Holiday Egg Nog (Stock Photo)

Eggnog Time

December is here, and it’s time to get into the holiday spirit. Hang the mistletoe, find that perfect holiday sweater, and be the life of the office party! One thing is for sure: eggnog will enhance the enjoyment of your festive holiday gatherings. It’s just not the holidays without a decent cup of eggnog. On its own, it can be a little thick and cloying, but it becomes markedly better with the addition of the right spirit. Knowing which to choose can be a little daunting, but the following suggestions are sure to help.

History

We can thank the early medieval British for combining cream, eggs, and sherry to create the earliest form of nog called “posset.” George Washington was also fond of the sweetened egg-cream beverage and served it to guests mixed with rum, rye and sherry. These days, there is no need to make your own eggnog unless you feel so inclined; there are several well-made eggnogs from regional dairies that will fit the bill. Organic Valley and Straus Family Creamery are two excellent examples. If you can, try to avoid flavored varieties like Southern Comfort and Eggo (yes, THAT Eggo). Here’s a link remembering my first spiked eggnog.

Brandy

An often-overlooked addition to eggnog, brandy brings sophistication and ease to this holiday classic. St. Remi V.S.O.P. from France is an affordable alternative to cognac. Featuring a pleasant berry-forward flavor, the spicy vanilla oak aromas will add balance and a smooth finish to your holiday creation. A solid 1:4 ratio of spirits to eggnog works best. For every four oz. of eggnog, add a 1 oz. shot to achieve the perfect balance. Served in a brandy snifter, a shaved chocolate garnish on top compliments this preparation nicely.

Spiced Rum

A classic pairing, spiced rums like Captain Morgan add depth and flavor to eggnog. The rum provides pleasant warmth, adding toffee, spiced honey, and rich molasses flavors. This version can be enjoyed either warm or cold- like an eggnog latte. To serve as a hot beverage, add the eggnog and rum to a small saucepan over low heat until warmed and serve in a glass mug with a shake or two of cinnamon.

Bourbon

Most people naturally consider adding whiskey to eggnog, but it is important to consider which works best. It would be best to keep the heavy hitters

like Redwood Empire and Weller Full Proof on the top shelf until it’s time to do the dishes after the party. A more suitable bourbon would be Maker’s Mark. Made with winter wheat instead of spicy rye, the flavor profile echoes some of the sweetness in the eggnog. The spicy wood notes give structure to the burnished sweetness (think caramel and brown sugar) while finishing with light hints of fresh strawberry. At 90 proof, Maker’s Mark provides welcomed balance and a lightness on the palate. A rocks glass rimmed with cinnamon and sugar can serve as a cocktail and dessert.

Rye

When it comes to eggnog, rye is my favorite addition. The dry spiciness adds contrast to the rich, creamy concoction. Rye also provides a good backbone with plenty of nutmeg and cinnamon flavors. Bulleit Rye gets the job done nicely but as noted earlier, Old Overholt remains my perennial favorite.

For a fun and successful approach to holiday entertainment, make all four options available to your guests and let them discover the perfect mix of spirits for their palate. By chilling the spirits and eggnog ahead of time, eggnog can be enjoyed without ice dilution. Providing cinnamon, nutmeg, and shaved chocolate allows guests to customize further and create their perfect holiday pour.