Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, blending the cozy creaminess of eggnog with the bold warmth of bourbon. It’s one of those drinks that immediately feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly winter nights and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or entertaining friends, this recipe brings a festive flair that’s sure to impress — even if you don’t usually consider yourself a cocktail pro. If you love tradition with a little twist, you’re going to adore making and sipping this flavorful drink.
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What Makes This So Good
This Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe brilliantly marries two classic flavors into one smooth, indulgent cocktail. The creamy sweetness of eggnog softens bourbon’s warm bite, making every sip perfectly balanced and delightfully festive.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Just three main liquid ingredients plus simple garnishes keep it straightforward yet irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Easily adjustable for a non-alcoholic version by swapping bourbon with spiced syrup or coffee.
- Simple Ingredients: With items likely already in your kitchen, it’s a holiday cocktail anyone can whip up quickly.
- Works Any Night: Whether a special occasion or cozy night in, this cocktail elevates your mood and your glass.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients here really makes the Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe shine. Each element brings its own magic, so a little care will pay off wonderfully in flavor and texture.
- Bourbon: I recommend a smooth, mid-priced bourbon that’s not too smoky, as the eggnog will mellow some of the kick. Look for a bottle labeled “small batch” for extra depth.
- Eggnog: Fresh or high-quality store-bought eggnog works beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade eggnog adds that extra creamy, spiced note.
- Vanilla Extract: A good pure vanilla extract gives a warm aroma and gentle sweetness—don’t skip it or replace it with artificial extracts.
- Orange Peel & Maraschino Cherries: Fresh orange peel adds a zesty brightness while cherries provide a pop of color and a hint of fruity sweetness.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start with a chilled mixing glass or cocktail shaker to keep your drink cool and crisp. Grab your bourbon, eggnog, and vanilla extract so they’re easy to pour. Peel a thin strip of orange zest carefully—avoid the white pith for the freshest, cleanest citrus oils. If maraschino cherries are chilled ahead, they’ll be extra refreshing as garnish.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
This step is all about gentle mixing, not cooking in the traditional sense. Add ice to your mixing glass, then pour in the bourbon, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well combined and slightly chilled, watching the swirl of creamy richness blend with amber bourbon. You’ll notice the aroma deepens—warm vanilla, fresh orange, and bourbon warmth mingle beautifully.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Strain the cocktail into a glass of your choice—rocks glass works perfectly. Garnish with your orange peel twist, giving it a little express shake over the glass to release those fragrant oils, then drop in a maraschino cherry for a playful touch. The result is a creamy, smooth cocktail with lively citrus notes and that classic bourbon bite. You’re ready to sip and savor!
Extra Helpful Tips
I always get asked about getting balance right—too sweet or too boozy can throw off this cocktail. The key is gentle stirring, quality ingredients, and fresh garnishes that wake up the senses.
- Watch for This Sign: When your mixture looks creamy and the surface starts to get a light frost from the ice, you know it’s perfectly chilled.
- Temperature Trick: Chill your glass in the fridge ahead of time to keep your Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe cooler longer without dilution.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Mix batch proportions of bourbon, eggnog, and vanilla extract in advance and store chilled. Stir gently before serving.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t shake the eggnog mixture; stirring keeps the texture smooth and silky instead of frothy or curdled.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Try dusting a bit of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top for a spark of warm spice that sings with the eggnog’s creaminess. A splash of coffee liqueur can add a rich, deep twist if you’re feeling adventurous. Or swap maraschino cherries for brandied cherries to elevate holiday vibes even more.
Tasty Pairings
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with holiday cookies—think gingerbread or shortbread. For something savory, spiced nuts or warm roasted chestnuts balance the sweetness beautifully. Serve alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar and dried fruit for a truly festive spread.
Quick Plating Tips
Keep garnishes simple but elegant: twist the orange peel tightly over the drink to release oils, then place it on the rim or float it inside. A single cherry, skewered on a cocktail pick, adds color and charm without fuss. Presentation is all about showing off those creamy layers and glossy garnishes.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can store leftover Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep it chilled and give it a gentle stir before serving again. The texture might thicken slightly, but a bit of ice will bring it back to the perfect sip.
Freezer Friendly?
This cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing because the eggnog base can separate and become grainy when thawed. For best flavor, enjoy freshly made or stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days instead.
Reheat Like New
If you want to enjoy your Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe warm, gently warm in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to maintain smoothness. Avoid the microwave to keep that creamy texture intact. Reheat just until warm, never boiling, for the best smooth and cozy experience.
Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Just substitute the bourbon with a spiced simple syrup or non-alcoholic bourbon alternative. You'll still enjoy that cozy, creamy vibe without the alcohol.
I prefer fresh or high-quality store-bought eggnog with natural spices. Homemade is fantastic if you can manage it, but avoid overly sweetened commercial types that can overpower the bourbon.
You can pre-mix the bourbon, eggnog, and vanilla and refrigerate the blend. Stir it gently before serving, and add fresh ice and garnishes for the best presentation and flavor.
Avoid shaking the drink vigorously. Instead, stir gently with ice until chilled. Using chilled ingredients also helps keep the texture smooth and prevents curdling.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this cozy twist on a timeless classic as much as I do. The Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe strikes just the right balance of creamy indulgence and spirited warmth. If you try it, please leave a star rating or share your favorite variations—maybe a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup next time? I love hearing your creative spins!
Print📖 Recipe
Eggnog Old Fashioned Recipe
A festive twist on a classic cocktail, the Eggnog Old Fashioned combines the rich creaminess of eggnog with the warm, robust flavor of bourbon, accented by vanilla and garnished with orange peel and maraschino cherries. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter evenings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Liquids
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup eggnog
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes
- Orange peel for garnish
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add ½ cup bourbon, ¼ cup eggnog, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract together with ice.
- Stir Well: Stir the mixture thoroughly to chill and blend the flavors evenly.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into individual glasses to remove the ice and ensure a smooth texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each glass with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry to add aroma and sweetness, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use quality bourbon for the best flavor balance.
- Freshly grated nutmeg can be added on top as an optional garnish for extra holiday flair.
- Chilling the glasses beforehand will keep the cocktail cooler longer.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less eggnog according to taste.
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