Eggnog Cocktail Recipes | Best Holiday Cocktails
When it’s Christmas time, nothing brings out the spirit of the holiday season quite like a creamy eggnog cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with loved ones or enjoying a quiet night in by the fire, eggnog is the classic Christmas cocktail that never goes out of style. This holiday favorite has been around for centuries, and for good reason—it’s rich, creamy, and, let’s be honest, it feels like a warm hug in a glass. So, if you’re a fan of eggnog and want to make this season even more special, I’ve got you covered with the best eggnog cocktail recipes to wow your guests or enjoy yourself.
In this guide, we’ll explore the traditional eggnog recipe, along with a non-alcoholic eggnog version for those who want the festive flavor without the booze. I’ll also share a vegan option because everyone deserves a sip of holiday cheer, no matter their dietary preference. But first, let’s dive into the history of this holiday tradition.
The Origin and Popularity of Eggnog
Eggnog’s origins trace back to early medieval Europe, where a hot, milk-based drink called “posset” was popular. It was typically made with milk, eggs, and wine or ale. When the drink crossed the Atlantic with American colonists, spirits like rum or whiskey were swapped in for the wine, and eggnog as we know it was born. Over the centuries, it has become the quintessential holiday cocktail, especially during Christmas time.
Even if you’ve only tried store-bought eggnog, there’s something magical about whipping up your own batch. Trust me—once you’ve tried a homemade eggnog recipe, you’ll never go back. Plus, you get to customize it, choosing your favorite type of alcohol or even making a non-alcoholic eggnog for everyone to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Recipes
If you’re wondering why you should make your own eggnog cocktail, here are some reasons to convince you:
- Creaminess that can’t be beat: The classic eggnog recipe has that perfect balance of richness and fluffiness that you can’t get from the store.
- Customizable flavors: Whether you prefer bourbon eggnog, dark rum, or a non-alcoholic eggnog, you can tweak the recipe to your liking.
- Impressive presentation: Bring out the cocktail shaker and show off your bartending skills at your next holiday party.
- It’s a holiday tradition: Making eggnog mixture from scratch is a fun way to bond with family and friends, plus it adds that extra touch of warmth to your festivities.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the recipes!
Traditional Eggnog Recipe (With Non-Alcoholic Option)
Ingredients:
- 4 large pasteurized eggs (separated into egg yolks and egg whites)
- 1/2 cup additional sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup dark rum, bourbon, or Irish cream (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
- For non-alcoholic option: Omit alcohol and add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Instructions:
- Separate the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the additional sugar until they’re pale and creamy.
- Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, and cinnamon stick. Stir occasionally, bringing it to a simmer without boiling.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Then, pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Cool the mixture: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Whip the egg whites: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they form soft peaks, then add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Combine and serve: Fold the whipped egg whites into the chilled eggnog mixture. For the boozy eggnog cocktail, stir in your choice of alcohol (I recommend dark rum or bourbon). Serve over ice with a dusting of fresh nutmeg on top. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutritional Content (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
Vegan Eggnog Recipe
For those who prefer a plant-based option, you’ll be amazed at how creamy this vegan eggnog is, thanks to the richness of coconut milk. Here’s the easy way to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup additional sugar
- 1/4 cup vanilla vodka or Lyre’s products for a non-alcoholic version
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until smooth.
- If you’re making the alcoholic version, stir in vanilla vodka. For non-alcoholic, simply omit the vodka and add more vanilla extract.
- Serve over ice with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg on top. Cheers to a delicious and cruelty-free holiday season!
Nutritional Content (Per Serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
Pro Tips for the Perfect Eggnog
- Use the freshest eggs: Since you’re using raw eggs in the recipe, I recommend opting for pasteurized eggs to ensure safety.
- Control the sweetness: You can easily adjust the sugar level based on your preference by adding more or less additional sugar.
- Make large batches: Eggnog keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so go ahead and whip up a double batch for your holiday party.
