Classic Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional eggnog made of? ›

Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, egg yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's often spiked with brandy, rum or other liquor, and topped with freshly grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon sticks.

The difference between the two varieties is that “old fashioned” eggnog is creamier and more strongly spiced than “classic,” Darigold spokesperson Erin Byrne said. “Classic” eggnog has 6% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, whereas “old fashioned” eggnog has 7% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.

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.

Spirits (aged rum, Cognac, bourbon): The three are in tandem here because without the spirits, this is just eggs, sugar and cream, so it needs complexity wherever it can get it. If you can't get all three or just don't want to, don't worry about it. It tastes great with just rum and Cognac, or even just Cognac.

Eggnog (⫽ˈɛɡˌnɒɡ⫽), historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage. It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).

Today, eggnog is usually made of some combination of eggs (either just the yolks or the yolks and the whipped egg whites), sugar, milk, cream, nutmeg, and sometimes booze. We're all familiar with the cartons of store-bought eggnog that grace supermarkets every December.

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.

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

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.

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.

What is the ratio of bourbon to 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.

Best Spiked Eggnog: Pennsylvania Dutch

All of the above eggnogs can easily be spiked with the spirit of your choice. But if you want to opt for an eggnog that does all the boozy work for you, Pennsylvania Dutch is your best bet. Each bottle contains rum, brandy, and blended whiskey.

Cook's Illustrated found that eggnog at 14-15% abv was sterile. So unopened it should last more or less indefinitely.

While you won't be able to find the 14.75 percent ABV version in every state due to its boozy makeup, Kirkland Signature also crafts a wine-based iteration you'll be able to pick up in the main warehouse.

This time, the original brandy and rum choices were pitted against the sweeter bourbon of Maker's Mark and the spicier High West Double Rye Whiskey. No matter which style, whiskey does make the most flavorful eggnog because the spirit's profile pops out of the drink.

On the other hand, egg whites create airy, light textures such as those in sponge cakes and meringues. In eggnog, both the yolks and whites are often used to serve both of these functions. Some recipes call for whipped egg whites, which help make the light, frothy texture many enjoy in their eggnog.

Health Benefits of Eggnog

“While eggnog is not necessarily a 'health food', there are nutritional benefits coming from milk and cream, which contain protein and essential vitamins including calcium, and vitamins A, D, E and K,” Ariel Rasabi Cohn, MS, RD, LDN, founder of Whole Health Nutrition, LLC, told Health.

The drink is traditionally made with eggs—of course—as well as whole milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar and nutmeg. Some eggnog recipes also call for a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon. Strand says that using real eggs, rather than an eggnog mix, makes an enormous difference in taste and texture.