The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Store-Bought Eggnog (It Costs Zero Dollars) (2024)

One of my fondest holiday memories as a kid was seeing the golden-hued carton of Hood eggnog in the refrigerator. It was a sign that Christmas had finally arrived. After all the presents were opened and dinner was served, a pile of us gathered by the fire. My parents poured everyone cold glasses of the creamy, milkshake-like drink—the kids' glasses left unspiked but not without a festive sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Even today, when I smell the spice, I am reminded of this childhood tradition.

As an adult, I still relish my annual glass of eggnog for the holidays. The only problem is that now, as an adult, I find store-bought eggnog cloyingly sweet and too thick. However, buying it is more convenient than making the drink from scratch, so I do still indulge in it. Here's my game-changing (and free!) trick for turning it into a delightful holiday drink: I shake the eggnog in a co*cktail shaker with lots of ice—with or without alcohol—to dilute it a bit, make it light and frothy, and make it extra cold.

The Free and Easy Upgrade Store-Bought Eggnog Needs

This clever trick is inspired by my love of shaken iced coffee, also called a caffé shakerato. This Italian drink is nothing but espresso (and usually a little simple syrup) that's shaken in an ice-filled co*cktail shaker to become frothy, extra smooth, and icy cold. My favorite part about homemade eggnog that differentiates it from the carton is its airy yet creamy mouthfeel. I thought that if a co*cktail shaker could smooth out espresso and give it an airy froth, perhaps it could do it for store-bought eggnog too. It can, and I've never looked back.

Shaking eggnog with ice dilutes it just a little. This helps turn the volume down on its inherent sweetness and thins it so it’s not tacky thick, and viscous. It gets your eggnog nicely chilled too, which helps the store-bought stuff taste less sticky sweet. Lastly, shaking adds air to the equation, which mimics the wonderful frothiness you get from the homemade stuff.

The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Store-Bought Eggnog (It Costs Zero Dollars) (1)

How To Shake Your Store-Bought Eggnog

The process couldn’t be more simple. Start with your favorite jug of store-bought eggnog. While I’ll forever have a soft spot for Hood, which hails from New England, I recently tasted California-based Straus Family Creamery eggnog and I am a convert.

For one drink, fill your co*cktail shaker with about two cups of ice. Pour in 3/4 cup of eggnog and, if spiking it, one ounce of your alcohol of choice. For me, that is either dark rum or bourbon. Seal the shaker and shake it vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Strain the eggnog into a glass. I like an ice-filled one, but no ice is traditional and equally great. Garnish with ground nutmeg or cinnamon and enjoy.

No co*cktail shaker? You can follow this same method using a lidded jar that seals tightly, such as a Mason jar.

What I love about this upgrade is that it feels special regardless of whether you’re turning it into a co*cktail by spiking it or not, so it’s a treat for kids and those who don’t drink, too.

There's also lots of room to play. Drizzle a little chocolate sauce into the shaker with the eggnog for a chocolate eggnog. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Store-Bought Eggnog (It Costs Zero Dollars) (2024)

FAQs

The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Store-Bought Eggnog (It Costs Zero Dollars)? ›

Shaking eggnog with ice dilutes it just a little. This helps turn the volume down on its inherent sweetness and thins it so it's not tacky thick, and viscous. It gets your eggnog nicely chilled too, which helps the store-bought stuff taste less sticky sweet.

How to upgrade store-bought eggnog? ›

How to Spike Store-Bought Eggnog. Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol.

Why should you not drink a lot of eggnog? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

What is store-bought eggnog made of? ›

What Is Eggnog Made Of? Today, eggnog is usually made of some combination of eggs (either just the yolks or the yolks and the whipped egg whites), sugar, milk, cream, nutmeg, and sometimes booze. We're all familiar with the cartons of store-bought eggnog that grace supermarkets every December.

Is store-bought eggnog good for you? ›

One-half cup typically has 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. Making your own eggnog will spare you the additives found in store-bought varieties but a traditional recipe will be similar in calories and fat. You can lighten things up using low fat dairy products and going light on the sugar.

How to make store bought eggs nog better? ›

It can, and I've never looked back. Shaking eggnog with ice dilutes it just a little. This helps turn the volume down on its inherent sweetness and thins it so it's not tacky thick, and viscous. It gets your eggnog nicely chilled too, which helps the store-bought stuff taste less sticky sweet.

What can I add to eggnog to make it taste better? ›

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

Is eggnog bad for your kidneys? ›

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

Why is eggnog so unhealthy? ›

A classic holiday drink, eggnog is made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Sometimes alcohol like rum or brandy is added for a little kick. This combination provides a rich source of fats and carbohydrates, contributing to a high calorie and sugar content.

Is eggnog bad for your stomach? ›

“Eggnog is made with 'heavy' ingredients that, eaten in exclusion of anything else, might cause stomach distress,” registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs said. “Cream is full of fat and that takes longer to digest.

Can you freeze eggnog? ›

Luckily, you can freeze eggnog and enjoy it safely past the holiday season. In fact, the sweet, custardy liquid is great to keep on hand to add extra flavor to recipes or speed up a quick and convenient breakfast (like this Eggnog French Toast Casserole).

Which eggnog is best? ›

The Best Eggnog: Southern Comfort Traditional Eggnog

“It has a lovely golden color with small flecks of grated nutmeg,” says Mark Neufang in the Test Kitchen. While only a sprinkling is used, even in homemade recipes, this baking spice really makes this Christmastime drink taste like the holiday season.

Why is eggnog so expensive? ›

Canadian chef Heidi Fink states that one of the reasons people are making less homemade eggnog is that the beverage is expensive to make, due to its use of substantial quantities of cream, eggs, and spirits. Concerns about the safety of raw eggs may be another reason for the decline in homemade eggnog making.

Is eggnog bad for your cholesterol? ›

Eggnog is loaded with saturated fat and sugar. It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.)

Does egg nog expire? ›

Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions.

Why should you be careful with that eggnog? ›

Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill bacteria.

How to jazz up store bought egg nog? ›

Top each glass with a dash of nutmeg (freshly grated is best) and a pinch of finely grated orange zest. Serve and enjoy, preferably near a crackling fireplace.

How long does store bought eggnog last after opening? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

What is the best store bought eggnog to spike? ›

Best Eggnog to Spike: Southern Comfort Traditional Eggnog

It's not all that surprising that the team behind Southern Comfort whiskey knows how to make a booze-friendly eggnog. “This is thick, rich and pleasantly sweet thanks to baking spices,” one editor said.

What is the best way to drink eggnog? ›

Serve your eggnog chilled and plain for a classic treat.

All you have to do is pour chilled eggnog into a glass. It pairs nicely with sweets, especially baked goods make with milk or cream. Try your eggnog with warm pastries, cookies, or even ice cream.

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