important to note, though, that both brandy and eggnog are quite sweet. Combining them will produce something that someone with a sweet tooth will love, but that others may find cloying. Proceed with caution.

Seasonal eggnog is far more versatile than you might think. When you've got some left over from the holiday party, use it to make rich, nutmeg-scented mashed potatoes, oatmeal, biscuits and more.

Hood Golden Eggnog's blend of extra creamy milk, sugared yolks and spices make it a holiday favorite, whether you drink it straight from the glass or use it in your favorite recipes.

Homemade eggnog has a custardy texture (a dozen eggs, remember). But instead of adding more expensive eggs, food manufacturers rely on additives like this seaweed extract to thicken their beverage to a familiar consistency. This ground-up endosperm of the guar bean is used here as another thickener.

Southern Comfort

This velvety beverage is what we've come to expect when we pick up a carton of nog. It's sweet without being overpowering, “perfectly thick, like Santa's waist,” according to one taster, and it has a photogenic golden hue, thanks to a touch of turmeric.

Avoid white rum because it's too light and transparent. Instead, choose a gold or aged rum. For a fun twist similar to rye whiskey, go with spiced rum. For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog.

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

Heavy cream will make your eggnog thicker and creamier. Boozy eggnog will also continue to thicken in the fridge as it ages.

Old-Fashioned Eggnog

Usually, compared to classic eggnog, this version is stronger and creamier in taste and texture. Top it off with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.

Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.

The golden ratio for this little holiday cheer is 1 to 5. Just to be clear, that's 1 part booze to 5 parts eggnog (definitely not the other way around). And once you've mixed it all up, ensure you serve it with flair. Top each glass with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and maybe a cinnamon stick for added flavour.

Most homemade eggnog recipes follow a basic formula: eggs are mixed with sugar, milk and/or cream, and liquor. You also have the choice of brandy, whiskey, or rum for your eggnog, no liquor at all, and even egg-free and vegan options.

"Milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health." Those who could afford milk and eggs and costly spirits mixed the eggnog with brandy, Madeira wine or sherry to make a drink similar to modern alcoholic eggnog.

The amount of alcohol put in eggnog has no written rule, but it tastes best with 1 part spirit for every 5 parts eggnog. The alcohol takes away the rich and sweet taste of the eggnog, so if you're looking for a more bitter drink you can add extra alcohol.