Sweet eggnog cocktails to sip before the holiday season ends

Even if Santa has returned to the North Pole, eggnog cocktails are the sweet indulgence to enjoy before all those resolutions take over. Ready to sip on the sweetness one more time? 

Although eggnog can be made any time of year, this holiday season puts that sweet, creamy flavor front and center. Whether it is a splash in a latte or front and center in a libation, the sweet, luscious beverage sits right next to the milk on the shelf.  

Since the seasonal beverage is everywhere, many bars, hotels, and restaurants shake up their takes on the favorite food. From regional twists to classic offerings, here are a few eggnog cocktails to enjoy before the New Year starts.  

Vintage Eggnog  

Death and Company always knows how to serve an impressive cocktail. And, if the craving for eggnog comes around Easter, that is fine since this version can be kept for up to two years.  

 Ingredients:  

0.5 oz Old Grandad 114 Bourbon  
0.25 oz Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum  
0.25 oz H&H Rainwater Madeira  
0.25 oz Frapin VS Cognac  
1 oz white sugar  
2 oz whole milk  
1.5 oz heavy cream  
1 whole egg  

• Method:  
  1. Blend sugar and milk until dissolved  
  2. Blend eggs and milk on very low speed until incorporated  
  3. Combine remaining ingredients and stir well  
  4. Store in glass bottles for long term storage  
  5. Age anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years, or serve immediately  

• Garnish: Grated nutmeg  

2024K MARTINI at Henderson Beach Resort – Destin, Florida 

Many people love to bask in the luxury of the high life. With his 24K-inspired martini, it sparkles and shines as bright as the lights on the holiday tree.  

Ingredients: 

• 4-6 oz bourbon  

• 2 cups eggnog 

• 2 tsp Aztec chocolate  

• garnish gold flakes/sprinkles 

Instructions: 

• Pour in your bourbon and eggnog, and then add some Aztec chocolate. Shake together and then pour into a chilled martini glass. It’s finished off with sprinkling some golden flakes on top. 

Traditional Eggnog at Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE 

While the traditional eggnog puts sweetness front and center, this version packs a punch in two ways. First, the combination of liquors make this a strong libation that should be sipped carefully. Second, the finishing salt enhances the sweetness. This cocktail showcases the complexity that eggnog cocktails can offer.   

Ingredients: 

• 15ml Dark Rum 

• 15ml Cognac 

• 15ml Bourbon Whisky 

• 30g Egg Yolk 

• 15g Sugar 

• Grated Nutmeg 

• Grated Cinnamon 

• 35ml Milk 

• 35ml Heavy Cream 

• Pinch Kosher Salt 

Instructions: 

• First, separate the eggs, keeping the whites for later use. In a large mixing bowl, beat the yolks with sugar and nutmeg until the mixture lightens in color and falls off the whisk. In a separate bowl or pitcher, combine dairy, booze, and salt, then slowly incorporate and beat it into the egg mixture. Transfer the concoction to a large glass jar (or smaller ones) and refrigerate for at least 2 weeks; a month or two is even better (optionally, you can even age it for up to a year). Serve in mugs or cups, topped with a sprinkle of additional grated nutmeg. 

Amaretto Eggnog at Magic City Casino – Miami, FL 

While eggnog is rich and creamy, it can benefit from other flavor additions. While warm spices are a common choice, the nuttiness from amaretto adds a new layer of complexity to the traditional beverage. Check out this cocktail that evolves the conversation in a delightful way.   

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz Amaretto 

• 6 oz Eggnog 

• Whipped Cream 

• Nutmeg 

• Cinnamon for Garnish 
    

Instructions: 

• Combine Amaretto and eggnog. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle of nutmeg. Garnish with cinnamon stick. Enjoy! 

Yum Cha 

Sometimes the final sip of the night needs to have the perfect balance. A touch sweet but not overly cloying is delightful and this Yum Cha hits that flavor note.   

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz Suntory Toki (Option 1) 

• 1 oz Hakushu 12yr Single Malt (Option 2) 

• 2 oz Hot Water 

• 1 oz Chocolate Tea Concentrate (Decaf) 

• 1 tsp Tempus Fugit Banana liqueur 

• 0.5 tsp Demerara Syrup 

• 1 Drop Hazelnut Extract 

• Method: build in glass / stir 

• Glassware: tea mug 
  

• Garnish: banana chip 
   

Eggnog cocktails might be around for a short season, but they satisfy in the most spectacular way. Whether sipped from that moose glass to a fine crystal, enjoy that sip before they fade into the memory for another year.