Bourbon Eggnog Cocktail Drink

Bourbon Eggnog

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you looking for a cozy winter cocktail? This Bourbon Eggnog recipe hits the spot! It’s full of flavor and you can whip it up easily with just a few ingredients – the ideal drink to heat your cold nights.

Bourbon Eggnog Recipe

Enjoy the warmth of winter with this easy bourbon eggnog recipe! Bourbon, eggs, milk & cream, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg make this cocktail a cold-weather favorite.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

5 minutes

Servings:

6

Calories:

368 kl

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup bourbon
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 drops vanilla extract
  • â…“ Nutmeg

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Nutmeg grater
  • Measuring Cups
  • Serving glasses or cups

Instructions

  • Beat Eggs: Crack 4 large eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks only until they are smooth.
  • Add Sugar: Gradually add ½ cup sugar to the egg yolks while continuing to whisk.
  • Beat Egg Whites (optional): Whisk the egg whites until frothy. Once it is done, sprinkle three pinches of sugar into the egg white.
  • Prep Milk Base: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Gratte about â…“ Nutmeg and add it to the mix.
  • Heat Milk: Heat the milk mixture in a saucepan until it's just about to boil.
  • Combine Mixtures: With the heating off, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the hot milk, whisking constantly.
  • Cook: Switch again the heating on and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
  • Add Bourbon: Remove from heat and let it cool down for a bit. Then, add ¾ cup bourbon and 3 drops vanilla extract.
  • Combine Mixtures: Carefully combine the foamy egg whites with the eggnog mixture.
  • Serve: Pour into serving glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Eggs: If you're out of eggs or prefer not to use them, you can substitute with a vegan egg replacer or silken tofu. The texture might differ slightly but gives you that creamy eggnog consistency.
  • Bourbon: If bourbon isn't your thing, swap it out for another type of whiskey or even for
  • Sugar: You can replace regular sugar with agave nectar or honey for a different flavor profile.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: You can replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic spirit available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg Substitute: Replace the eggs with a vegan replacer or silken tofu.
  • Milk Substitute: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
  • Cream Substitute: Use coconut or another plant-based substitute instead of heavy cream.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these vegan substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
368
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Sodium
 
90
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
23
g
8
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
22
g
24
%
Potassium
 
212
mg
6
%
Cholesterol
 
179
mg
60
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Vitamin A
 
898
IU
18
%
Vitamin C
 
0.3
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
157
mg
16
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Bourbon Eggnog Cocktail Drink

Bourbon Eggnog Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Enjoy the warmth of winter with this easy bourbon eggnog recipe! Bourbon, eggs, milk & cream, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg make this cocktail a cold-weather favorite.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 368

Ingredients
 

  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup bourbon
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 drops vanilla extract
  • â…“ Nutmeg

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Nutmeg grater
  • Measuring Cups
  • Serving glasses or cups

Instructions

  • Beat Eggs: Crack 4 large eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks only until they are smooth.
  • Add Sugar: Gradually add ½ cup sugar to the egg yolks while continuing to whisk.
  • Beat Egg Whites (optional): Whisk the egg whites until frothy. Once it is done, sprinkle three pinches of sugar into the egg white.
  • Prep Milk Base: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Gratte about â…“ Nutmeg and add it to the mix.
  • Heat Milk: Heat the milk mixture in a saucepan until it's just about to boil.
  • Combine Mixtures: With the heating off, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the hot milk, whisking constantly.
  • Cook: Switch again the heating on and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
  • Add Bourbon: Remove from heat and let it cool down for a bit. Then, add ¾ cup bourbon and 3 drops vanilla extract.
  • Combine Mixtures: Carefully combine the foamy egg whites with the eggnog mixture.
  • Serve: Pour into serving glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Eggs: If you're out of eggs or prefer not to use them, you can substitute with a vegan egg replacer or silken tofu. The texture might differ slightly but gives you that creamy eggnog consistency.
  • Bourbon: If bourbon isn't your thing, swap it out for another type of whiskey or even for
  • Sugar: You can replace regular sugar with agave nectar or honey for a different flavor profile.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: You can replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic spirit available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg Substitute: Replace the eggs with a vegan replacer or silken tofu.
  • Milk Substitute: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
  • Cream Substitute: Use coconut or another plant-based substitute instead of heavy cream.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these vegan substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.

What is a Bourbon Eggnog?

A Bourbon Eggnog is a whiskey-based holiday cocktail made of bourbon, egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cream. It’s often garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Despite its luxurious taste profile, it’s relatively easy to make.

A side shot of a Bourbon Eggnog cocktail in a mug on a wooden coaster placed on a wooden tray surrounded by a wooden plate with sugar cubes, cinnamon sticks, and nutmegs, and a green cloth

What is a Bourbon Eggnog made of – The ingredients

A Bourbon Eggnog requires the following ingredients:

  • Bourbon is the main alcoholic ingredient that gives the eggnog its distinctive, robust flavor.
  • Eggs are used to create a rich, creamy base for the drink.
  • Sugar: It sweetens the eggnog, balancing out the strong flavors of the bourbon and eggs.
  • Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and body to the drink, making it smooth and velvety.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and thickness of the eggnog.
  • Nutmeg: This spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the eggnog.
  • Vanilla Extract: It provides a subtle sweetness and aroma that complements the other ingredients.