- Add your own twist: For a bit more spice, try adding a cinnamon stick or fresh nutmeg to the mix, or experiment with different spirits like Irish cream or dark rum.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
If you love indulging in holiday cocktails, then this eggnog cocktail will hit all the right notes. It’s rich, creamy, and customizable to fit any dietary or flavor preference. Plus, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about sipping on a glass of homemade eggnog mixture while watching snow fall outside. Whether you stick to the traditional eggnog recipe or go with a non-alcoholic eggnog, you’ll find that this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.
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FAQs
1. Why is it called eggnog?
The name “eggnog” is believed to come from the drink’s ingredients and serving style. “Egg” refers to, well, eggs, which are a key ingredient. “Nog” might come from an old English word for strong ale or from “noggin,” which was a small cup used to serve drinks. Over time, this festive drink became a holiday tradition, earning its place in Christmas celebrations. So, when you’re sipping on a creamy eggnog cocktail, you’re enjoying a bit of history!
2. Is eggnog healthy?
Eggnog is indulgent, for sure! It’s packed with rich ingredients like egg yolks, heavy cream, and sugar, so it’s definitely not a low-calorie drink. But it’s perfect for a treat during the holiday season. For a lighter version, try making a vegan or non-alcoholic eggnog with coconut milk or almond milk—this cuts down on fat and calories while still keeping that creamy texture we all love.
3. Can I make eggnog without raw eggs?
Yes, if you’re concerned about using raw eggs, you can cook the eggs on medium-low heat to form a custard before cooling.
4. What’s the best alcohol for eggnog?
Dark rum, bourbon, or Irish cream are the most popular choices, but feel free to use your favorite spirit.
5. What is the best way to drink eggnog?
The best way to enjoy eggnog really depends on your preference! Some people love it served chilled, especially when it’s topped with a dash of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon for a festive touch. Others enjoy a warm eggnog cocktail, especially during cold winter nights. Whether you like it plain, spiked with bourbon or rum, or paired with a non-alcoholic alternative, eggnog is delicious any way you drink it. I say go with whatever makes you feel most cozy!
6. Is alcoholic eggnog better hot or cold?
This is a great question, and it’s all about personal preference! Alcoholic eggnog can be enjoyed both hot or cold. Cold eggnog cocktails are the classic go-to, often served at holiday parties with ice. But if you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting drink (kind of like an adult hot chocolate), heating it up on medium-low heat is a perfect option. Just make sure not to boil it! Either way, it’ll taste rich, creamy, and festive.
Printable Recipe Card for Traditional Eggnog Cocktail
Traditional Eggnog Recipe (With Non-Alcoholic Option)
Ingredients
- 4 large pasteurized eggs separated into egg yolks and egg whites
- 1/2 cup additional sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg plus more for garnish
- 1 cup dark rum bourbon, or Irish cream (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
- For non-alcoholic option: Omit alcohol and add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Instructions
- Separate the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the additional sugar until they’re pale and creamy.
- Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, and cinnamon stick. Stir occasionally, bringing it to a simmer without boiling.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Then, pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Cool the mixture: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Whip the egg whites: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they form soft peaks, then add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Combine and serve: Fold the whipped egg whites into the chilled eggnog mixture. For the boozy eggnog cocktail, stir in your choice of alcohol (I recommend dark rum or bourbon). Serve over ice with a dusting of fresh nutmeg on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use the freshest eggs: Since you’re using raw eggs in the recipe, I recommend opting for pasteurized eggs to ensure safety.
- Control the sweetness: You can easily adjust the sugar level based on your preference by adding more or less additional sugar.
- Make large batches: Eggnog keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so go ahead and whip up a double batch for your holiday party.
- Add your own twist: For a bit more spice, try adding a cinnamon stick or fresh nutmeg to the mix, or experiment with different spirits like Irish cream or dark rum.
