Eggnog is a classic holiday drink that never fails to warm our hearts and lift our spirits. This rich and creamy concoction has been a favorite for generations, and as a passionate mixologist, I’ve enjoyed exploring the best alcoholic eggnog brands over the years.
Read on to find the best alcoholic eggnog brands with expertly crafted flavors and optimal alcohol content, making them the perfect choice for elevating the holiday season.
Top 15 Alcoholic Eggnog Brands
1. Ole Smoky Moonshine
Average Price: Roughly $22.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 17.5% ABV
Nose: Vanilla ice cream, clove, and caramel
Palate: Vanilla extract, with a hint of burnt sugar, milk, and baking spices
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: The inviting scent of nutmeg and the sweet notes of vanilla essence of the Ole Smoky Shine Nog immediately put me in the holiday mood. Shine Nog was incredibly creamy and velvety, coating my palate in a luscious embrace.
I could taste the subtle hints of caramel, which added a comforting sweetness to the overall experience.
Upper classes would mix their eggnog with brandy, rum, and fortified wines”- David Wondrich, Author & Bartender
Ole Smoky Shine Nog stands out because the moonshine [1] seamlessly blends with the familiarity of a classic eggnog recipe.
2. Mr. Boston
Average Price: Roughly $7.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon
Palate: Custard, sweet vanilla, milk, cream, and warm spices
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Mr. Boston Egg Nog has won my heart with its classic and indulgent taste. The ready-to-drink creamy eggnog recipe gives a holiday season charm that’s hard to resist.
The store-bought eggnog has a velvety texture and sweet flavor, making it a comforting and nostalgic drink to enjoy during the festive season.
It has a thick cream, milk, baking spice, and egg yolks, with a nice sweetness that satisfies my sweet tooth.
3. Evan Williams
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Vanilla and nutmeg, warmly inviting
Palate: Creamy, decadent, with a hint of bourbon
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Evan Williams Eggnog delivers a luscious blend of palate profiles that wraps you in holiday comfort. The welcoming aroma and taste of the store-bought eggnog set the stage for the creamy and indulgent palate.
The subtle presence of bourbon in the eggnog adds a delightful warmth to my favorite eggnog, making it the perfect companion for cozy winter evenings by the fireplace.
4. Two Stars
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Sweet caramel and warm holiday spices
Palate: Balanced rum, brandy, milk, and tasty egg yolk
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Two Stars Eggnog delights my senses with its enticing aroma of sweet caramel, vanilla ice cream, and vanilla extract.
My palate was greeted with the creamy goodness of all the ingredients. The subtle hint of rum, brandy, and bourbon whiskey adds a pleasant kick to the store-bought eggnog, enhancing the overall richness of the eggnog.
But should you add whiskey to eggnog?
5. Old New England
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted vanilla
Palate: Creamy, velvety, with a warm embrace
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Old New England Eggnog tastes like a homemade eggnog that greets you with its aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted vanilla on the nose.
I noticed the thick, velvety texture and discernible flavor of the eggnog that wrapped me in a comforting embrace, creating a blissful moment of indulgence.
The rum, brandy, Kentucky bourbon, and blended whiskey are noticeable and just the right amount.
The well-balanced profile dance on my palate leaves a lasting impression of holiday cheer. This eggnog is a timeless classic that brings the charm of New England festivities right to your glass.
6. Skrewball
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (ABC)
Alcohol Content: 14.75% ABV
Nose: Peanut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla blend
Palate: Creamy, nutty, with a hint of spice
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Skrewball Eggnog is a store-bought eggnog with a delightful twist on the traditional recipe [2], surprising us with the inviting aroma of peanut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
The nutty notes complement the thick texture, creating a unique and flavorful experience. The subtle hint of spice adds a touch of warmth, making it an ideal drink for the holiday season.
It has a lively flavor of cream, fresh milk, burnt sugar, egg yolks, with a bit of peanuts.
7. Christian Brothers
Average Price: Roughly $7.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 10% ABV
Nose: Ripe fruit, vanilla, and subtle oak
Palate: Smooth, fruit-forward, with a gentle warmth
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Christian Brothers Eggnog is a dairy-free eggnog with a bit of brandy. The brand carefully selected the best liquor for their eggnog recipes to ensure the ripe fruit and subtle oak notes.
The smooth and fruit-forward palate offers a pleasant surprise, elevating the homemade eggnog experience for those people who prefer non-dairy products.
The dairy-free eggnog perfectly embodies the spirit of celebration, making it an excellent addition to any holiday party.
