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Sip into the holiday spirit with our Gingerbread Bourbon Bliss Eggnog Cocktail. Immerse yourself in the delightful fusion of spiced gingerbread, smooth bourbon, and creamy eggnog. This festive libation is the perfect way to elevate your seasonal celebrations. Cheers to the warmth and flavor of the holidays in every sip!
With only a few ingredients, this cocktail is easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for holiday parties or gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe allows hosts to whip up batches to serve to guests. Or you, in case you just want one…that’s okay too!
The warm and spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies complement the rich and creamy taste of eggnog. The combination creates a balance of sweet, spicy, creamy notes, and the warmth of the alcohol create an incredible cocktail you will enjoy all season long. When we were in Kentucky, someone told us that bourbon gives you a warm “Kentucky hug”. And it’s totally true! It’ll make you feel warm from the inside out…just like a hug.
Gingerbread men are not only cute, but they have become a popular and iconic part of holiday traditions, especially during the Christmas season. Did you know that the tradition of making gingerbread dates back to medieval Europe?? Gingerbread was initially a spiced, honey-sweetened bread or cake that became popular during various celebrations, including holidays and festivals.
What is eggnog?
Eggnog is a traditional seasonal drink, especially popular during the winter holidays. It is a rich and creamy beverage that typically consists of the following key ingredients:
- Eggs: The name “eggnog” suggests the presence of eggs, and indeed, they are a fundamental component. Raw eggs are often used, but some recipes call for cooking the mixture to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- Milk or Cream: The base of eggnog is usually milk or a combination of milk and cream. This contributes to the creamy texture of the drink.
- Sugar: Sweeteners, such as sugar, are added to balance the richness of the eggs and dairy and to provide a sweet taste.
- Spices: Ground nutmeg and cinnamon are common spices used to flavor eggnog, giving it a warm and festive aroma. Some recipes may also include vanilla or other spices.
- Alcohol (Optional): Traditional eggnog often includes a spirit, such as rum, brandy, whiskey, or bourbon. The alcohol not only adds flavor but also acts as a preservative. However, many recipes offer non-alcoholic versions for those who prefer it.
The preparation involves whisking together the eggs and sugar, adding the milk or cream, and incorporating the spices and alcohol if desired. Some recipes also involve heating the mixture gently on the stove, while others may require chilling before serving.
I used store-bought eggnog in this Gingerbread Cocktail recipe…sometimes it’s all about convenience 😉
Can you substitute milk for eggnog in this cocktail?
You can create a similar flavor and texture by combining milk with certain spices and sweeteners. The milk-based eggnog substitute won’t have the exact thickness and richness of traditional eggnog, which often contains eggs and sometimes cream. However, it captures the essence of the holiday flavors associated with eggnog.
Sweeteners and Spices to use: cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, ground nutmeg.
Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with different spices and sweeteners.
You can also reduce the amount of eggnog used and add milk.
Can you use different alcohol to make this spiked eggnog?
Absolutely! It’s no secret that we love bourbon in my house. But one of the amazing things about cocktail recipes is that they are often flexible and can be customized to suit individual preferences. If you want to experiment with different alcohols in the Spiked Eggnog cocktail, you have various options. Here are a few suggestions:
- Dark Rum:
- Instead of spiced rum, try using dark rum. Dark rum brings a deeper, molasses-like flavor, which can add complexity to the cocktail.
- Cognac:
- Swap bourbon for cognac, a high-quality grape brandy. Cognac tends to be smoother and more refined, offering a luxurious twist to the classic eggnog.
- Brandy:
- Brandy has a rich and smooth flavor profile with subtle fruity and oaky notes. Its inherent sweetness and warmth enhance the overall taste of the eggnog. You can use brandy instead of bourbon.
- Irish Cream Liqueur:
- If you enjoy the creamy aspect of the cocktail, consider using Irish cream liqueur in place of or in addition to the spirits. It will add a delightful Irish cream flavor to the mix.
- Hazelnut Liqueur:
- Add a nutty and sweet dimension to the cocktail by incorporating hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico. It pairs well with the spiced notes of rum or bourbon.
- Amaretto:
- For an almond-flavored twist, substitute spiced rum or brandy with amaretto. Amaretto’s sweet and nutty profile can complement the eggnog’s richness.
Remember to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and the strength of the chosen alcohol. It’s always a good idea to start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. Feel free to get creative and tailor the cocktail to your liking.
Let’s make some deliciously spiked eggnog, shall we? Cheers to this Gingerbread Man Cocktail!
Gingerbread Cocktail
Ingredients
- ½ cup Ice
- ½ oz. spiced rum
- 1 oz. bourbon
- 3 oz. Eggnog
- 1 Gingerbread man cookie or gingersnap for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Crush the gingerbread cookie into crumbs.
- With the glass of choice add a little bit of the liquor or eggnog to the rim and dip into the cookie crumbs.
- Add ice.
- Add in the spice rum, bourbon, and the eggnog.
- Stir well.
- Cheers!
Notes
Nutrition
Do you like eggnog? What’s one of your favorite holiday cocktails?
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