42 Sweet Eggnog Dessert Recipes to Eat Under the Tree (2024)

FAQs

What is the best thing to spike egg nog? ›

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

And while chocolate cake is at the top of the list of desserts that pair well with eggnog, you can't go wrong with any sweet. Pumpkin pie and apple crumble are the next two on the list.

Transfer the eggnog to your crystal or silver punch bowl and garnish simply with grated nutmeg. Find an empty surface to place the bowl and glasses for everyone to see. I usually surround the bowl with Christmas-tree bows or garlands, but oranges, persimmons and pomegranates makes for lovely decor as well.

A traditional holiday drink dating back hundreds of years, eggnog is made with eggs (hence the name), milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and fortified with rum, whisky, and/or brandy. We grew up with eggnog, the kind you buy in a carton, and every Christmas holiday we kids drank up as much of it as we could.

Rum: Blends Seamlessly, Keeping the Eggnog Flavor Intact

While they did it out of necessity, it seems they were onto something — rum's flavor blends seamlessly into the egg-based concoction, preserving the wholesome holiday flavor. Some recipes call for both brandy and rum to be added to the eggnog.

Because it's so rich, creamy and sweet, eggnog pairs nicely with foods that have divergent flavors - savory, salty, spicy, earthy. These Ham & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms have just the right mix of flavors. They're seasoned with thyme, garlic and bay leaf, grated with fresh Parmesan and crowned with slices of our ham.

Most homemade eggnog recipes follow a basic formula: eggs are mixed with sugar, milk and/or cream, and liquor. You also have the choice of brandy, whiskey, or rum for your eggnog, no liquor at all, and even egg-free and vegan options.

Eggnog is usually served cold, but you may choose to heat it, especially if you're coming in from making snowmen or ice skating. And you can spike eggnog with a splash of brandy, rum or your spirit of choice, but it's also delicious simply spiked with vanilla or cinnamon.

Extend the Holiday Cheer

Seasonal eggnog is far more versatile than you might think. When you've got some left over from the holiday party, use it to make rich, nutmeg-scented mashed potatoes, oatmeal, biscuits and more.

The History of Eggnog

The custom of toasting to the new season with this festive co*cktail actually began during Britain's early medieval years, and the drink later became popular in the American colonies by the 19th century. However, per TIME, eggnog has been associated with Christmas since the 1700s.

What is the difference between eggnog and holiday custard? ›

The most basic difference is that boiled custard is heated while true eggnog isn't. Both are made with milk, half and half, or cream, eggs, sugar, and usually a little vanilla. However, eggnog is very fluid and creamy because it hasn't been heated. Custard becomes thicker as it is heated, as the eggs cook.

How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!

Opened bottled eggnog with alcohol: Once opened, the alcoholic eggnog may last several weeks in the fridge [1].

Traditionally, it should be rum. I'd do bourbon because I love bourbon and I think bourbon goes well with the flavors of eggnog. Brandy also works quite well. There's always vodka if you're looking for a 'cleaner' flavor.

The eggnog white russian co*cktail is perfect for the holiday season! Coffee liqueur mixed with vanilla vodka and eggnog and topped with freshly grated nutmeg is the perfect treat and oh-so festive!