18 Exceptional Eggnog Recipes to Get You Through the Holidays

November 15, 2010
Bryan Gardner
Enjoy the classic holiday drink spiked with rum, bourbon, or brandy, or in nonalcoholic form -- you can't go wrong! Start with our traditional version, then try all of our next-level variations.
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Fluffy Eggnog

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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We’ve mixed custard with bourbon, rum, and cognac and let it chill overnight so that the flavors meld completely. A fluffy meringue is folded into the base to produce a light texture, and freshly whipped cream is dolloped on top. Don't miss our step-by-step guide.

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Spiced Chocolate Eggnog

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Inspired by the flavors of Mexican chocolate, this extra-special eggnog is made with melted bittersweet and milk chocolate, vanilla bean, and cinnamon sticks. If you like, stir brandy into this creamy chocolate eggnog.

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Peppermint Eggnog

Credit: VICTOR SCHRAGER
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Kids will love this cooked, nonalcoholic eggnog flavored with peppermint and vanilla extracts. Cups are rimmed with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes for a fun garnish.

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Coconut Eggnog

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Inspired by the Puerto Rican drink coquito, this tropical take on eggnog relies on light coconut milk, spiced rum, and toasted coconut flakes for garnish.

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Eggnog Latte

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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Easiest recipe ever! Just add a double shot of espresso to your eggnog. You'll forget all about pumpkin-spice lattes.

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Eggnog-Lime Lassi

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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A delicious cross between eggnog and the Indian yogurt drink known as lassi, this hybrid is super bright and refreshing.

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Ice Cream Eggnog

Credit: Johnny Miller
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Our favorite eggnog shortcut? Skip making the custard from scratch and use vanilla ice cream instead.

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Stout Eggnog

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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Stout's roasted, bitter flavor stands up surprisngly well to rich eggnog. Serve with freshly whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

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Eggnog Martini

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Cornstarch helps thicken this cooked, custard-based eggnog. Seasoned with nutmeg and pumpkin-pie spice and spiked with brandy, this eggnog looks especially sophisticated when served in martini glasses.

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Coffee Eggnog

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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Give your eggnog a jolt with ground espresso beans. Your guests will love the caffeine boost!

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Vanilla-Bean Eggnog

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Aromatic vanilla seeds take bourbon- and rum-spiked eggnog to the next level.

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Martha's Classic Eggnog

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In Martha's classic eggnog recipe, egg yolks are beaten with sugar, cream, bourbon, rum, and Cognac, then refrigerated for a day. Before serving, fluffy beaten egg whites and whipped cream are stirred in.

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Orange Spice Eggnog

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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Black peppercorns, cardamom, allspice, clove, and fresh ginger take ordinary eggnog to extraordinary heights.

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Bourbon Eggnog

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Cream and a dozen egg yolks make this cooked eggnog rich and creamy. Add the bourbon just before serving, or keep it on the side so guests can spike their eggnog to their liking.

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White-Russian Eggnog

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Two of our favorite drinks rolled into one! Vodka and Kahlua give this hybrid holiday cocktail plenty of kick.

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Brandy Eggnog

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Stir the brandy into this creamy eggnog or supply a bottle next to the serving bowl so guests can spike to taste.

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Steamed Milk

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Warm, honey-sweetened milk is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving the drink an eggnog flavor without the eggs. Serve this as a soothing bedtime drink or a cozy warm-up sipper when you come in from the cold.

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Rum Eggnog

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No food safety concerns here! This rich, silky eggnog relies on a fully cooked custard, plenty of rum, and a whipped cream and nutmeg topping.

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