Aged Eggnog

This aged eggnog is perfect for the winter holiday season. It is full of booze and can be aged for up to a year! Just wait till you take the first delicious, booze-filled sip!

I have always been an eggnog fan. When I saw it pop up in the store, I would beg my parents to buy a jug and use all my willpower not to drink it all in one day.

Then I got older and learned all about boozy eggnog.

Game changer.

So this year, I decided to step up my nog game. While I have always been content with buying eggnog from the store and jazzing it up with bourbon, brandy, or rum, this year would be different!

This year, I was going to go hardcore eggnog. This year, I decided to age my eggnog. Yes, aged eggnog!

Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “Yeah, how about we not age a drink that is basically just raw eggs, dairy, and booze.” I totally get your hesitation, BUT this is totally safe, and here is why – booze.

All that alcohol keeps it safe from little germs setting up shop in your nog.

As a little extra precaution, I recommend letting your eggnog rest for 3 weeks before trying, BUT if you live your life on the wild side and trust your eggs, you can try on day one. However, I leave that day-one tasting up to you because it’s not exactly recommended by the FDA.

Oh, and let’s talk about my totally adorable moose mugs!

My SIL got them for me last year, and I’m so excited to be able to use them. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a favorite of mine, so the moose mugs are a holiday essential.

More eggnog or eggnog-inspired cocktails – Eggnog Martini, Tom and Jerry Cocktail Recipe, Eggnog Whipped Coffee, or my Spiced Gingerbread Eggnog.

Aged eggnog ingredients

• Egg yolks – the base of our eggnog and what makes it, eggnog! If possible, I like to use farm-fresh eggs for the best flavor.
• Granulated sugar – This adds sweetness to the aged eggnog.
• Whole milk – This is the bulk liquid of our eggnog.
• Heavy cream – Adds richness to the recipe.
• Bourbon, Brandy, and spiced rum – This is the mix of spirits we will use in the eggnog. Make sure to use at least 80-proof alcohol. That is VERY important.
• Grated nutmeg – I like to add this for a little traditional eggnog flavor.
• Kosher salt – This helps highlight the fresh flavors of the aged eggnog.

How to age eggnog (step by step)

Now, I know this post is picture-heavy, but I really wanted to show you each step just in case there were a lot of questions. As you can see above, it doesn’t take too many ingredients to make this work.

All you need is eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, and 3 types of booze – bourbon, Brandy, and spiced rum.

Step 1 (mixing the egg yolk and granulated sugar)

Add your egg yolks to a very large bowl and add your granulated sugar.

The next step involved a bit of elbow grease.

Whisk together all your egg yolks with the sugar.

Eventually, it will look beautiful and pale yellow in color. If you are short on time, you can also throw it in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or a high-speed blender for this step.

Step 2 (add in the dairy)

Next, add your whole milk and heavy cream and gently whisk to combine.

Step 3 (add in the booze)

Now, we add in all the booze, nutmeg, and kosher salt.

I didn’t have a mixing bowl big enough to mix all the ingredients, so I transferred the mixture to two 1/2-gallon mason jars.

I recommend this because you won’t have to worry about pouring a gallon’s worth of mixture out of the bowl and into your storage jar.

After you add your alcohol, make sure to stir to combine.

Step 4 (let it rest)

Add your lid to the jar, place in the refrigerator, and let sit for a minimum of 3 weeks.

After 3 weeks, you can safely try your aged eggnog without the risk of bacteria. You can let this eggnog chill out in the fridge for up to 3 years and give it a vigorous shake before serving as it will settle while sitting.

I also recommend picking up a pack of plastic lids. I like them better than metal lids for recipes like this, mostly because they are less likely to leak.

Step 5 (time to serve a glass)

I like to serve this eggnog with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and some whipped cream.

Now, I will warn you that this eggnog is strong – like, very strong. However, the longer you let it sit, the more flavor it will develop.

I have also found you can cut it with a little store-bought nog if it’s a little too strong for you.

Oh, and remember – this nog is for sipping, not for gulping. You could gulp it down, but you might pass out before dinner time. Trust me.

Is aged eggnog safe?

Aged eggnog is a traditional holiday beverage made from eggs, cream, sugar, and milk, often spiked with spirits like rum, brandy, or whiskey.

The aging process sets aged eggnog apart. For this version, the mixture is left to mature in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 weeks up to 1 year. Aging the eggnog allows the flavors to meld and mellow, resulting in a smoother, richer, and more complex taste.

Plus, the alcohol in the mixture acts as a preservative, allowing it to age safely. The flavors blend together as it sits, enhancing the eggnog’s overall taste and texture.

Before consuming aged eggnog, it is important to ensure that the alcohol content is high enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria during aging.

When properly prepared and stored in refrigerated, aged eggnog can last up to a year, developing a more rounded and enjoyable flavor profile.

How long can you age eggnog?

Aged eggnog can typically be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the alcohol content, storage conditions, and individual recipe ingredients.

With an adequate alcohol content of at least 20% ABV or higher, properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator, eggnog can be aged for several months to a year, allowing its flavors to develop and mature over time.

It’s essential to use proper hygiene and food safety practices when making an aging eggnog. Ensure that the eggnog is stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent contamination and maintain its quality throughout aging.

Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual color changes, or mold, before consuming aged eggnog. If stored and handled correctly, aged eggnog can last several months to a year.

Craving something similar that you can drink right away? Try this classic Puerto Rican Coquito!

Love this aged eggnog?

Why not try a few of my other holiday drinks?

• Want something tangy and fruity? Try my Cranberry Lemonade Ginger Beer Cocktail.
• Craving a vintage cocktail that is similar to eggnog? Try my Tom and Jerry Cocktail Recipe.
• How about something seasonal and boozy? Try my Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail.
• Feeling a little classy? Try my Classic Manhattan Cocktail.