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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 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 Alcohol to Mix with Eggnog
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Know this: You don’t have to mix eggnog with any alcohol to enjoy it! This drink can be served chilled or warm and sipped right from 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 alcohol 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 alcohol 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 alcohol goes in eggnog. This spirit works so well with the cozy ingredients in this holiday drink.
Brandy, 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.
Use any leftover brandy to stir up a batch of brandy slush, another classic holiday cocktail.
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 alcohol 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
Eggnog TrufflesI found this eggnog dessert recipe in a grocery store handout. I tweaked the ingredients to create a stronger flavor and everyone loves them. They make great gifts during the holidays. —Angela Randjelovic, Independence, Ohio
Eggnog Mini LoavesThe 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
Eggnog Pumpkin PieMy mom's is the absolute best pumpkin pie I've ever tasted. Eggnog is her signature ingredient in the creamy custard filling. —Terri Gonzalez, Roswell, New Mexico
Eggnog Tres Leches CakeWhen the holidays roll around, my family eagerly anticipates sampling this eggnog dessert. 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 CookiesEggnog desserts 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 eggnog dessert 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 eggnog dessert—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
Eggnog FudgeI experimented with many eggnog desserts before coming up with the winning combination of eggnog and 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
Cranberry Chip Monkey BreadMonkey bread is no stranger at our house, but I wanted a holiday version. This eggnog dessert with cranberries 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 Pound CakeWhen you're having company, this eggnog dessert—served with a custard sauce and a dash of nutmeg—inspires oohs and aahs.
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 in an irresistible eggnog dessert! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Eggnog BreadSomeone always asks for the recipe when I make this rich eggnog dessert 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
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 it takes a little time and patience to prepare, this eggnog dessert is 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 eggnog dessert. 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
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