It's time to get into the holiday spirit! That means we want to know what alcohol goes in eggnog to make it holly jolly.
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When the holidays hit, it’s time to stock the fridge with eggnog. This creamy, nutmeg-sprinkled drink is a must this time of year. You can either have this classic drink as it is or whip up some delicious holiday-spirited recipes with eggnog.
But if you’re serving up this treat at your holiday party or just sitting by the fire after a long day of Christmas shopping, you may be craving a little extra in your cup. That’s when you ask yourself what alcohol goes in eggnog anyway?
What to Mix with Eggnog
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Know this: You don’t have to mix eggnog with anything to enjoy it! This drink can be served chilled or warm and sipped right out of your favorite Christmas mug.
If you want to add a little holiday spirit to your glass, though, there are a few kinds of liquor that pair well with this seasonal sipper.
Rum
Rum is the classic tipple to splash in a glass of eggnog. This pairing is so iconic that rum is often listed in many traditional eggnog recipes.
If you’d like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum. You can also add spiced rum if you want to add a kick to your drink, but know that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.
Whiskey or Bourbon
When wondering what to mix with eggnog, you can go beyond the traditional rum. Whiskey and bourbon are also great matches for this subtly spiced sip.
Both of these spirits work well with holiday flavors like vanilla and spice, so adding a dram to your mug of eggnog is as natural as pairing peppermint with chocolate. Be sure to use a good whiskey that you enjoy sipping on its own. The same goes for eggnog! If you aren’t making a batch from scratch, try the best store-bought eggnog as chosen by our Test Kitchen.
One bit of advice here: Steer clear of mixing Scotch whiskey with eggnog. Its smokiness will overwhelm the subtle flavors of the nog. Good thing there are plenty of other types of whiskey to choose from!
Brandy
Add brandy to the list of what liquor goes in eggnog. This spirit works so well with the cozy ingredients in this holiday drink.
Brandy, which is made by distilling wine, has a slightly sweet flavor. This sweetness helps to cut the richness of nog. Try it in our classic brandy eggnog recipe or even splashed into a glass of vegan eggnog.
How Much Rum (or Whiskey or Brandy) to Add to Eggnog
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For the best-tasting boozy eggnog, make sure you get your ratios right. In general, this means using a 4:1 ratio of eggnog to the liquor of your choice.
That means if you’re stirring up a single serving of nog to sip as you enjoy a Hallmark Christmas movie, combine 4 ounces of eggnog (this is a typical serving size) with an ounce of your preferred spirit. If you want your eggnog served warm, heat the nog first, then add the rum.
Use the same ratio if you’re stirring up a larger batch of spiked eggnog for your Secret Santa gift exchange. You can serve larger batches in a tall pitcher or even a punch bowl. Just be sure to stir well before pouring.
If you want to go over the top, sprinkle a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top. And homemade whipped cream is always welcome—especially when flavored with a whisper of bourbon.
Add a Splash of Eggnog to These Recipes
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Taste of Home
Eggnog Mini Loaves
The seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg shine through in these moist, golden loaves. Tender slices are just right with a cup of coffee. Use homemade eggnog or your favorite store-bought brand. —Beverly Elmore, Spokane, Michigan
Go to Recipe
Eggnog Tres Leches CakeWhen the holidays roll around, my family eagerly anticipates sampling this cake. Its rich eggnog flavor is delightful. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Eggnog PieEven better than holiday eggnog in a glass is eggnog on a plate! This creamy pie delivers all that rich, wonderful flavor. It’s pretty, too, with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top. —Florence Shaw, East Wenatchee, Washington
Winning Cranberry CheesecakeThe holidays wouldn't be complete without cranberries and eggnog. I use them both in this flavorful cheesecake that's the perfect finale for a special dinner. Set it out at the start of the meal, not just to solicit "oohs" and "aahs," but to remind folks to save room for dessert! —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Eggnog CookiesRecipes with eggnog are just right for the holiday season. This cookie's flavor fits right into the holiday spirit—pick your favorite cookie cutter shapes to make them even more festive! —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Contest-Winning Eggnog CakeThis impressive layered eggnog cake, perfect for holiday parties, will make you wish eggnog wasn't a seasonal ingredient. —Debra Frappolli, Wayne, New Jersey
Christmas Morning Sweet RollsThese make-ahead rolls have been a holiday tradition for years. The eggnog in the frosting makes them extra special on Christmas morning. —Kimberly Williams, Brownsburg, Indiana
Spiced Eggnog Rum CookiesOne year, when I had a lot of eggnog on hand, I created a new holiday cookie recipe. The flavor is subtle, but somehow the eggnog transforms regular sugar cookies into something exceptional for the holidays. —Mark Banick, Turner, Oregon
Peppermint Cheesecake on a StickSurprise guests with a fun holiday treat—dipped cheesecake wedges you can eat without a fork. Whenever my son has one, he jokes that he wants to quit his job so he can sell them! —Maria Morelli, Kelowna, British Columbia
