This easy Bourbon Eggnog Recipe is perfect for the winter holidays! It is quick and easy to make, and it tastes fantastic.

Bourbon Eggnog Recipe

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Can you tell I am on a determined mission to make all the eggnog recipes this holiday season? LOL!

We are having so much fun trying eggnog with different liquors to see which flavors we prefer and what tastes terrific. The Costco eggnog containers are enormous, so we have been working our way through them and seeing all the different ways we can use eggnog.

My husband will probably need a break from these eggnog recipes by Christmas. I have yet to figure out the next flavor we'll use.

November turned into cranberry recipes, so I now have to decide on the themes for January and February. Do you have any suggestions?

Right now, we are super excited to share this homemade bourbon eggnog! It tastes fantastic and can be made ahead of time for holiday parties or brunch.

We usually see spiced rum or brandy and bourbon mixed for the holidays, but I love the flavor of bourbon mixed with eggnog.

What Is the Best Bourbon for Eggnog?

My initial answer to the best bourbon for eggnog is the one you already have.

If you want to buy a new bourbon, try a classic or a new brand.

There are many lists of the "best bourbon for eggnog," but they are all individual opinions. Try a few brands until you find the one you prefer.

Bourbons are a type of American whiskey made primarily from corn.

Popular brands include Jim Beam, Basil Hayden's, Bulleit Bourbon, Knob Creek, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Evan Williams, and Maker's Mark.

One thing to keep in mind is that eggnog is rich in flavor. It is the dominant flavor in this cocktail. Buying an expensive bourbon is only necessary if you want the excuse to pick up a new bottle. If you need a reason to buy a killer bottle of bourbon, go for it!

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Bourbon Eggnog Drink! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Eggnog
Bourbon
Nutmeg

Equipment Needed

Old-Fashioned Glass/Rocks Glass
Bar Spoon (or a whisk if you are making a large amount)

How to make Bourbon Eggnog

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Pour eggnog into a glass. Hopefully, you pour into the glass and not all over the place like I did. LOL!

Add in bourbon and stir with a bar spoon.

Garnish with ground nutmeg. Add some ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for additional garnish.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead + Storage:

You can prepare this cocktail up to three days before serving. Refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Freezing/How to Freeze:

Blend your Bourbon Eggnog with a handful of ice to make Bourbon Eggnog milkshakes.

How to Reheat:

We serve this holiday cocktail cold, but you can serve it warm on a cold winter night. Slowly heat the eggnog on the stovetop, stirring the mixture frequently until it reaches your desired temperature.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

For this recipe, you can use homemade eggnog or a carton of grocery store-bought eggnog.

Check out our guidance above on our honest answer to the question, “What is the best bourbon for eggnog.”

Vegetarian Option:

This holiday cocktail is naturally vegetarian!

Vegan Option:

Replace the eggnog with a plant-based variety to make vegan Bourbon Eggnog.

Gluten-Free:

The ingredients in this recipe, including bourbon, are generally safe for a gluten-free diet. If you are highly sensitive and want to avoid cross-contamination, look for a gluten-free label on your eggnog.

Alcohol-Free Option:

Replace the bourbon with an NA alternative to make non-alcoholic Bourbon Eggnog.

Larger Group/More Servings:

You can quickly adapt this recipe to make a holiday party eggnog punch served in a punch bowl or pitcher! Adjust the slider in the recipe card below to the serving size you need, then mix with a whisk and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Serve a big batch in a large bowl or punch bowl.

Sugar-Free:

The written recipe contains 9 grams of sugar per serving, but the final nutritional content depends on your ingredients. Use sugar-free eggnog to make sugar-free Bourbon Eggnog.

Nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the products used.

Tips for the Best Bourbon Eggnog

You can add more or less bourbon based on how strong you want this winter cocktail and the taste you enjoy.
We do not use a cocktail shaker when making this, but you can if you prefer a shaken drink.

What to Serve with Bourbon Eggnog

This Bourbon Eggnog is an easy-to-make holiday cocktail that blends a holiday favorite with bourbon! Here are some menu pairing suggestions to make it part of a festive feast or cocktail party for sharing with friends and family.

Sides: Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, Cheesy Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Main Dishes: Eggnog French Toast, Ham & Cheese Crescent Roll, CrockPot Turkey, CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs, Bourbon Baked Ham, CrockPot Orange Glazed Ham

Desserts: Eggnog Cookies, Sugared Cranberries, 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack, Reindeer Chow, Grinch Bark, No Bake Church Window Cookies, Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze