Best Eggnog Cocktail Recipe | Holiday Cocktails
A hint of vanilla lingers in the background, its sweet, aromatic whisper reminiscent of a lover’s lingering perfume, while the gentle tickle of nutmeg adds a spicy intrigue, akin to a mysterious glance across a crowded room – curious to taste one of these festive eggnog cocktails?
As soon as you raise the glass to your lips, you will feel the rich, creamy texture mixed with the warmth of the spirit – whether it’s the dark embrace of rum, the gentle kiss of brandy, or the robust arms of bourbon.
How to Make a Delicious Eggnog Cocktail
This cocktail isn’t just delicious, but also extremely easy to make, especially if you use store-bought eggnog during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy, Bourbon, or Dark Rum (depending on your preference)
- 4-6 oz Prepared Eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A dash of Ground Nutmeg
- Optional: A dash of Ground Cinnamon
- Garnish: Whipped Cream
- Garnish: Cinnamon Stick
Alternative Ingredients
- Brandy, Bourbon, or Dark Rum – Spiced rum, whiskey, or cognac
- Prepared Eggnog – Homemade eggnog, dairy-free eggnog (almond, soy, or coconut-based)
- Ground Nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg, allspice
- Ground Cinnamon – Cinnamon powder, pumpkin pie spice
- Whipped Cream – Coconut whipped cream, marshmallow fluff
- Cinnamon Stick – Star anise, clove
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Creamy Eggnog Cocktail
Step 1: Chill a highball glass, martini glass, or a mug by placing it in the freezer or fridge for a few minutes – alternatively, you can also just fill it with ice.
Step 2: When it’s chilled, pour 2 oz of your chosen spirit (brandy, bourbon, or dark rum) and vanilla extract, and 4-6 oz of eggnog into it – the amount will depend on how strong or sweet you want your cocktail to be.
Step 3: Stir your mixture gently to mix the eggnog and alcohol thoroughly or you’ll end up with patches of alcohol or eggnog.
Step 4: When mixed, sprinkle a dash of ground nutmeg over the top of your glass – alternatively, you can also add a dash of ground cinnamon or mix those two to give it that extra holiday flavor.
Step 5: Optionally, top off with a dollop of whipped cream or garnish with cinnamon sticks for a more aromatic experience.
Expert Tips
- If you’re using homemade eggnog, adjust the sweetness and spicing before mixing the alcohol with it, that way it won’t be too bitter or sweet.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and heavy cream instead of traditional eggnog.
- Want to make a mocktail version? Leave out the liquor and just enjoy the spiced eggnog as a holiday treat.
What to Serve with Eggnog Cocktail
Serving the right snacks and treats with an Eggnog Cocktail can enhance the enjoyment of this festive drink.
Here are some suggestions for what to pair with your cocktail:
Sweet Treats
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Fruitcake or Stollen
- Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie
- Chocolate Truffles
- Bread Pudding
Savory Snacks
- Roasted Nuts
- Cheese Platter
- Shortbread Cookies
- Biscotti
- Mini Tarts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers for this cocktail!
What is an Eggnog Cocktail?
An eggnog cocktail is a rich and creamy holiday drink made with a base of eggs, sugar, milk, and cream, often spiked with spirits like brandy, rum, or bourbon. While traditionally served cold with a sprinkle of nutmeg during the holidays, you can enjoy it at any time of the year.
How to Make a Homemade Eggnog Cocktail?
To make a homemade eggnog cocktail, simply whisk together eggs and sugar, then slowly add milk and cream. Heat gently, then let it cool off at room temperature or in the fridge, before you add your choice of alcohol (typically bourbon, rum, or brandy), then serve it chilled with a sprinkle of nutmeg!
Can Eggnog Cocktail Be Made in Advance?
Absolutely! You can easily make this cocktail in advance for a holiday party and it actually tastes even better when you make it ahead, since the flavors have time to meld together. Once you make it in a large pitcher, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is the Eggnog Cocktail Safe with Raw Eggs?
Great question! While the traditional eggnog recipes use raw eggs, many alternative recipes call for gently cooking the egg mixture to 160°F to eliminate the risk of salmonella. Alternatively, you can also use pasteurized eggs to be on the safe side.
Can You Make Non-Alcoholic Eggnog?
Absolutely! For a mocktail version, just omit the alcohol. The rich, creamy flavor of eggnog still makes a delicious drink on its own – if you like the scotch flavor though, you can add some butterscotch extract!
Best Eggnog Cocktail Recipe | Holiday Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy Bourbon, or Dark Rum (depending on your preference)
- 4-6 oz Prepared Eggnog store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A dash of Ground Nutmeg
- Optional: A dash of Ground Cinnamon
- Garnish: Whipped Cream
- Garnish: Cinnamon Stick
Alternative Ingredients
- Brandy Bourbon, or Dark Rum – Spiced rum, whiskey, or cognac
- Prepared Eggnog – Homemade eggnog dairy-free eggnog (almond, soy, or coconut-based)
- Ground Nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg allspice
- Ground Cinnamon – Cinnamon powder pumpkin pie spice
- Whipped Cream – Coconut whipped cream marshmallow fluff
- Cinnamon Stick – Star anise clove
Instructions
- Chill a highball glass, martini glass, or a mug by placing it in the freezer or fridge for a few minutes – alternatively, you can also just fill it with ice.
- When it’s chilled, pour 2 oz of your chosen spirit (brandy, bourbon, or dark rum) and vanilla extract, and 4-6 oz of eggnog into it – the amount will depend on how strong or sweet you want your cocktail to be.
- Stir your mixture gently to mix the eggnog and alcohol thoroughly or you’ll end up with patches of alcohol or eggnog.
- When mixed, sprinkle a dash of ground nutmeg over the top of your glass – alternatively, you can also add a dash of ground cinnamon or mix those two to give it that extra holiday flavor.
- Optionally, top off with a dollop of whipped cream or garnish with cinnamon sticks for a more aromatic experience.