One of my warmest childhood holiday memories is spotting the golden Hood eggnog carton in the fridge, signaling the arrival of Christmas. After all the presents were unwrapped and dinner enjoyed, we would gather by the fire. My parents would pour everyone a cold glass of the creamy, milkshake-like treat—ours non-alcoholic but topped with a sprinkle of festive nutmeg. Even today, the aroma of the spice brings back this cherished tradition.
Now, as an adult, I still savor an annual glass of eggnog during the holidays. The challenge, however, is that store-bought eggnog seems overly sweet and too thick for my taste. While making it from scratch is preferable, convenience often wins. I use a simple (and cost-free!) trick to elevate the taste: shaking eggnog with lots of ice in a cocktail shaker—be it with or without alcohol. This action creates a light, frothy, and well-chilled treat.
The Effortless Upgrade Store-Bought Eggnog Deserves
This ingenious trick draws inspiration from my fondness for shaken iced coffee, or caffé shakerato. This Italian beverage combines espresso with perhaps a touch of simple syrup, shaken with ice to achieve a frothy, smooth, and ice-cold drink. What sets homemade eggnog apart from store-bought is its airy yet creamy texture. I hypothesized that a cocktail shaker could reproduce this effect with eggnog—and it does. I’ve never looked back since discovering this method.
Shaking eggnog with ice slightly dilutes it, reducing the sweetness and lessening the thick, sticky consistency. It also chills the eggnog, making the store-bought variety more palatable. Additionally, the process incorporates air, mimicking the delightful frothiness found in homemade versions.
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How to Elevate Your Store-Bought Eggnog
The process is incredibly straightforward. Begin with your preferred brand of store-bought eggnog. Though I have a nostalgic preference for Hood from New England, I recently tried Straus Family Creamery from California and was impressed.
For a single serving, fill a cocktail shaker with approximately two cups of ice. Add 3/4 cup of eggnog and, if you wish to add a kick, include one ounce of your preferred alcohol. My choices are either dark rum or bourbon. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the exterior becomes frosty. Strain the eggnog into a glass—it can be filled with ice or not, as both options are delightful. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon and enjoy.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a tightly sealed jar, like a Mason jar, serves as a good alternative.
The beauty of this method lies in its ability to create a special drink, whether spiked or not, making it suitable for children and those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
There are numerous ways to customize. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce to the shaker for a chocolate twist, or enhance it with a splash of vanilla or almond extract. You can even turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by including a shot of espresso. Regardless of the approach, the holiday spirit is sure to be felt!
