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Eggnog Old Fashioned - Creamy Bourbon Classic

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/20/eggnog-old-fashioned-creamy-bourbon-classic.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 13:00 GMT by Food & Wine

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Eggnog Cocktail‑Connoisseur’s Guide: A Rundown of Food & Wine’s Top Eggnog Mixes

The holiday season arrives on a platter (or a glass) of warm, spiced, creamy eggnog. Whether you’re a seasoned egg‑nog enthusiast or a first‑time taster, Food & Wine’s recent roundup of “The Best Eggnog Cocktail Recipes” is a must‑read. The article weaves together tradition and innovation, presenting a curated list of eggnog‑based drinks that range from classic to downright inventive. Below is a detailed yet digestible synopsis of the content, including all the recipes, insider tips, and a few extra links the original piece points to for deeper dives.

1. Eggnog Old Fashioned

The classic Old Fashioned gets a creamy makeover when you substitute the bourbon’s vanilla‑topped richness with frothy eggnog. The recipe calls for:

• 2 oz bourbon (or rye for a spicier bite)
• 1 oz eggnog
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel and a splash of espresso (optional for a bittersweet twist)

Stir until chilled, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, and garnish with the orange peel. The result is a velvety, slightly sweet alternative to the original that still delivers that smoky whiskey kick.

Link – Eggnog Old Fashioned recipe details

2. Eggnog Manhattan

The Manhattan is essentially an egg‑nog‑y, sweet take on a timeless cocktail. The recipe includes:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz eggnog
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. The result is a deep, rounded flavor profile, perfect for a holiday cocktail party. If you’re feeling adventurous, the article suggests a “White Manhattan” variation that swaps sweet vermouth for dry vermouth and adds a splash of orange bitters.

Link – Eggnog Manhattan recipe details

3. Eggnog White Russian

Who could forget the White Russian’s creamy charm? Food & Wine’s version is as simple as it gets:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz eggnog

Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over ice, then top with eggnog. Stir gently. The coffee liqueur’s bittersweet nuance pairs beautifully with the vanilla‑infused eggnog, making this a cozy, dessert‑like cocktail.

Link – Eggnog White Russian recipe details

4. Eggnog Rum Punch

For those who prefer a tropical flair, the Eggnog Rum Punch is an unexpected but delicious choice. The recipe’s key ingredients include:

• 1 cup light rum
• 1 cup dark rum
• 2 cups eggnog
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup lime juice
• Pinch of nutmeg

Shake or stir until chilled, serve over ice, and top with a generous dusting of nutmeg. The dual rum base gives depth, while the fruit juices soften the eggnog’s heaviness. It’s a crowd‑pleaser for family gatherings that want something a little lighter.

Link – Eggnog Rum Punch recipe details

5. Eggnog Cosmopolitan

A holiday twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, this recipe offers a crisp, citrusy counterpoint to the creamy base:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz fresh cranberry juice
• 1 oz eggnog
• ¼ oz fresh lime juice

Shake vigorously with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a lime twist. The cranberry adds a tart pop, balancing the sweet eggnog while keeping the cocktail bright.

Link – Eggnog Cosmopolitan recipe details

6. Eggnog Hot Toddy

If you’re after something warming, the Eggnog Hot Toddy is the answer. The ingredients are:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz eggnog
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Cinnamon stick and a lemon twist for garnish

Pour the bourbon, eggnog, honey, and lemon into a mug, then fill with hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves, and garnish with the cinnamon stick. It’s a perfect winter nightcap, marrying the warmth of hot tea with the rich sweetness of eggnog.

Link – Eggnog Hot Toddy recipe details

7. Eggnog Martini

For a more refined take on the eggnog theme, the Eggnog Martini delivers a sophisticated splash of holiday spirit:

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.75 oz dry vermouth
• 1 oz eggnog
• 1 dash orange bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. The gin’s botanicals add a subtle layer of complexity, while the bitters elevate the drink’s aromatic profile.

Link – Eggnog Martini recipe details

8. Eggnog Margarita

The Eggnog Margarita pushes the envelope by combining the Mexican favorite’s acidity with eggnog’s creaminess. The ingredients include:

• 1.5 oz tequila
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz eggnog
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Shake vigorously with ice, strain into a salt‑rimmed glass, and serve with a lime wheel. The cayenne adds a surprising heat that cuts through the sweetness—great for those who love a spicy kick.

Link – Eggnog Margarita recipe details

9. Eggnog & Cream Soda

For a no‑alcohol, sparkling option, the Eggnog & Cream Soda is a sweet, effervescent treat. Mix equal parts eggnog and cream soda, add a dash of vanilla extract, and top with whipped cream. It’s a nostalgic nod to the soda‑flavored eggnog of the mid‑20th century.

10. Eggnog Margarita (Tiki Edition)

If you’re in the mood for something tropical, the Tiki‑style Eggnog Margarita replaces the tequila with coconut rum, while keeping the same proportions. It’s a delightful fusion of coconut, lime, and vanilla‑infused eggnog, topped with a pineapple slice for visual flair.

Bonus Tips & Contextual Nuggets

• Choosing Fresh Eggs – The article stresses using fresh, high‑quality eggs to keep the eggnog’s texture silky. Many of the recipes include a “cooked” eggnog version that involves whisking egg yolks with sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and warming milk or cream—then cooling before adding alcohol. This eliminates raw‑egg risk while preserving that classic “custard” feel.

• Nutmeg & Cinnamon – A recurring theme is the importance of nutmeg. The Food & Wine article advises sprinkling nutmeg on top right before serving—it enhances aroma and provides that quintessential holiday scent.

• Serving Suggestions – For holiday parties, the article recommends pre‑chilling the drinks in the fridge and serving them in clear glasses to highlight the golden hue. It also suggests layering: pour the spirit first, then the eggnog, so the colors blend as they’re stirred.

• Alternative Spirits – While bourbon and rye dominate, the article highlights the versatility of eggnog. Vodka works for a clean base, gin for botanicals, and rum for a sweet, tropical note. The “Eggnog Rum Punch” and “Eggnog Margarita (Tiki Edition)” are standout examples.

• Healthier Options – For a lighter version, consider using half‑and‑half or milk instead of heavy cream, or reduce the amount of alcohol. Some recipes even recommend adding a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy, low‑calorie finish.

Final Verdict

Food & Wine’s “Best Eggnog Cocktail Recipes” is an excellent reference for anyone looking to bring holiday cheer to the bar. Whether you’re aiming for a classic Old Fashioned twist, a tropical Rum Punch, or a non‑alcoholic Cream Soda, the article covers a spectrum of flavors that showcase eggnog’s versatility. Each recipe is accompanied by concise instructions, ingredient lists, and garnish suggestions—making it easy to replicate the seasonal magic at home.

So grab a bottle of your favorite spirit, a good-quality eggnog, and let the holiday cocktails flow!