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Home > Recipes > Brandy

Spiked Eggnog

The holidays are almost here, and nothing beats a traditional homemade eggnog. The richness and flavor of this milk punch are so much better than store bought. You can make this spiked eggnog with bourbon, brandy or rum. It’s creamy and delicious either way.
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Eggnog in a old fashioned glass topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with nutmeg and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Why I love homemade eggnog

Fun fact: I’ve always thought of eggnog as a winter holiday treat, my parents informed me that it’s not just for Christmas. Their families also served eggnog for the Easter holiday, too.

Making it yourself means you can have eggnog anytime of year, but we’ll probably stick to Christmas in our house.

This spiked eggnog recipe is super rich and creamy, and you can make it with whatever booze you prefer. I like brandy the best, but it also works really well with bourbon or rum.

To really change things up try making a homemade fireball eggnog by using cinnamon whiskey – or try making an eggnog martini for something a little extra. And one more fun holiday variation you might love – try mixing in some gingerbread syrup, in place of the vanilla extract, into your eggnog for a fun cookie flavored twist.

Eggnog in a old fashioned glass topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with nutmeg and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

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Large saucepan

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How to make a spiked eggnog cocktail

Temper the eggs. In large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the sugar has mostly dissolved.

Heat 1 cup milk in a large saucepan until it’s almost boiling. Then slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking.

Heat the eggnog. Add the remaining milk and cream to the bowl and whisk until smooth. Transfer everything back to the saucepan and heat until the mixture reaches 160˚F.

Make sure you’re whisking frequently to prevent the eggnog from sticking on the bottom of the pan.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and your alcohol of choice. You can hold off on the booze if you want to be able to serve different options or mix it in right away.

Chill it overnight. Transfer to a pitcher or large mason jar and refrigerate overnight. This will help the eggnog thicken overnight.

Garnish and serve. If you didn’t already add alcohol, add 1 – 2 ounces per glass of your preferred liquor. When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and/or a cinnamon stick.

Close up eggnog in a glass topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with nutmeg and garnished with a cinnamon stick

FAQs and tips for making this spiked eggnog recipe

What is the best alcohol for eggnog?

Historically brandy was used for eggnog but during the years when brandy was being taxed heavily, many American started using Caribbean rum or bourbon as a substitute.

Are the eggs in eggnog raw?

Most recipes call for tempering the eggs, which is a process of bringing two liquids to similar temperatures. This is done to avoid scrambling the eggs, but it does cook them enough to not be considered u0022rawu0022.

Should eggnog be served hot or cold?

For this recipe, we served it cold. Traditionally, it can be served either hot or cold though. Serve it however you prefer!

An old fashioned glass of eggnog topped with whipped cream, sprinkled with nutmeg and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Other holiday cocktails you should try this season

  • Jack frost cocktail
  • Candy cane martini
  • Pomegranate gin cocktail
  • Poinsettia cocktail
  • Spiked hot chocolate

More delicious rum drinks you will love

  • Pomegranate hot buttered rum
  • Hot toddy with rum
  • Rum sidecar
  • Coconut rum cocktail
Overhead shot of a creamy brandy cocktail topped with whipped cream, sprinkled with nutmeg and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Spiked Eggnog

By: Melissa Belanger
The holidays are almost here, and nothing beats a traditional homemade eggnog. The richness and flavor of this milk punch are so much better than store bought. You can make this spiked eggnog with bourbon, brandy or rum. It’s creamy and delicious either way.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
16 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 – 1 1/2 cups brandy, bourbon or rum
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks together until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk to a strong simmer (not quite boiling). Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously until combined.
  • Add egg mixture to saucepan with remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook, while whisking continuously, until mixture reaches 160˚F. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @anothercocktailblog!

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4 responses

  1. Dairy Free Eggnog – Simply Whisked
    October 27, 2021

    […] can make this recipe alcohol free or make it a spiked eggnog by adding your favorite […]

    Reply
  2. 15 Holiday Inspired Cocktails – Living Life Beautiful
    October 21, 2022

    […] Get Recipe HERE […]

    Reply
  3. Trista
    November 4, 2024

    When do you add the other cup of milk and the heavy cream?

    Reply
    1. Melissa Belanger
      November 22, 2024

      You will do that after you whisk in the egg mixture.

      Reply

Hi! I’m Melissa.

I’m so happy you’re here!

I’m a food blogger, photographer and cocktail enthusiast – and a mom of 2. I started Another Cocktail Blog to share the fun of mixing cocktails at home, so grab some ice and stay for a while.

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