Liquor Laboratory

ll logo white
ll logo white

5 Best Brandies For Eggnog (2024 Updated)

Best Brandy For Eggnog

Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Eggnogs are really fit for the holiday season. But we can upgrade it with a twist other than the usual rum. Using brandy is a good addition because of its complexity in taste.

Let’s find out what is the best brandy for eggnog and what recipes you can follow to bring a more delicious treat to the table. 

Top 5 Brandy Brands For Eggnog 

1. E&J VSOP Premium Brandy (Total Wine)

E&J VSOP Premium Brandy

E&J VSOP Premium Brandy has been a trusted brand since 1938, perfecting the delicious cognac. The company did not point out the number of years it was aged, but it should be at least four years. 

The smell suggests fruity sweetness, while the flavor leans more on the taste of apples and berries with a hint of oak. These flavors are a perfect fit for your homemade eggnog. 

2. Hennessy VS (Caskers)

Hennessy VS

Hennessy VS is a famous Cognac known for its delicious taste and complex flavor. Its master blender used the best ingredients from the Cognac region to produce the spirits it became known for until today. 

This cognac can be the best liquor for eggnogs because of the creamy sweetness that blends well with eggnog ingredients. This Hennessy bottle will provide the kick and the added taste of fruits and roasted almonds. 

3. Pierre Ferrand Ambre (Total Wine)

Pierre Ferrand Ambre

Pierre Ferrand Ambre is made from the highest quality Ugni grapes but mixed with another Colombard grape variety. It has a satisfying smoothness compared to your favorite ice-cold beer

The spirits from Pierre Ferrand have a sweet, lively flavor of plums and amber with hints of floral smell, and rye makes it a great fit for eggnog. 

4. Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP (Total Wine)

Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP on table with glass

Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP is another good pick when you want to create a ‘Nog.’  This drink has a complex smell to the nose, a mixture of chocolate, caramel, and oak notes. It has a nice sweetness of fruit with vanilla, iris, rye, and a little touch of ginger and other spices on the tongue. 

5. Camus VS (Total Wine)

Camus VS

Camus VS is from a distillery that has been in wine-making since 1863 from Cognac, France. They manufacture these in traditional copper stills. Then, they age the eau-de-vie in Limousin oak barrels. 

The flavor of this creamy cognac is a mixture of fruits, apples, pears, and grapes. This bottle can blend with cinnamon and other ingredients you can add to your eggnog.

Why Use Brandy With Eggnog? 

Using brandy with eggnog is not the usual choice, but it is certainly one of the best options other than the usual rum. Brandy, particularly cognac, is infused with complex flavors during aging. 

The best eggnog recipes contain the most flavorful ingredients, and brandy will complement the taste. Adding a liquor with an overpowering smell or taste like vodka may not be a good option. So what’s the best way to drink brandy?

Popular Eggnog Recipes With Brandy

Popular Eggnog Recipes With Brandy

Quick Brandy Eggnog

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce cognac 
  • 1 1/4 ounces of milk
  • Half ounce simple syrup
  • 1 egg yolk (large)
  • Nutmeg or cinnamon (grated for garnish)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients inside the shaker. Alcohol can also be bourbon or rum. Dry shake contents very well. Fill the shaker with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain contents and pour into an old-fashioned cocktail glass. 

Serving: 1

Eggnog Brandy Alexander Recipe

Eggnog Brandy Alexander

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces eggnog (store-bought eggnog or homemade)
  • 2 ounces spiced rum
  • 2 ounces cognac

Instructions:

Fill shaker with ice and then pour in all ingredients. Shake well. Pour contents into cocktail glasses. This recipe can make two servings. Drink and enjoy.

Serving: 1

Spiked Eggnog With Brandy

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 4 hrs 40 mins

Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs (large)
  • 2 egg yolks (large)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 4 cups milk (whole)
  • 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups brandy, bourbon whiskey, or dark rum
  • 1 tbs pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cold heavy cream

Instructions:

Place eggs, yolks, salt, and sweeteners inside the saucepan and whisk everything. Slowly pour milk into the mixture, mixing continuously—place the saucepan at the lowest heat possible. Watch out if it clings to the back of the spoon; it’s a sign to turn the heat off.

Strain and add your choice of liquor to the mixture. Mix and pour on a pitcher, then cover with plastic and chill for at least 4 hours. Once ready, whip the cream and carefully mix with chilled eggnog. 

Serving: 1

Frozen Brandied Eggnog

Frozen Brandied Eggnog

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces eggnog 
  • 6 ounces cognac (can also be rum or whiskey)
  • Ten ice cubes 
  • Four scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato 

Instructions:

Place highball glasses or small goblets inside the freezer to chill. Puree eggnog, cognac, and ice cubes until smooth. You can replace alcohol [1] with aged rum or bourbon, whatever you prefer. 

Once you see the content on the blender is smooth, add in ice cream or gelato. Blend well. Pour on chilled glasses and serve.

Serving: 4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What can you use with eggnog aside from brandy?

You can use rum or bourbon whiskey with eggnog aside from brandy. Rum and these liquors do not contain a higher alcohol level, and it has a sweet flavor.

What kind of brandy do you use for eggnog?

Cognac is the kind of brandy you use for eggnog. It may have a higher price than the usual liquor used, like whiskey and rum, but brandy’s taste is sweet, and it normally has a note of spice that escalates the drink’s flavor.

What is the best brandy to put in eggnog?

The choice of brandy for eggnog can be subjective, but popular options include:

Rémy Martin VSOP: A well-balanced Cognac with fruity notes.

Courvoisier VS: A smooth and versatile Cognac.

Hennessey VS: Known for its bold flavor and versatility in mixing.

Is eggnog a Cognac or rum?

Eggnog is a traditional holiday beverage that is typically made with a base of milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. While some recipes may include both Cognac and rum, it is not inherently one or the other. The choice between Cognac or rum depends on personal preference.

What is the best rum to put in eggnog?

When selecting rum for eggnog, consider:

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum: Adds a hint of spice to complement the creamy flavors.

Bacardi Gold Rum: Offers a smooth and mellow profile.

Mount Gay Eclipse Rum: Known for its balanced and versatile character.

Why brandy in eggnog?

Brandy is often chosen for eggnog due to its rich and complex flavor profile, which can enhance the overall taste of the drink. The warmth and depth of brandy complement the creamy and spiced elements of eggnog, creating a well-balanced and festive beverage.

What are the top 5 brandy brands?

Some top-rated brandy brands include:

Rémy Martin: Known for its premium Cognacs, particularly the Rémy Martin XO.

Hennessy: Renowned for its range of Cognacs, with Hennessy XO being a popular choice.

Courvoisier: Famous for its smooth and well-balanced Cognacs, such as Courvoisier VSOP.

Hine: Recognized for its high-quality Cognacs, including Hine Rare VSOP.

Martell: A historic Cognac house, with Martell Cordon Bleu being a well-regarded expression.

Incorporating these brandy brands into eggnog can elevate the holiday drink experience. Experimenting with different combinations allows you to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste preferences.

What alcohol is most used in eggnog?

Brandy and rum are the most commonly used alcohols in eggnog. Brandy, particularly Cognac, adds richness and depth, while rum, often spiced, contributes warmth and complexity.

What kind of brandy is in eggnog?

The choice of brandy for eggnog can vary. Popular options include Cognac, a high-quality French brandy, known for its smoothness and complexity. Specific brands like Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, or Hennessy are often favored in eggnog.

How much brandy do you put in eggnog?

The amount of brandy in eggnog is a matter of personal preference. A common starting point is 1 to 2 ounces of brandy per serving. Adjust the quantity based on taste, ensuring the alcohol complements the creamy and spiced flavors without overpowering the drink.

What can I use instead of Cognac in eggnog?

If Cognac is unavailable, you can substitute it with other brandies or even dark rum. Brandy options may include American brandy, Spanish brandy, or other high-quality alternatives. Experiment with different spirits to find the flavor profile that suits your taste.

Is Bacardi good in eggnog?

Bacardi, especially Bacardi Gold or Bacardi Spiced Rum, can be a good choice for eggnog. Its smooth and mellow profile complements the creamy texture of eggnog, and the spiced variant can add extra depth to the flavor. Adjust the amount based on personal preference, starting with 1 to 2 ounces per serving.

Final Thoughts: Best Brandy For Eggnog

The best eggnog you can have as a holiday drink could be brandy eggnog. Cognac brandy is a good choice for these mixed drinks because its subtle smoothness does not overpower the drink. Bourbon whiskey eggnog or one with white rum is also a good choice. 

But since this is for a special occasion, it wouldn’t be bad if you spent a bit on the alcohol you mix with your eggnog. Brandy is high proof, just like bourbon and rum, but its alcohol is tamed and rested. It is exactly the type of alcohol that can spike up your eggnog and elevate the flavor.

Reference:

  1. What to know about Congeners alochol?
Lumint ad Side Bar
Flex Ad Side Bar