As corny as it may sound, there is something comforting about the thought of getting together with friends and drinking eggnog after the year we’ve all had. Eggnog is a taste of earlier, more tranquil times because it is sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy.
You just bought a carton of store-bought eggnog at the market, and wondering how to spike store-bought eggnog this year? You can create the best eggnog cocktail yet by following this simple, recommended technique.
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How To Spike Store-bought Eggnog?
1. Take A Prudent Inventory Of Your Liquor Supply (or Visit A Nearby Bottle Shop).
According to traditional recipes, brandy is the most common type of alcohol to add to eggnog, but you can also use a combination of dark rum and cognac. To preserve the flavors of the eggnog, we advise sticking to rum and Cognac but you can add bourbon if you like your eggnog a little boozier.
2. Go For The Middle Of The Alcohol Shelf Rather Than The Top.
Remember that you are using these spirits as mixers; there is no need to break out your most expensive selection unless you truly want to ring in the most wonderful season of the year. Consider dark rums like Ed Hamilton 86 Proof, Privateer Amber, or The Real McCoy 5 Year. Check out Germain-Robin Craft Method, Marie Duffau Napoleon (an Armagnac), or Pierre Ferrand Ambre for Cognacs. (Plus: You won’t spend a fortune on these Cognacs.)
3. Add These Simple Ratios Of Flavoring To Your Eggnog.
The perfect proportion for holiday pop-up cheer is given below: Try mixing prepared eggnog with 1 part spirit and 5 parts of the mixture. Do you desire even more convenience from us? You should use 6.5 ounces of alcohol overall if you purchase eggnog in a 1-quart container.
4. Add Some Flair To Make It Appear As Though You Worked Harder Than You Actually Did.
Finish by grating some orange peel over each glass to add color and a dash of nutmeg for flavor. Congratulations! Your eggnog has been expertly spiked. Happy holidays!
Type Of Alcohols To Add To Store-bought Eggnog
Bourbon, Whiskey, Or Rye
Any of these brown liquors (which are all technically whiskeys, just like Scotch) complement eggnog beautifully because they provide a slightly smokey undertone to balance the sweetness. Many also provide caramel notes. Please, a caramel and cream treat! Give rye a shot if that’s your style; it’s usually a little spicier than the others.
Brandy Or Cognac
Think about these distilled wines if you prefer your spiked eggnog nice and strong. Eggnog and brandy or cognac make a delightfully warm, slightly floral, and festive winter cocktail.
So what makes the two different? Similar to how sparkling wine can only be called Champagne (capital “C”) if it is produced in France’s Champagne region (all other sparkling wine, Cava, or prosecco, depending on where it is produced), a brandy can only be called Cognac if it is produced in France’s Cognac region.
Tequila
“What you shake into margaritas and tequila sunrises, I take it?” you might be asking. Hear us out: Tequila’s punchy and earthy characteristics go surprisingly well with rich, sweet eggnog. Consider mezcal for more smoke.
Spiced Rum
Speaking of spice, this eggnog addition is potent. And all you’ll need is one sip to convince you that rum isn’t just for tiki drinks. Spiced rum is an ideal partner for eggnog due to its prominent vanilla, cinnamon, and clove flavors and rich, creamy texture.
Baileys
Do you want some cream with that cream? This well-liked Irish cream liqueur, which has a mild flavor similar to eggnog as is but with 17 percent alcohol, will perk up your store-bought eggnog. If the classic isn’t your top choice, it also comes in a variety of flavors, from chocolate to apple pie, so you can create your own flavor adventure.
Some Bonus Additions For Store-bought Eggnog
We’ve gathered 12 more festive flavor enhancers for your nog in observance of the 12 days of Christmas. One of these garnishes or mix-ins might be used to up the ante after the alcohol has been added.
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Coffee
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Apple pie spice
- Pure vanilla extract
- Almond extract
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