Classic Eggnog
Rich, creamy and crowd-pleasing, eggnog is a holiday-time tradition. This centuries-old drink comes in many variations but you can't go wrong with this basic recipe:
History
While the origin of the name “eggnog” is still hotly debated, the drink is probably derived from a 13th-century warmed concoction of eggs, spices and spirits called a posset, created by monks as an after-dinner custard. It evolved over the next 100 years into a celebratory drink for the wealthy in Europe, as the ingredients were expensive and exclusive. By the 1700s, it had become a popular holiday sipper in North America. There were plenty of cows and chickens, so the drink was available to everyone. As rum was widely available, it was the spirit of choice, but as rum became scarce and bourbon production increased, many recipes substituted whisky as the preferred cocktail base.
Mix it up!
Choose Your Spirit
Classic eggnog spirits include rum or flavoured rum, bourbon or brandy. For more of a kick, try a nutty liqueur such as Frangelico or add the coffee notes of Kahlúa or Tia Maria.
Canadian Concoction
For a distinctively Canadian feel, make the basic recipe above then mix 1 oz J.P. Wiser’s deluxe whisky, ½ oz Sortilege and 4 oz eggnog over ice, and garnish with a skewer of frozen cranberries.
Throw an Eggnog Party
Host an afternoon soirée with small punch glasses of eggnog. We pair the drink with gingerbread cookies, carrot cake and pecan butter cookies, with a focus on their more savoury and spicy flavours to balance the drink's sweetness.
