Just as lemonade and rosé say "summer," nothing feels more wintry and welcoming than a glass of eggnog. Most Americans give it about a month — between Thanksgiving and Christmas — to shine. Some make it from scratch. Others prefer to sip more conveniently (and more often!) with store-bought varieties.
If you choose the premade route, why not make the most of it by spiking it with your liquor of choice? This silky, luscious drink will feel even more like a warm hug in a glass when you add some spirits. So stock up on a carton (or two) of everyone's favorite cream-, egg-, and sugar-based drink and up the cheer with one of our top five ways to spike it.
How to Spike Store-Bought Eggnog
Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol.
If you're mixing up a larger quantity in a pitcher of punch bowl, stir together a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four-and-a-half shots, or a half-gallon carton with about none shots. The goal is to taste a hint of the liqueur or spirit without overpowering the flavor of the eggnog itself.
Any of these brown liquors (all of which are technically whiskeys, as is Scotch) work beautifully in partnership with eggnog since they balance the sweetness with a hint of smoke. Many also offer caramel notes. Caramel and cream? Yes, please! Rye is typically a little spicier than the others so give it a try if that's your style.
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.
Brandy or Cognac
If you like your spiked eggnog nice and strong, consider these distilled wines. The combo of eggnog and brandy or Cognac is a tiny bit floral, nicely warm, and everything we love in a winter co*cktail.
So what's the difference between the two? Similar to how sparkling wine can only be named Champagne (capital "C") if it's made in the Champagne region of France (everything else is sparkling wine, Cava, or prosecco, depending on where it's created), a brandy can only be called Cognac if made in France's Cognac region.
Tequila
"Wait, you're talking about what you shake into margaritas and tequila sunrises?" you might be asking. Hear us out here: The punchy and earthy qualities of tequila work shockingly well with sweet, rich nog. For added smokiness, consider mezcal.
Baileys
Would you like some cream with your cream? Kick up your store-bought eggnog with this popular Irish cream liqueur whose mild flavor is akin to eggnog as is — but with 17 percent booze. It even comes in a variety of flavors ranging from chocolate to apple pie so you can choose your own taste adventure if the classic's not your top choice.
In honor of the 12 days of Christmas, we've rounded up 12 additional festive flavor boosters for your nog. After adding the booze, consider upping the ante with one of these garnishes or mix-ins.
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.
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.
Shaking eggnog with ice dilutes it just a little. This helps turn the volume down on its inherent sweetness and thins it so it's not tacky thick, and viscous. It gets your eggnog nicely chilled too, which helps the store-bought stuff taste less sticky sweet.
To avoid your eggs curdling, slowly add some of your milk into your egg and sugar mixture. Whisk, whisk, whisk! Once everything is combined, you can re-add everything to your saucepan. Add the pure vanilla extract and alcohol of your choice.
The term "spiked" in the context of eggnog refers to the addition of alcohol to the traditional eggnog recipe. While eggnog can certainly be enjoyed without alcohol, adding a splash of spirits such as rum, bourbon, brandy, or even whiskey gives the drink an extra kick and a warm, boozy flavor.
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.
Eggnog is usually served cold, but you may choose to heat it, especially if you're coming in from making snowmen or ice skating. And you can spike eggnog with a splash of brandy, rum or your spirit of choice, but it's also delicious simply spiked with vanilla or cinnamon.
The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.
Warm or hot eggnog is the perfect drink to take the chill off any winter night. To heat it, place it in a microwave-safe mug and microwave it for 30 seconds at a time. Continue to microwave the eggnog in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.
There are a couple of reasons that store-bought 'nog will never taste as good as home made. First off, homemade eggnog gets its thickness and flavor from real eggs, but compared to other ingredients in commercial eggnog, eggs are expensive.
Eggnog may be safely made at home by using whole, liquid or pasteurized eggs. Pasteurized eggs are found next to regular eggs at the store. Egg substitutes can also be used. These products have also been pasteurized.
What if my eggnog gets curdled. There is a high possibility it can get curdled slightly at 2 stages, one is when you are cooking the egg yolk and the milk mixture on the stove. And the other stage is when adding alcohol into the mix. If this happens don't worry, just blend it in a blender until smooth.
Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.
Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars.
The more liquor you add, the longer it will keep — non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within 1 day; eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquor will keep for several days; and eggnog with 1 1/2 cups of liquor will keep for several weeks and continue aging and thickening quite nicely.
Serve it hot or cold. Depending on your preference, Kirkland Eggnog Liqueur can be enjoyed hot or cold. During chilly winter evenings, consider heating it gently and serving it as a warm, comforting drink. Alternatively, on a sunny afternoon, pour it over ice for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.
"When choosing a rum, I personally find a spiced rum to be the best for the flavors incorporated in eggnogs," he said. "Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum is best for its quality and flavor profile.”
Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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