8. Winterhaven Farms
Average Price: Roughly $8.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 14.75% ABV
Nose: Freshly grated nutmeg, creamy custard essence
Palate: Silky, indulgent, with a hint of spice
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Winterhaven Farms Eggnog is a holiday delight with its enchanting nose of freshly grated nutmeg and the essence of creamy custard.
While drinking eggnog, my palate is treated by the thick, delicious, and sweet flavor similar to homemade eggnog recipes [3].
The delicate hint of fine liquors like rum, brandy, and blended whiskey adds a touch of warmth, making it the perfect companion for holidays.
But is bourbon or rum better for eggnog?
9. BuzzBallz
Average Price: Roughly $3.84 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Custard, milk, sugar, egg, and baking spice
Palate: Vanilla custard and comforting nutmeg
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: BuzzBallz Eggnog is a delightful twist on the classic holiday cocktail. The inviting aroma of custard, egg, sugar, and slight ginger sets the stage for a creamy and indulgent experience.
Each sip is delicately spiced, with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect dessert cocktail to savor during the festive season.
10. Kirkland Signature
Average Price: Roughly $9.99 (Costco)
Alcohol Content: 14.75% ABV
Nose: Warm cinnamon, brandy
Palate: Milk, eggs, brandy, rum
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Kirkland Signature Eggnog is a holiday classic with warm and inviting cinnamon and milk.
The smooth and luscious palate of dairy cream, eggs, spiced rum, brandy, whisky, and French vanilla evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of cherished family gatherings.
11. Pennsylvania Dutch
Average Price: Roughly $14.99 (ABC)
Alcohol Content: 14.75% ABV
Nose: Aromatic and velvety custard
Palate: Milk, ice cream, baking spice, and eggs with a thick texture
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Pennsylvania Dutch Eggnog is a delightful treat with aromatic notes that entice my nose and perfectly complement the velvety custard essence.
Their eggnog recipes capture the essence of tradition, bringing the warmth and joy of the holidays in a glass.
The balanced flavor profile offers a smooth and indulgent experience, making it a true pleasure to savor. The subtle hint of warmth adds a comforting touch, making it an ideal drink for cozy winter nights.
But how long will Pennsylvania Dutch Eggnog last?
12. Sugarlands
Average Price: Roughly $22.19 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 20% ABV
Nose: Sweet caramel, baking spice, brandy
Palate: Decadent with a gentle kick
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Sugarlands Eggnog is a delightful indulgence with its enticing nose of sweet caramel, spice, milk, and eggs. The decadent palate offers a velvety smoothness, making every glass a luxurious treat.
The gentle kick and ginger flavor adds a touch of excitement, elevating the traditional eggnog experience. It is a true crowd-pleaser eggnog, perfect for celebrating the festive season with friends and family.
13. Top Nog
Average Price: Roughly $12.62 (SpecsOnline)
Alcohol Content: 14.75% ABV
Nose: Aromatic spices, vanilla, and caramel notes
Palate: Velvety, with a comforting sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Top Nog lives up to its name with an enticing nose of vanilla and caramel notes that create a sense of anticipation.
The Top Nog has a velvety palate that offers a comforting sweetness that wraps you in holiday bliss. Every glass is a delightful experience, making it a top choice for eggnog enthusiasts.
Top Nog is the epitome of holiday indulgence, bringing joy and warmth to the festive season, and I like to drink it over ice.
14. Overbrook
Average Price: Roughly $9.99 (Bottle Buy)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy vanilla
Palate: Smooth, luscious, with a hint of warmth
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Overbrook Eggnog is a delightful holiday indulgence with its fragrant nose of cinnamon, clove, and butter. The thick, smooth, and luscious palate offers a velvety texture that entices my taste buds.
The subtle hint of brandy, rum, blended whiskey, and bourbon adds a comforting touch, making it a perfect drink for chilly winter nights. The eggnog captures the season’s essence, bringing joy and merriment to every sip.
15. Nomad Distilling Co.
Average Price: Roughly $25 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Rich spices, toasty caramel, and vanilla
Palate: Luxuriously thick and velvety-smooth
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Nomad Distilling Co.’s Naughty Nog Holiday Eggnog is an absolute indulgence with its luxuriously thick and velvety-smooth palate.
Each sip is a journey through a sophisticated medley of flavors, carefully crafted to perfection. The harmonious blend of toasty caramel and custard create a palate that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each Nog brand was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor, creaminess, texture, dietary restrictions, smoothness, ABV, and overall enjoyment.
How We Rated The Best Eggnog Brands
Flavor, Creaminess, & Texture
The heart of any great eggnog is its flavor, creaminess, and texture. We meticulously assessed each brand’s ability to strike the perfect balance and the indulgent creaminess of the custard base.
The taste, flavor, and smooth and velvety texture of the Nog were a priority, as they enhanced overall enjoyment and created a luxurious mouthfeel.
Brand Reputation
A Nog brand’s reputation had to be impeccable to earn our approval stamp. We looked for store-bought eggnogs produced by well-established and respected distilleries or manufacturers with a track record of delivering high-quality products.
A positive reputation indicates a commitment to excellence and gives our readers the confidence to try a recommended brand.
Dietary Restrictions
Our selection considered eggnogs catering to various dietary needs, such as gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan alternatives, ensuring everyone can indulge in the holiday spirit.
Alcohol Content
Our ratings favored eggnogs with a well-balanced alcohol content that enhanced the flavors without overpowering the classic eggnog experience.
Every store-bought eggnog we selected has the right balance of brandy, spiced rum, whiskey, and blended whiskey.
Availability
We understand how disappointing it can be to crave a recommended Nog product only to find it unavailable. We sought store-bought eggnogs that are widely accessible and can be found at most reputable liquor stores or online retailers.
Price and Value
Our selection considered the price point and the overall value provided by each store-bought eggnog.
“Eggnog: A hug of holiday and nostalgic warmth.” – Liquor Laboratory
We sought brands that offered a reasonable price for the quality of the product, ensuring that our readers receive an excellent return on their investment.
FAQs
Where can you buy alcoholic eggnog year-round?
Alcoholic eggnog is typically available year-round at well-stocked liquor stores, specialty alcohol retailers, and some online platforms like Drizly and Total Wine.
With ready-mixed drinks like alcoholic eggnog, you can savor seasonal eggnog all year round.
What liquor company makes eggnog?
Various liquor companies produce eggnog, including popular brands like Evan Williams, Ole Smokey, and Bailey’s. Each offers a unique spin on this classic holiday treat.
Is alcoholic eggnog good?
Alcoholic eggnog is considered delicious by many, with its rich, creamy texture and festive flavors of spices and vanilla.
It’s a favorite seasonal indulgence for those who enjoy the taste of traditional eggnog and the warmth of alcohol.
Does alcohol make eggnog last longer?
Adding alcohol to eggnog can extend its shelf life due to the alcohol’s preservative properties [4]. However, it’s essential to refrigerate eggnog properly to ensure freshness and safety.
Can you drink eggnog liqueur by itself?
Yes, eggnog liqueur is intended to be enjoyed on its own.
Like Southern Comfort Traditional Eggnog, it is crafted to embody the essence of eggnog with added alcohol like brandy, rum, and whiskey, making it a flavorful and delightful beverage with a gentle kick.
Why do people enjoy Alcoholic Eggnog during the holidays?
Alcoholic eggnog is a beloved holiday tradition for many, as it combines the creamy texture of eggnog with the warming flavors of spirits like rum, bourbon, or brandy, creating a festive and indulgent treat.
What sets Evan Williams apart as an Alcoholic Eggnog Brand?
Evan Williams offers a classic and traditional eggnog experience, featuring a smooth and creamy texture with hints of vanilla and nutmeg, complemented by the warmth of bourbon.
Why is southern comfort a popular choice for Alcoholic Eggnog?
Southern Comfort adds a unique twist to eggnog with its blend of whiskey, fruit, and spice flavors, creating a distinctive and comforting beverage perfect for the holiday season.
What makes Bacardi stand out among Alcoholic Eggnog brands?
Bacardi offers a light and refreshing take on eggnog, incorporating its premium rum into the mix, resulting in a smooth and flavorful drink with a hint of tropical flair.
Why do some people prefer Captain Morgan for Alcoholic Eggnog?
Captain Morgan’s spiced rum adds depth and complexity to eggnog, with notes of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, enhancing the traditional holiday flavors of nutmeg and cream.
Key Takeaways
Through rigorous testing and research, we carefully evaluated factors like flavor, creaminess, brand reputation, dietary options, alcohol content, availability, and price in selecting alcoholic eggnog brands.
While all the brands offered something special, one stood out as the clear winner – Ole Smoky Shine Nog. With its harmonious blend of flavors and delicious taste, Ole Smoky Shine Nog epitomizes the perfect holiday indulgence.
References:
- What Is Moonshine and How Is Moonshine Made?
- Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey Launches Limited-Edition Skrewball Eggnog
- Homemade Eggnog Recipe
- Why is alcohol used to preserve things?
