I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money (2024)

Even eggnog haters will like these.

By Gabby Romero
I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money (1)

Love it or hate it, eggnog is a Christmas classic. This creamy, spiced concoction is almost exclusively enjoyed around the holidays, but eggnog's history hasn't always been rooted in Yuletide cheer. Historians believe its origins date back to Medieval Britain, where 13th century monks added eggs, spices, and booze to hot milk. Eggnog was prescribed to sick kings, served by George Washington at Mount Vernon, and it even incited a famous riot at West Point in 1826. But today it's decidedly a Christmas co*cktail.

Eggnog recipes can vary significantly based on the consistency, blend of spices, and the type of alcohol you're using, if you're using it at all. It can also come in countless forms. You can drink it at virtually any temperature. You can turn it into a Jell-O shot. You can—and should—use it to level up your holiday baking (eggnog crème brûlée, anyone?).

Once December rolls around you can spot dozens of eggnog brands in your supermarket dairy aisle. Buying pre-made eggnog is certainly more convenient than making it yourself, but deciding just which brand to buy is hard work too. Which ones have the best texture? Which one has the right amount of spice? Which vegan eggnog tastes closest to the real thing?

We decided to answer all of those questions and more with an official Delish eggnog taste test. Our team of food experts and eggnog enthusiasts tasted dozens of different eggnog varieties and determined which brands are objectively the best. So when it's time to start planning your Christmas party, choosing the right eggnog is one thing you can cross off your to-do list.

Best Classic Eggnog: Ronnybrook Farms Eggnog

The ideal eggnog is decadent with just the right amount of thickness from the eggs. Ronnybrook is the closest you can get to perfect homemade eggnog. Our tasters raved over the texture, describing it as "rich," "creamy," and "perfect." The nutmeg flavor is there, but more on the subtle side.

Best Spice-Forward Eggnog: Family Farmstead

I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money (4)

Some of us enjoy eggnog for the custardy richness. But for those who drink eggnog because of the cozy winter spices, Family Farmstead is the brand for you. This eggnog supplements the traditional nutmeg with plenty of cinnamon, which makes the drink even more festive.

Out team unanimously agreed that Family Farmstead's eggnog had the best flavor of the bunch, with many comparing the taste to the milk left behind after eating a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Best Light Eggnog: Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog

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Light eggnog is one of the most disappointing dairy products on the planet. Eliminating the fat from eggnog typically sacrifices the rich flavor and texture that makes the drink so delicious in the first place. We can't in good conscience recommend an eggnog made with nonfat milk. But we can wholeheartedly stand behind Organic Valley.

Their reduced fat eggnog contains only a fraction of the fat of traditional varieties, but it's still decadent enough to feel indulgent. Some of our tasters couldn't even tell that it was a low fat eggnog at all.

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Best Nondairy Eggnog: Chobani Oat Nog

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The demand for nondairy milks seems to have eclipsed that of OG dairy, so it only makes sense that there are a lot of plant-based eggnogs on the market. We tried vegan eggnogs made with coconut, almond, and soy, but Chobani's oat-based nog was by far the best.

Best Spiked Eggnog: Pennsylvania Dutch

I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money (7)

All of the above eggnogs can easily be spiked with the spirit of your choice. But if you want to opt for an eggnog that does all the boozy work for you, Pennsylvania Dutch is your best bet. Each bottle contains rum, brandy, and blended whiskey. And our experts could definitely taste all three of them.

"You can taste the booze, it gives it a little kick and a little razzle dazzle," one of our testers noted. It's strong, balanced, and super rich thanks to the inclusion of real cream.

Best Nondairy Spiked Eggnog: Misunderstood Oat Nog

I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money (8)

Just because you don't do dairy doesn't mean you don't deserve the convenience of a spiked eggnog. Misunderstood Whiskey blends their ginger-scented spirit with creamy oat milk for a seriously boozy holiday beverage.

Our testers loved the scent of vanilla and the blend of cozy spices, with one of them describing it as "potpourri-esque—in a good way." We would gladly drink a glass (or three) of this nog at a Christmas party.

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I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money (2024)

FAQs

Is it bad to drink eggnog everyday? ›

Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

What does eggnog do to your body? ›

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 happens if you drink too much egg nog? ›

“That's because all of these can compound into a difficult-to-digest situation, requiring digestive enzymes like lactase, sucrase and alcohol dehydrogenase to kick into high gear all at the same time. This could lead to gas, diarrhea, cramping or abdominal pain within 30 minutes to a few hours after drinking.”

What does eggnog symbolize? ›

It was thought that the use of “luxury” ingredients such as cream and alcohol would invite prosperity into the household for the coming year. In most households today, a cup of eggnog ushers in the good cheer of the holiday more so than any belief in impending wealth.

Is eggnog good for the 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.

Is egg nog inflammatory? ›

"Eggnog commonly contains nutmeg, which contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants," Hultin says. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative stress, a process that damages and inflames them.

Is eggnog healthy for your heart? ›

Zumpano explains that even though a typical serving of eggnog is smaller than most other beverages (4 oz., or half a cup, compared to 8 oz., or one cup), this small serving has a tremendous amount of saturated fat (6 grams), added sugar (19 grams), and sodium (70 milligrams).

Is eggnog bad for high 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.)

Why is eggnog so addictive? ›

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

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.

Should eggnog be warm or cold? ›

Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.

What alcohol is in eggnog? ›

Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.

What makes eggnog so addictive? ›

The role of sugar in eggnog

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

Is eggnog bad for your skin? ›

Eggnog: Full fat egg nog is incredibly high in calories, cholesterol, sugar, and saturated fat. Many people who consume too much dairy tend to experience increases in oil production, resulting in more severe acne breakouts.

Does eggnog build muscle? ›

Because it consists largely of milk and eggs, the combo below contains an impressive 31g of protein to fuel your muscle-building efforts.

Does eggnog have a lot of sugar in it? ›

But be aware that a single cup can pack in 400 calories and 40 grams of sugar. So, if eggnog is a daily indulgence throughout the holiday season, it pays to find a better-for-you nog that you truly enjoy. Fortunately, there are a few lower-sugar eggnog options out there that taste pretty good, too.

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