What does eggnog taste like? - The Ultimate Guide

Nothing signals the start of the holidays quite like seeing eggnog on the shelves of your grocery store.

This specialty drink is basically synonymous with the winter holidays, and for good reason! This rich and comforting drink can be enjoyed neat or made into a Christmas punch.

You may have seen bowls of eggnog at your parties or seen a carton of eggnog in the fridge, but you’ve never dared to try it.

It can seem a bit daunting if you’re not sure what it is, how it’s made, or what it tastes like.

So what does eggnog taste like? Eggnog is often described as a sweet, creamy, and rich ice cream melt flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It can also have additional flavors, such as the inclusion of vanilla or various alcohols.

Read on to find out what eggnog really is, how it’s made, which liqueurs taste best in an eggnog, and how to make your own regular or dairy-free varieties from scratch at home.

What is eggnog?

You might be like me and have a vague idea of what eggnog is, but don’t really know what it’s made of or how.

Historically known as milknog or eggnog-milk when alcohol or spirits are added to it, it has its roots in early medieval Britain from “posset”, a milky beer-like beverage .

By the 1200s, monks were drinking possets made from milk, eggs, and figs, which is probably closer to what we would recognize as eggnog today. However, today’s punches have evolved in terms of ingredients and preparation methods.

Modern eggnog is usually a combination of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks.

Whipping the egg whites gives the eggnog its light texture, while stirring the egg yolks adds richness to the milk and cream to create a truly decadent Christmas drink.

Some versions also add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or different alcohols, depending on the brand or personal preference if you do it yourself. 

What does eggnog taste like?

Eggnog has a distinct flavor that is not exactly the same as any other on the market.

It has similar ingredients to ice cream, but it is not churned and frozen in the same way. Some people describe eggnog as being like a sweet and spicy melted ice cream. 

The spice flavor comes from the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, although not all varieties include any or all of those spices.

Its general flavor is sweet thanks to the addition of sugar. If you don’t like wintery spices, eggnog might not be the drink for you.

Its texture is thick, rich and creamy thanks to heavy cream, whole milk and egg yolks.

The egg whites give it a bit of a lightness, but overall the texture is thick and creamy. If you like rich, decadent desserts or drinks, you’re going to love eggnog.

Overall, eggnog tastes like a rich, creamy ice cream melt with the spicy undertones of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can cut through the rich texture by adding your favorite alcohol, such as rum, cognac, brandy, or whiskey.

What is the difference between store-bought and homemade eggnog?

When it comes to comparing store-bought versus homemade eggnog, some will fall for one side or the other. I think they both have a place at the Christmas table, as they offer different advantages.

If you’re looking for consistency, store-bought eggnog is the way to go.

The companies that make eggnog have a science to their production, so you’ll never be disappointed to open a carton of rich and creamy eggnog from your favorite brand.

Store-bought brands are going to vary slightly between different companies, as they all have their own recipes and production styles, but if you give them a try, I’m sure you’ll find a brand that suits your palate perfectly.

Homemade eggnog can be a bit richer since you use whole ingredients and don’t try to profit from your eggnog.

Store-bought brands may be slightly watery or use regular or skim milk instead of whole, so homemade may be thicker.

You can also customize the flavors and spice levels to your preferences as you control the entire process from start to finish.

If you want a sweeter punch, you can add more sugar. If you want more spice, add more nutmeg, cinnamon or cloves. If you like vanilla, add a splash to the mix.

The downside is that it takes more work to beat the eggs, heat the milk, and make your punch from scratch than it does to open a carton to start enjoying it right away.

If you want the best of both worlds, you can always enhance your store-bought eggnog by adding more spices, more cream, more sweetener, an ounce of spiced rum, or some vanilla.

Don’t be afraid to make store-bought eggnog your own in any way you like.

How is eggnog made?

If you don’t want to wait for eggnog to hit the shelves or just want to try making your own, it’s actually a relatively easy process once you know what to do.

You’ll need a few items and a bit of patience, but the end result will be delicious eggnog that store-bought varieties can’t replicate.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, separating the yolks and whites into separate bowls
• 1/3 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon of separated sugar
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• optional ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
  • 2 ounces bourbon, cognac, rum, or whiskey

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until light in color. 
2. When the yolks change color, beat 1/3 cup of sugar and reserve. 
3. Place a saucepan over medium heat and combine the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. 
4. Slowly bring the milk mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring regularly. Don’t let it get too hot, as it can scorch and burn the milk. 
5. Remove the milk mixture from the heat and measure 1 tablespoon of the hot mixture. Slowly beat it into the egg yolks. Repeat the operation 2 more times. 
6. Once the egg yolks have tempered, add them to the milk mixture and return it to the heat, bringing it to a gentle boil while stirring. If you have a thermometer, set it to 160°F.
7. Once hot, remove the mixture from the heat and pour it into a bowl. Place the mixture in the refrigerator. 
8. Using a hand or stand mixer, begin to beat the egg whites until stiff. While you beat them, gradually add the remaining tablespoon of sugar to the mixture. 
9. When the milk mixture has cooled, gently beat the whites into it. Add an ounce of your favorite liquor and enjoy. 

