
Bourbon Eggnog
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If you longed to dip into the holiday punch bowl that held the spiked eggnog, now's your chance to indulge in this sweet, warm, delicious bourbon eggnog. It's creamy and cozy and perfect for a cold winter's evening.
If bourbon is your whiskey of choice, also try this maple bourbon sour and apple bourbon smash!

Not to be overly simplistic, but as far as we see it, there are two kinds of people in this world: those who love eggnog and those who do not. This bourbon eggnog recipe is for the nog-lovers out there! It's got all the soul-warming ingredients you cherish, like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus just the right amount of bourbon.
For this recipe, you can use homemade eggnog, or save some time and use the store-bought variety. Either way, this bourbon eggnog is exactly the elevation you're looking for.
What's the best bourbon for eggnog?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey, made from grain mash including wheat, rye, barley, and at least 51% corn. It is native to the US (unlike other types of whiskey). Typically bourbon is a sweeter whiskey, that has notes of oak, spiced vanilla, and caramel.
To pair bourbon with your eggnog, you'll want to pick a bourbon that helps bring out the flavors already present in the eggnog, such as cinnamon and vanilla.
If you're a big bourbon fan, check out all of our bourbon recipes!
Ingredient notes
Here's what you'll need to bring your bourbon and eggnog cocktail to life!
- Eggnog: You'll need 6 ounces of eggnog (homemade or store-bought) to make a single serving of bourbon eggnog.
- Bourbon: Add 1 ½ ounces of bourbon to your nog for a boozy, vanilla, caramel taste.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Add just a pinch of each spice to enhance the flavors already present in the eggnog.
- Cinnamon sticks: Adding a cinnamon stick or two is just for garnish, however, it does look inviting and smells great as you sip your eggnog.
- Optional (but highly recommended): You certainly don't need to do this step, but it does make for a pretty and fun addition to your glass ā try a cinnamon sugar rim to really take this over the top!

How to make bourbon eggnog
This bourbon eggnog recipe is super simple, especially if you're using premade eggnog! Here's what you'll do:
- Make the cinnamon sugar rim: This step is technically optional, however, if you want to have a tasty rimmer for your glass make this in advance in a small bowl. Wet the glass and dip into the cinnamon sugar.
- Add the eggnog and bourbon to your glass: Once you've added both ingredients, give it a stir.
- Garnish & enjoy: Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg, add your cinnamon stick, and sip away!
How to turn a single serving into a punch bowl of bourbon eggnog
If you plan to serve this bourbon eggnog cocktail for a dinner party or holiday occasion, you can easily turn this single-serving recipe into a big batch.
All you need to do is turn every ounce into a cup.
You will therefore need 6 cups of eggnog and 1 ½ cups of bourbon, plus half a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of nutmeg. And don't forget lots of cinnamon sticks and rimmer for those festive glasses!
Recipe FAQs
Is eggnog actually made with eggs?
Yes, it is. If you are allergic to eggs, eggnog is not a good idea for consumption.
Can I use premade or store-bought eggnog?
You absolutely can! Pick your favorite eggnog up from the store and follow the rest of the bourbon eggnog recipe as written. Yum!
Can I use dairy-free eggnog?
You sure can! If you cannot tolerate dairy, a dairy-free eggnog can easily be substituted for the dairy kind. The rest of the bourbon eggnog recipe will remain the same.
Can I use another type of alcohol to make boozy eggnog?
Yes, you can. Traditional recipes of spiked eggnog use rum and Cognac, which would be a great alternative to bourbon.
How long does eggnog with bourbon last?
If stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge, it will last about 5 days.

More winter cocktails

Bourbon Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces eggnog
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon
- 1 dash EACH: ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- Cinnamon sticks (to garnish)
- Optional cinnamon sugar (for the rim)
Instructions
- Optional step: Put some cinnamon sugar into a small, wide bowl. Dip the rim of a glass in a little water and then dip it into the cinnamon sugar.Add a few ice cubes to a lowball glass and pour the bourbon over top.
- Add the eggnog to the glass and stir well.1 ½ ounces bourbon, 6 ounces eggnog
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg on top then garnish with a cinnamon stick.1 dash EACH: ground cinnamon and nutmeg, Cinnamon sticks
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our cocktail recipes!