Bourbon Eggnog Recipe is a classic holiday treat that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly spiked with a smooth bourbon kick. I love how comforting it feels—like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly winter evening. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this drink brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. If you enjoy a creamy cocktail with just the right hint of spice, you’re going to adore this easy-to-make bourbon-infused delight.
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What Makes This So Good
This Bourbon Eggnog Recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy sweetness and smooth warmth from bourbon, creating a drink that’s both indulgent and approachable. I love how it offers that traditional eggnog vibe but with a little extra kick that lifts the whole experience.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Combining pre-made eggnog with bourbon keeps things simple while delivering rich, layered taste.
- Family-Friendly: You can easily make non-alcoholic versions by skipping the bourbon, so everyone’s included.
- Simple Ingredients: Just eggnog, bourbon, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks—easy to find in any grocery store.
- Works Any Night: Perfect for holiday parties, cozy weekends, or anytime you want to add a festive touch.
Ingredient Guide
Selecting the best ingredients for your Bourbon Eggnog Recipe really elevates the flavor, so let’s go over what works best and how you can swap things around if needed.
- Eggnog: Choose a good quality eggnog, fresh and creamy. I prefer refrigerated versions for a richer taste, but shelf-stable works in a pinch.
- Bourbon: Pick one with a smooth finish—this makes the drink velvety without overpowering it. Your favorite brand or something mid-range is fine.
- Ground Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is a game changer here. It adds a fragrant, warm spice that’s classic for eggnog.
- Cinnamon Sticks: These aren’t just decorative—they infuse a subtle cinnamon aroma while you sip.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Bourbon Eggnog Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by chilling your eggnog well in the fridge. I find that a cold base makes the final drink much more refreshing. Gather your bourbon and the nutmeg for garnish on the counter. Have your glasses ready—something sturdy like a tumbler works great here.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
This step is wonderfully straightforward since there’s no cooking involved! In a pitcher, gently stir together your eggnog and bourbon. You’ll notice the creamy texture swirl as they blend. That aroma of bourbon mixed with the sweet eggnog is quite inviting. Give it a gentle stir to combine without losing the velvety feel.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Pour your Bourbon Eggnog Recipe into the prepared glasses. Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg on top—it gives that perfectly cozy spice kick right at the first sip. Tuck a cinnamon stick into each glass—it’s a lovely garnish and infuses a warm aroma as you drink. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spiked goodness!
Extra Helpful Tips
Making the Bourbon Eggnog Recipe flawless requires just a few savvy tweaks. I’ve learned over the years that small details make all the difference.
- Watch for This Sign: When combining, if the eggnog separates or looks curdled, it’s usually the bourbon temperature; use room temp bourbon to avoid this.
- Temperature Trick: Always serve chilled. I sometimes freeze the glasses ahead to keep that crisp, cold sip until the last drop.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Mix eggnog and bourbon up to a day in advance, covered tightly in the fridge, then stir before serving.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t add the bourbon too quickly—slowly pour and stir to keep the creamy texture smooth and luscious.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Try dusting a little cinnamon or even cocoa powder on top for an extra layer of flavor. A splash of vanilla extract in the mix adds subtle depth. Don’t hesitate to add a dollop of whipped cream for that indulgent finish that makes every sip feel special.
Tasty Pairings
This Bourbon Eggnog Recipe pairs beautifully with spiced cookies, gingerbread, or a slice of dense fruitcake. If you’re after savory, cheese boards with sharp cheddar and nuts complement the sweet, creamy drink delightfully.
Quick Plating Tips
Use fresh cinnamon sticks as stirrers—their warm color and shape lend a festive touch. Lightly sprinkle nutmeg immediately before serving so the spice blooms fresh. A small sprig of fresh rosemary can add an unexpected but gorgeous kick of herbal fragrance.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Keep your Bourbon Eggnog Recipe stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You might notice the texture thickens slightly after sitting, so give it a good stir before serving to restore creaminess.
Freezer Friendly?
This recipe doesn’t freeze well because the dairy in the eggnog can separate and become grainy after thawing. I recommend making fresh instead to keep that silky texture hearty and smooth.
Reheat Like New
Since Bourbon Eggnog Recipe is typically served chilled, reheating isn’t common, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it on low in a saucepan while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling, and serve immediately.
Bourbon Eggnog Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Simply omit the bourbon for a delicious, kid-friendly eggnog that everyone can enjoy.
The bourbon adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the creamy sweetness, striking a nice balance for most palates.
Yes! Homemade eggnog works beautifully and makes the drink even more special, just be sure it’s well chilled before mixing.
Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon sticks are classic and easy. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon powder or a small sprig of rosemary for a festive twist.
Final Flavor Thoughts
This Bourbon Eggnog Recipe has become a holiday favorite of mine—simple yet so pleasantly indulgent. I hope you enjoy crafting it as much as sipping it! Don’t forget to leave a star rating or share your favorite twist next time you make it. Maybe try adding a splash of coffee liqueur or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a fun new take.
Print📖 Recipe
Bourbon Eggnog Recipe
A classic and creamy Bourbon Eggnog recipe that combines rich eggnog with smooth bourbon, garnished with warm spices for a festive and comforting holiday drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1 cup bourbon
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a pitcher, pour 2 cups of eggnog and 1 cup of bourbon together.
- Mix Gently: Stir the mixture slowly to blend the bourbon evenly throughout the eggnog without creating a foam.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the bourbon eggnog into serving glasses and garnish each glass with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon or substitute with a bourbon-flavored syrup.
- Use high-quality bourbon for best flavor.
- Eggnog can be homemade or store-bought according to preference.
- Serve chilled or slightly warmed depending on your preference.
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