Bourbon Eggnog
Looking for a Bourbon twist on the classic eggnog? I’ve got you. This is my special Bourbon Eggnog which will keep your taste buds content all Christmas long.
So I’ve done eggnog before. Of course I have, it’s delicious.
But this year I wanted to switch it up a bit. So when my good friends at Swear Jar came a’knockin to say whats up, I had the perfect inspiration to mix up my classic recipe.
This time, instead of using a mix of rum and brandy, I used whiskey and whiskey alone. Specifically, I used Canadian Whisky. Which got me thinking about Bourbon. and 1 to many eggnogs later here we are. With my special bourbon eggnog.
One thing that frustrated me last year with my eggnog was that my fridge is already over stocked with prosecco, wine, and half cooked christmas dinner to be able to fit a whole punch bowl worth of eggnog in. So I decided to utilise the large rim on the Swear Jar bottle and strained this eggnog right into the bottle for easy pouring and easy fitting in my fridge. result.
Oh, and as for the name of this eggnog. I’m taking inspiration from the bootlegging past of whiskey and calling it The Bootlegg Nog.
The Classic Eggnog Recipe
Before we dive into the bourbon-infused goodness, let's refresh our memory on the classic eggnog recipe. The ingredients are simple and often found in your kitchen:
Eggs: The heart of eggnog, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Sugar: To sweeten the mix and balance the richness of the eggs.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the base.
Cream: Heavy cream enhances the velvety texture.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg for that unmistakable holiday flavor.
Vanilla Extract: For a subtle, sweet aroma.
Preparation Steps
Mixing the Base: Whisk together eggs and sugar until creamy. Add milk, cream, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Chilling the Mixture: Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Serving Options: Serve in a festive glass, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Get the full recipe here. With that recipe, you can swap out the spirit for whatever you want.
The Bourbon Twist
Now, let's talk bourbon. Choosing the right bourbon is crucial for a harmonious blend of flavors. Consider the following factors when selecting your bourbon:
Choosing the Right Bourbon
Flavor Profiles: Opt for a bourbon with warm and caramel notes, as these complement the sweetness of eggnog.
Quality Considerations: A good-quality bourbon doesn't need to break the bank. Look for well-reviewed options within your budget.
Infusing Bourbon into Eggnog
Adding bourbon to eggnog is where the magic happens. There are both traditional and creative methods to infuse that delightful bourbon kick into your holiday drink.
Traditional Method: Simply pour your chosen bourbon into the prepared eggnog mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Creative Variations: Experiment with flavored bourbons or try infusing your own with spices like cinnamon or cloves for an extra layer of complexity.
Which Bourbon Should you use for Eggnog?
When it comes to deciding which bourbon to use, I’d stick with something/anything middle shelf. Low quality bourbons will taste overpowering. On the other end of the scale with expensive bourbons, you’ll loose the subtle nuances and end up wasting expensive liquor. So stick with your middle shelf Bourbons such as; Wild Turkey, Bullet Bulleit Bourbon, and Woodford Reserve.
The Perfect Blend
Balancing the flavors in your bourbon eggnog is an art. Here's how to achieve the perfect blend:
Balancing Flavors
Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in your eggnog base to find the right level of sweetness.
Richness: Control the creaminess by varying the ratio of milk to cream.
Bourbon Notes: Start with a conservative amount of bourbon and taste as you go. You can always add more but taking it slow ensures you don't overpower the drink.
Tips for a Seamless Integration
Mix Well: Ensure thorough mixing to distribute the bourbon evenly.
Chill Again if Needed: Allow the bourbon-infused eggnog to chill for a bit before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serving and Presentation
The way you present your bourbon eggnog enhances the overall experience. Consider the following:
Glassware Choices
Opt for festive glasses or mugs that elevate the holiday mood. Crystal or vintage glasses add a touch of elegance.
Garnishes and Toppings
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious texture.
Cinnamon Sticks: Stir with a cinnamon stick for a subtle spicy undertone.
Grated Nutmeg: Sprinkle a bit more on top for a burst of aromatic flavor.
Pairing with Food
Bourbon eggnog pairs exceptionally well with a variety of holiday snacks and desserts. Consider the following combinations:
Complementary Snacks
Spiced Nuts: The warmth of bourbon complements the spices in nuts.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness of the drink.
Dessert Pairings
Pumpkin Pie: A classic choice that harmonizes with the holiday flavors.
Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate and bourbon are a match made in heaven.
Celebrating with Bourbon Eggnog
Holiday Gatherings
Bourbon eggnog is a showstopper at holiday gatherings. Whether it's a family dinner or a virtual celebration, this drink brings people together.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Decorations: Spruce up your space with festive decorations to enhance the holiday spirit.
Background Music: Play some classic holiday tunes to set the mood.
Responsible Consumption
While indulging in the joy of bourbon eggnog, it's essential to keep a few things in mind:
Moderation and Awareness
Enjoy in moderation, especially considering the alcohol content in bourbon. Be aware of your limits and savor the drink responsibly.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon, half the sugar and still enjoy a delicious classic eggnog.
Bourbon Eggnog
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pan, on a low/medium heat, heat up the milk, cinnamon sticks, half the nutmeg, the cloves and star anise.
- Meanwhile, whilst the mixture is heating up, In a bowl, Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until fluffy consistency.
- After the milk mixture has been on the heat for 5 minutes. Slowly pure it into the yolk mix whilst stirring.
- Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Continue stirring. Once fully mixed together,
- Strain out the spices then add the rest of the nutmeg grated over the top, Single cream, and Swear Jar.
- Strain into an empty Swear jar bottle and refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying.
Notes
After you make this, leave it in the fridge for 24 hours before enjoying to really let those flavours come through.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
271.8Fat
13.75 gSat. Fat
7.75 gCarbs
32.76 gFiber
1.11 gNet carbs
31.65 gSugar
30.3 gProtein
5.5 gSodium
52.92 mgCholesterol
137.33 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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