As a child, one of my favorite holiday traditions was spotting the golden glow of a Hood eggnog carton in our fridge. It marked the official arrival of Christmas. Once the gifts were unwrapped and dinner was enjoyed, our family would gather by the fire. My parents served everyone glasses of the creamy, milkshake-like drink—leaving the kids’ portions alcohol-free but with a dash of festive nutmeg on top. Even now, the scent of nutmeg instantly takes me back to those cherished childhood moments.
As an adult, I still look forward to my yearly holiday glass of eggnog. However, I now find the store-bought versions excessively sweet and overly thick. While it’s more convenient to purchase rather than make it from scratch, I’ve discovered a simple and cost-free trick to transform it into a refreshing holiday drink: I vigorously shake the eggnog in a cocktail shaker filled with ice—adding alcohol if desired—diluting it slightly to be lighter, frothy, and refreshing.
Free and Simple Ways to Enhance Store-Bought Eggnog
Inspired by my love for shaken iced coffee, or caffé shakerato, I tried using the cocktail shaker technique with eggnog. This Italian drink consists of espresso shaken with ice to create a frothy, velvety-smooth, iced beverage. I realized that the best part of homemade eggnog is its airy, creamy texture, and guessed that shaking store-bought eggnog could replicate that. Indeed, it worked wonders, and I haven’t turned back since.
Shaking eggnog with ice slightly dilutes its thick consistency and lessens its sweetness. This method also chills the drink quickly, making it taste less cloying. By incorporating air, the eggnog becomes frothy, mimicking the delightful texture of homemade versions.
How to Prepare Your Store-Bought Eggnog
The process is straightforward. Start with your preferred brand of store-bought eggnog. While I have a special place in my heart for New England’s Hood, I’ve recently become a fan of California’s Straus Family Creamery eggnog.
For a single serving, add about two cups of ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 3/4 cup of eggnog and, if desired, one ounce of your chosen alcohol—my go-to is either dark rum or bourbon. Seal the shaker and shake it vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the shaker’s exterior becomes frosty. Pour the eggnog into a glass. I prefer mine with ice, but serving it without is equally delightful. Add a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon as garnish, and enjoy.
Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a tightly sealed jar, such as a Mason jar, for similar results.
What’s wonderful about this method is that it feels special, whether you’re making it a cocktail or keeping it alcohol-free, offering a treat for both kids and non-drinkers.
There’s ample opportunity for experimentation. Add some chocolate sauce for a chocolate twist, incorporate a dash of vanilla or almond extract, or create an iced eggnog latte by mixing in a shot of espresso. Each variation adds a festive touch to the holiday season!