No-Churn Eggnog Soft-Serve Ice CreamAs a fanatical lover of all things eggnog, I like to say that this soft-serve eggnog ice cream stole my heart. Served with gingerbread or holiday cookies, it's bound to find a place in your heart as well. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Eggnog BiscottiYou may substitute additional eggnog if rum isn't your thing. For a variation, try using one of the flavored eggnogs available around the holidays. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Spiced Eggnog Pumpkin PieWith its 10-minute prep time and lovely blend of mild eggnog flavor and spices, this is a dream dessert for a busy hostess! It’s a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, my grown kids request it whenever they come to visit. —Patti Leake, Columbia, Missouri
Eggnog FudgeI experimented with many recipes with eggnog before coming up with the winning combination that is eggnog fudge. —Richell Welch, Buffalo, Texas
Reindeer TracksThis is the first cookie recipe I’ve ever created! It captures the essence of the holidays because there’s a trace of eggnog flavor in these adorable reindeer hoof prints. You can add red and green frosting to make them even more Christmasy or use brown sprinkles for a more natural reindeer look. —Pam Sano, Voorhees, New Jersey
Eggnog CheesecakeI make good use of extra eggnog by creating this luscious cheesecake. A bit of rum extract adds a special taste. —Kristen Grula, Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Eggnog Fruit FluffI regularly fit blends of apples, blueberries and other fruit into my December menus. The eggnog in this dressing suits the sweet salad for Christmas. —Tami Harrington, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cranberry Chip Monkey BreadMonkey bread is no stranger at our house, but I wanted a holiday version. This one with cranberries and eggnog is a breakfast treat or knockout dessert. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, MO
Frosted Eggnog Cutout CookiesMy husband loves the creamy richness of eggnog, so I add it to the dough and buttercream icing in these cookies. Top each one with a sprinkle of nutmeg. —Joan Sarge, Asheville, North Carolina
Eggnog Cutout CookiesI created this cookie recipe because my sons liked eggnog so much. After frosting the cookies, you can add to their festive flair by sprinkling them with colored sugar. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Christmas Gingerbread TrifleTrifle desserts make eye-catching centerpieces. I garnish mine using candy canes and red and green M&M's. Think of the merry possibilities as a kid-friendly project. —Cheryl Tompkins, Kingsville, Missouri
Eggnog PieEven better than holiday eggnog in a glass is eggnog on a plate! This creamy pie delivers all that rich, wonderful flavor. It’s pretty, too, with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top. —Florence Shaw, East Wenatchee, Washington
Cranberry Eggnog Cheesecake BarsMy family loves everything cheesecake. These bars combine tart cranberries and rich cream cheese, and taste even better when chilled overnight! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Eggnog CreamsI adapted a creamy, dreamy truffle recipe from a chocolate cookbook and came up with my variation to give as gifts. Rum and nutmeg add a bit of classic eggnog flavor. —Carla Manning, Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Eggnog BreadSomeone always asks for the recipe when I make this rich bread for the holidays or give as gifts. It's easy to make and quite delicious. The bread is a traditional part of the season at my home here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. —Ruth Bickel, Hickory, North Carolina
Double Whammy Eggnog CookiesThese cookies are an amazing way to use extra eggnog. They've become a new family classic. — Teresa Morris, Laurel, Delaware
Eggnog Sweet Potato BakeI love eggnog so I am always looking for new ways to use it. When I added it to mashed sweet potatoes, I knew I had a winner. You can make this the night before and refrigerate it unbaked; the next day, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. —Katie Wollgast, Troy, Missouri
Cranberry Eggnog MuffinsNo one in my house wants to finish the leftover eggnog or cranberry sauce, so I use those ingredients to make warm muffins that vanish. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Butterscotch Eggnog StarsThese yellow star-shaped cookies with a "stained-glass" center are almost too pretty to eat! But they have a rich eggnog flavor that is irresistible. Although they take a little time and patience to prepare, they're worth every minute! —Cheryl Hemmer, Swansea, Illinois
Overnight Cranberry-Eggnog Coffee CakeTo use up leftover eggnog, cranberries and pecans from the holiday season, I added them to a classic coffee cake recipe. Mix it all together the night before, and bake it in the morning. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Eggnog Fruit BreadPresents from the pantry are a tradition in my family, and this moist, fruity quick bread is a favorite. I wrap loaves in cellophane and garnish with stickers and curly ribbons. —Margo Stich, Rochester, Minnesota
Eggnog MousseGuests will always find room for this light, fluffy, mouthwatering mousse. It makes an elegant, refreshing finish for heavier meals—and it’s also a great way to use up any extra eggnog in the fridge. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Eggnog Cream PuffsIf you want to receive rave reviews and recipe requests, combine two Christmas classics: eggnog and cream puffs. When it comes to Santa, this recipe goes on the "nice" list! —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Lisa is an editor at Taste of Home where she gets to embrace her passion for baking. She pours this love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa is also dedicated to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.
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Updated: Apr. 10, 2023
