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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!

Aged Eggnog in a glass moose mug.

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 on a table.

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.

egg yolks in a large bowl.
Egg yolks and sugar in a bowl.
whisked egg yolks and sugar.
Fully mixed egg yolks and sugar in a glass bowl.

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.

Pouring milk into egg yolks and sugar.
Fully whisked egg yolk and dairy mixture in a bowl.

Step 2 (add in the dairy)

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

Rum being poured into aged eggnog.
Bourbon being poured into aged eggnog.

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.

Aged Eggnog in 2 jars.

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.

Aged Eggnog topped with freshly grated nutmeg.

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.

Using the correct alcohol content (very important!)

For aged eggnog, the alcohol content plays a crucial role in preserving the mixture and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria during aging.

To ensure safety, it’s recommended to aim for an alcohol content of at least 20% ABV (alcohol by volume) or higher.

This alcohol concentration level helps inhibit bacterial growth and extends the shelf life of the eggnog while allowing it to develop its flavors during aging. We use bourbon, Brandy, and spiced rum for this recipe.

Other recipes may vary, but a general guideline is to use approximately 1 to 1-1/2 cups of spirits per quart (or liter) of eggnog base to achieve the desired alcohol content for aging.

Mixing the spirits thoroughly into the eggnog mixture before allowing it to age in the refrigerator is essential.

Remember to refrigerate the eggnog properly during aging to maintain its quality and safety.

When serving, it’s also a good idea to sprinkle a bit of freshly grated nutmeg on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Aged Eggnog in a glass mug.

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!

Aged Eggnog topped with nutmeg.

Love this aged eggnog?

Why not try a few of my other holiday drinks?

Aged Eggnog

This aged eggnog is perfect for the winter holiday season. Full of booze and can be aged for up to a year! Just wait till you take the first delicious booze filled sip!
4.60 from 10 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 20 minutes
Aging Time 21 days
Total Time 21 days 20 minutes
Servings 1 gallon

Ingredients

  • 12 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 liter bourbon
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup dark spiced rum
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Grated nutmeg

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add egg yolks and sugar.
  • Whisk until creamy and light yellow in color.
  • Whisk in bourbon, whole milk, heavy cream, brandy, dark rum, and kosher salt.
  • Add to a glass gallon container, cover tightly with a lid, and store in the fridge for 3 weeks to 3 years.
  • Separation is normal for this drink.
  • Shake the jar before drinking to bring the mix back together.
  • Also before serving I like to add a little grated nutmeg on top for added flavor.

Notes

  • If you do not have a bowl large enough to whisk everything together, I recommend whisking the eggs and sugar and whisking in the bourbon to thin it out. Pour into your gallon container, add the remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. You can also split the mixture between 2 1/2 gallon mason jars.
  • SEPARATION IS NORMAL – your eggnog will start to separate in the fridge. You need to give it a good shake before serving.
  • Source: Michael Ruhlman

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 90mg | Sugar: 29g
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword 1 year eggnog, aged eggnog, eggnog recipes, homemade aged eggnog, homemade eggnog, safe homemade eggnog
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
Aged Eggnog pin for Pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Lauren

Tuesday 21st of November 2023

I combined this recipe with the spices + molasses from your gingerbread eggnog recipe (ended up about tripling the spices/molasses) and holy yum!! Can't wait to give some of this away as gifts this holiday season! Thank you!

Mike S

Friday 17th of November 2023

Hi all- clearly this recipe is a home run. Just curious if anyone has not used 80 proof booze? This is the only recipe I have found that mandates 80 proof. Almost all the common bourbons/brandys/rum are 40 proof. I'm sure I can find them in the liquor store, but would like to use what I already have on hand. Thanks!

nutmegnanny

Friday 24th of November 2023

You need the alcohol content to be high enough so the eggs and dairy do not spoil. I prefer to follow the exact directions since I know it works and has lasted for years in the fridge.

Aimee

Monday 15th of November 2021

Will it still be safe to consume after 21 days if I only use 750 mL of bourbon but still the same amount of the other types of alcohol?

nutmegnanny

Tuesday 16th of November 2021

Hi Aimee - I have never tried adding less alcohol and I would be leery to recommend it. If you have more of the other alcohols I would add more of that to make up for the reduced bourbon.

Lauren

Saturday 23rd of October 2021

Hi! Just made this recipe and I have a question! Mine is in my fridge as we speak but it is separating. Is this normal? Please tell me it is!?!?

nutmegnanny

Monday 8th of November 2021

Yes! You want to give it a good shake before serving! I will make a note in the recipe so people know.

Jaclyn

Sunday 23rd of December 2018

I love your recipe. I made eggnog like this a few years ago for my family but I was breastfeeding at the time and only got to try one sip. Now we have our own chickens and I'm dying to make it again so I can actually have some (I'm an eggnog hound!). I'll have to scale it back some as we're brutally poor this Christmas (thanks broken clutch) and I only have one small flask of rum to use but I know it'll be delectable anyway!

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