We grew up with eggnog, the kind you buy in a carton, and every Christmas holiday we kids drank up as much of it as we could. I didn’t even know that eggnog was a “spiked” drink until well into my adult years! Even now, I prefer my eggnog only lightly boozed, if at all. So this recipe is only lightly spiked; feel free to increase the rum and bourbon to your heart’s delight, or omit altogether if it’s for the kids.
How to Make Eggnog
The eggnog base starts by beating egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy. Then you slowly whisk in hot milk that’s been infused with cloves and cinnamon, which tempers the eggs so they don’t curdle. Finally, you warm the eggnog on the stovetop until it thickens. It’s essentially a custard.
Using Raw Egg Whites Safely
For a traditional eggnog you also whip up some egg whites to stiff peaks, and then fold those into the eggnog mixture, making it light and fluffy. The egg whites are not cooked and these days some people avoid eating raw eggs because of the salmonella risk. If you want to incorporate beaten egg whites, one way to get around this is to use pasteurized eggs. I’ve also just reheated the combined mixture (eggnog base with beaten egg whites mixed in), until it reaches 160°F, and then let the mixture chill again. That works too if eating raw eggs is a concern for you. Need an egg-free version of eggnog? Try coquito! It’s the Puerto Rican answer to eggnog, made with condensed milk, coconut, spices, and rum.
What’s Your Eggnog Tradition?
Is eggnog part of your family holiday tradition? If so, how do you like it - spiked or virgin? with whipped egg whites or without?
Whiskey or bourbonRumBrandy
You can mix them together, as we recommend for this recipe, or stick to a single one. Save your top shelf liquor for sipping on its own; a mid-range affordable liquor is perfect. Avoid really cheap liquors, though, since the flavor tends to be harsh and throw off the drink.
When to Add the Alcohol
You can add the alcohol to either the full batch, or to your individual glass. There’s no set amount, so we suggest adding a little, tasting…then add a little more, taste again. You can’t go wrong! Do you have to add alcohol? Absolutely not! Eggnog is delicious whether spiked or un-spiked.
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.
Looking for More Holiday Cocktails?
Holiday Punch Orange & Vanilla Hot Buttered Rum Brown Sugar Irish Coffee Coquito Chocolate Sidecar
For a kid-friendly eggnog, you can omit the bourbon and rum. This recipe is easily doubled. Do not allow the mixture to boil, or it will curdle. (If the mixture does curdle you may be able to save it by running it through a blender.) Note that because of the salmonella risk from raw eggs, it is recommended that children, elderly, and people with compromised immune systems refrain from eating raw eggs such as the optional whipped egg whites in this recipe, unless you use pasteurized eggs. You can also reheat the combined eggnog and egg white mixture over a double boiler until it reaches 160°F, then remove from heat and let cool, then chill. The mixture will lose some of its fluffiness from the beaten egg whites, but not all, and the eggnog will be much airier than without the egg whites.