Bourbon, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract sugar cube, egg, nutmeg, and cinnamon stick laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Bourbon Eggnog?

Learn the method of creating a Bourbon Eggnog with our straightforward guide:

1
<p>Start by cracking four large eggs into a mixing bowl. Make sure to separate the yolks from the whites, placing the yolks in the mixing bowl and setting the whites aside for later use.</p>

Start by cracking four large eggs into a mixing bowl. Make sure to separate the yolks from the whites, placing the yolks in the mixing bowl and setting the whites aside for later use.

2
<p>Add half cup of sugar to the egg yolks. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the yolks and sugar until they form a creamy, light-yellow mixture.</p>

Add half cup of sugar to the egg yolks. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the yolks and sugar until they form a creamy, light-yellow mixture.

3
<p>Move on to the egg whites you set aside earlier. Beat them until soft peaks form. This process can take a few minutes, so be patient.</p>

Move on to the egg whites you set aside earlier. Beat them until soft peaks form. This process can take a few minutes, so be patient.

4
<p>Sprinkle three pinches of sugar into the beaten egg white and set the mixture aside for later use.</p>

Sprinkle three pinches of sugar into the beaten egg white and set the mixture aside for later use.

5
<p>In a saucepan add 2 cups of whole milk.</p>

In a saucepan add 2 cups of whole milk.

6
<p>Pour 1 cup heavy cream.</p>

Pour 1 cup heavy cream.

7
<p>Add 2 cinnamon sticks.</p>

Add 2 cinnamon sticks.

8
<p>Add 3 drops of vanilla extract.</p>

Add 3 drops of vanilla extract.

9
<p>Complete by adding a pinch of grated nutmeg.</p>

Complete by adding a pinch of grated nutmeg.

10
<p>Heat up the milk mixture.</p>

Heat up the milk mixture.

11
<p>Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture over the milk mixture. Keep whisking while you pour.</p>

Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture over the milk mixture. Keep whisking while you pour.

12
<p>Heat and stir the mixture until it thickens slightly.</p>

Heat and stir the mixture until it thickens slightly.

13
<p>Wait for it to cool down and add ¾ cup of bourbon.</p>

Wait for it to cool down and add ¾ cup of bourbon.

14
<p>Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk and milk mixture. Do this slowly to maintain the fluffy texture of the egg whites.</p>

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk and milk mixture. Do this slowly to maintain the fluffy texture of the egg whites.

15
<p>Pour into service glasses, sprinkle some nutmeg if desire, and enjoy your creation.</p>

Pour into service glasses, sprinkle some nutmeg if desire, and enjoy your creation.

History and Origin of the Bourbon Eggnog

The Bourbon Eggnog cocktail, a festive favorite, boasts a rich and intriguing history. Its roots trace back to the medieval era in Britain. During this time, a hot, milky ale-like drink known as “posset” was popular among the aristocracy. This drink often included eggs and figs.

As we move to the 18th century, posset evolved into what we now know as eggnog. The term “eggnog” is believed to have been derived from the word “noggin,” a small wooden mug used to serve alcohol. Another theory suggests that it comes from the term “egg-and-grog,” with “grog” slang for generic booze or rum.

Eggnog became a popular drink in colonial America, where access to chickens and cows was plentiful. However, rum was less readily available due to trade restrictions imposed by the British Crown. As a result, colonists turned to domestic spirits, and bourbon became the go-to substitute.

A Bourbon Eggnog cocktail, shot form above, in a mug on a beige surface surrounded by Bourbon, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar cube, egg, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon stick

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FAQ

How many calories does a Bourbon Eggnog contain?
A standard serving of Bourbon Eggnog contains approximately 350-400 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific recipe and the type of bourbon used.
How strong is a Bourbon Eggnog cocktail?
A Bourbon Eggnog cocktail's strength depends on the bourbon ratio to eggnog. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 10-20%, translating to 22-40 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Bourbon Eggnog?
As the name suggests, Bourbon Eggnog uses bourbon as its primary alcoholic ingredient. The choice of bourbon can significantly influence the flavor profile of the drink.
In what kind of glass is a Bourbon Eggnog served?
Traditionally, a Bourbon Eggnog is served in a rock or old-fashioned glass. These glasses are perfect for showcasing the drink's creamy texture and rich color.
What does a Bourbon Eggnog taste like?
Bourbon Eggnog has a rich, creamy taste with hints of vanilla and nutmeg, complemented by the warm, smoky notes of the bourbon. The sweetness level can be adjusted according to personal preference.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Bourbon Eggnog?
The typical ratio for a Bourbon Eggnog is 4 eggs, ½ cup of sugar, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and ¾ cup of bourbon. Cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg are added according to personal taste.
How is a Bourbon Eggnog served with ice?
Bourbon Eggnog is really versatile and can be served chilled, at room temperature or warm, perfect for cozying up cold winter nights.

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