Can you add alcohol to eggnog?

Yes, you can add alcohol to eggnog to make it a great holiday spirit.

Many eggnog aficionados recommend using darker, higher-proof spirits, as they can cut the richness of the eggnog. Some classic additions to eggnog are

• Brandy – This alcohol is made by distilling wine and is one of the most common additions to eggnog.
• Cognac – This addition is actually a type of cognac made from double distilled wine. It should be done in a copper pot. Many people recommend combining brandy and rum for the perfect holiday eggnog.
• Rum – Dark, spiced rum is especially good, as it complements the rich flavor and texture of the eggnog.
• Whisky : it is always a classic, although it is not convenient to use one that is too smoky or with peat. Try a blended Scotch or Irish whiskey.
• Bourbon – A corn-based whiskey distilled in the United States, this drink is a great addition to eggnog.

As you can see, there are many liquors that you can try. And you don’t have to stick with just one type. Feel free to get creative and try alcoholic drink combinations until you find the one that warms you up inside and makes your taste buds sing.

I suggest you organize a small tasting party with your friends and family.

You can try the eggnog plain, and then try cups with the various spirits (or combinations of spirits!) added to the mix, so you can decide which alcohol makes your absolute favorite Christmas punch.

Are there dairy-free versions of eggnog?

While it may seem like milk and cream are a staple part of the eggnog experience, more and more people are opting out of dairy for a variety of reasons.

Luckily for them, some companies have gotten down to business to create delicious dairy-free alternatives.

You can find several store bought brands that make their eggnog with plant-based milk alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, etc.

One of the thickest and most delicious brands on the market is So Delicious Coconut Milk Holiday Nog.

Makes a rich and creamy Coconut Milk Holiday Punch. In addition, it does not contain eggs, so it is suitable for vegans. Although you can’t find eggnog on the shelves yet, it will be out before you know it.

Two other honorable mentions are for the following brands

1. 1. Blue Diamond- Almond Breeze Almond Milk Nog - This brand is made with almond milk and is another thick option that comes close to the flavor of traditional eggnog.
   2. Silk Nog- Original - The Silk brand is generally pretty good with their dairy-free milk alternatives, but this eggnog is a bit thinner than some of the other options on the market. It still tastes good, and if you like your punch thinner, it may be perfect for you.

1. Califia Holiday Nog - Almond Milk - Another non-dairy eggnog, it’s pretty fine and doesn’t taste the closest to eggnog, but it’ll do the trick in case you can’t find any of the other brands mentioned above and want really that eggnog.

Since all of these versions are vegan and dairy-free, they do not contain the egg yolks or whites that give eggnog its characteristic thickness, richness, and creaminess.

If you don’t have dairy, but you’re not vegan, you can make your own version of eggnog using coconut, oat, macadamia, or almond milk alternatives. 

How to make dairy free eggnog

To make your own delicious dairy-free eggnog, follow these steps.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, separating the yolks and whites into small bowls
• 2 tablespoons + 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup macadamia or almond milk
• 1/2 cup of coconut cream
• optional add-ons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
  • 2 ounces bourbon, cognac, rum, or whiskey

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are lighter in color, then beat the 2 tablespoons of sugar until fully incorporated. Reserve the mix. 
2. In a small saucepan, bring the dairy-free milk and coconut cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 
3. Once the milk mixture has heated, remove it from the heat and add 1 tablespoon to the egg yolk mixture and beat until incorporated. Repeat the operation two more times before incorporating the yolks into the milk mixture. 
4. Return the milk mixture to the heat and heat slowly until it reaches 160°F. Remove it from the heat and put it in a bowl to chill in the fridge.
5. While the milk mixture is cooling, beat the egg whites until stiff with a stand or hand mixer. While beating, gradually add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to the egg whites and beat until stiff. 
6. Once the milk mixture has cooled, whisk the whites into it and add your spirit of choice for a delicious dairy-free eggnog. 

Can you find vegan eggnog?

Many people who don’t eat dairy products may also opt for a vegan diet, so the dairy-free eggnogs mentioned above have a lot to do with it.

Each and every one of them is also suitable for vegans, as they use thickeners or emulsifiers to achieve the thick texture of eggnog, instead of egg yolks and whites.

If you are looking for a delicious vegan eggnog, you can try one of the following brands:

1. So Delicious Coconut Milk Holiday Nog
2. Blue Diamond- Almond Breeze Almond Milk Nog
3. Silk Nog - Original
4. Califia Holiday Nog- Almond Milk

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many options when it comes to enjoying Christmas punch.

You can buy it at the supermarket, make it yourself at home, try a vegan or dairy-free version, add your favorite alcohol to make an eggnog, or enjoy a cold glass straight from the fridge.

The options are endless, and the flavor is completely unique: rich, creamy, thick, sweet, and bursting with warm spices, eggnog is the perfect winter drink to warm you up from within.