Perfect Christmas Spiked Eggnog — The Adult Christmas Drink

Spiked eggnog is the adult Christmas classic. Bourbon, rum, or brandy. Made ahead is dramatically better.

The classic recipe (serves 8)

Eggnog base

• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Spike

• 1 cup bourbon (or rum or brandy)

Method

1. Whisk egg yolks + sugar until pale
2. Heat milk + cream + nutmeg + salt
3. Slowly pour hot milk into yolks (temper)
4. Return to pot; cook to 170°F
5. Strain into clean container
6. Stir in vanilla + bourbon
7. Cool; refrigerate
8. Age 1 week minimum

Spike choice

Bourbon

• Warm; classic
• Buffalo Trace; Maker's Mark

Dark rum

• Tropical depth
• Mount Gay; Appleton

Brandy

• Sophisticated
• Hennessy; E&J

Combination

• 1/2 cup bourbon + 1/2 cup rum + dash brandy
• Complex flavor

Aging

• 1 week minimum
• 3 weeks ideal
• 6+ weeks possible (alcohol preserves)

Cross-references

For perfect homemade eggnog — broader.

For perfect Christmas bourbon eggnog — adjacent.

For perfect Christmas coquito — adjacent.

For Christmas cocktails — broader.

Perfect Christmas spiked eggnog is adult tradition. Bourbon, rum, or brandy. Aged for weeks. The Christmas drink that rewards patience.