Bourbon Eggnog

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/22/23
Tested by Joan Velush
Bourbon Eggnog

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 8 cocktails
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
311 Calories
15g Fat
24g Carbs
5g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 311
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 9g 43%
Cholesterol 131mg 44%
Sodium 64mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 89mg 7%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 127mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Eggnog is great around the holidays, but homemade eggnog is even better. Despite common misconceptions, made-from-scratch eggnog is not difficult or time-consuming. This eggnog with bourbon recipe will show you just how easy and delicious eggnog can be, and you can use it to keep the holiday tradition alive.

Eggnog is typically made with eggs, sugar, spices, and a base liquor (traditionally rum or brandy) and there are many eggnog recipes available. The origins of eggnog can be traced back to the 17th century, and it has been a Christmas favorite ever since.

A whiskey-based eggnog like this one is best with a good, spicy bourbon. The flavors of the bourbon pair well with the holiday spices and create interesting layers of flavor. This recipe also features a little cognac and brandy-based orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) to create even more dimension. In many respects, this is not your average eggnog.

This recipe is straightforward to make and is far better than any prepared eggnog you will find at the market. It is delicious, flavorful, and a great way to impress friends and family during the holiday season. 

“If you’ve ever considered making eggnog from scratch for the holidays, look no further. This recipe makes a rich, decadent, not to mention make ahead, beverage to be served at your next holiday party.” —Joan Velush

Bourbon Eggnog/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 4 ounces bourbon whiskey

  • 2 ounces cognac

  • 2 ounces brandy-based orange liqueur

  • 12 ounces whole milk

  • 8 ounces heavy cream

  • Grated nutmeg, or cinnamon, for garnish

Steps to Make It

Note: It's strongly recommended to make this eggnog a day before you need it. The extra time allows all of the tastes to marry and become one delicious and impressive drink.

Make the Eggnog

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients to make bourbon eggnog

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  2. Blend the eggs for 1 minute in either a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a blender.

    Eggs in a blender

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Add the sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Blend for an additional 30 seconds to combine.

    Sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves added to the eggs in a blender

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Slowly add the bourbon, cognac, and orange liqueur. Blend for another 30 seconds.

    Bourbon, cognac, and orange liqueur added to the blender

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  5. Add the milk and cream and blend 1 minute more.

    Milk and cream added to the blender

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  6. Cover and refrigerate, preferably overnight. Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon just before serving.

    A blender full of bourbon eggnog wrapped in plastic wrap

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Serving the Bourbon Eggnog

This eggnog recipe will yield about eight 4-ounce drinks. If you want more, simply double or even triple the recipe.

  1. Portion out 4-ounces of eggnog into a champagne flute or teacup.

    A teacup of boubon eggnog

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  2. Grate fresh nutmeg or cinnamon over the top (optional).

    A teacup of bourbon eggnog topped with cinnamon

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs poses a risk of food-borne illness.

Are You Worried About Drinking Eggs?

Millions of people have survived drinking eggnog and other egg drinks and it is very rare that anyone gets sick from the eggs alone (eggnog-induced hangovers do not count!). However, it is understandable if you're a bit wary of drinking raw eggs. Put your mind at ease and know that there are a few things you can do to make sure your eggs are safe. If you like, you can even choose an egg substitute (though the drink really isn't the same).

If the thought really does bother you, skip the eggnog completely! There are many other traditional Christmas drinks that you can mix up instead.

Tips

  • Eggnog is typically served cold, but it is also delicious served warm.
  • Splash some in your coffee instead of using cream, or use it in puddings and cakes.

Recipe Variation

  • Pour a vanilla liqueur instead of the orange liqueur.

How to Store and Freeze

  • Homemade eggnog will last for up to 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • You can freeze eggnog if you'd like to have a taste after the holidays. It can be frozen for up to 6 months in a freezer storage container. Make sure you leave some headspace room for the eggnog to expand during freezing.

How Strong Is This Bourbon Eggnog?

We often hear the horror stories and running jokes about someone having a little too much eggnog at the Christmas party. It may surprise you to learn that the average eggnog is actually quite light (unless, of course, you add too much liquor). 


When made according to this recipe, your eggnog should be right around 10 percent ABV (20 proof). This means that one cup of eggnog should be about as strong as a glass of wine.