Quick Brandy Eggnog

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/22/23
Tested by Joan Velush
Brandy Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

The Spruce

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

A rich holiday treat, eggnog is a favorite drink for Christmas parties and other holiday gatherings. The secret to great eggnog is quality ingredients, and it doesn't have to be difficult to make. While there are many eggnog recipes, this brandy eggnog is one of the easiest. With the same amount of effort you'd put into any other cocktail, a delicious glass of nog will be ready for you to enjoy in minutes.

For this recipe, you will need just four ingredients and a cocktail shaker. It's very similar to the eggnog you might get at the bar, with a perfect balance of brandy and satisfying creaminess. You'll find that it surpasses the taste of almost any premade eggnog you can buy at the store, too. Who knows, it may even bring some anti-noggers over to the nog side.

“This recipe is perfect for those times when you’re in the mood for eggnog but don’t want to make a big batch. Throw a few simple ingredients into a cocktail shaker with some ice and you’ll have a delicious chilled holiday drink in just a few quick minutes.” —Joan Velush

Quick Brandy Eggnog/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce brandy

  • 1 1/4 ounces milk

  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • Grated nutmeg, or cinnamon, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Brandy eggnog ingredients
    The Spruce

  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, milk, simple syrup, and egg yolk. Dry shake without ice.

    Add eggnog ingredients to cocktail shaker
    The Spruce

  3. Fill the shaker with ice, then shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure the egg yolk is fully incorporated.

    Add ice and shake until well mixed
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  4. Strain into an old-fashioned or cocktail glass.

    Strain eggnog into cocktail glass
    The Spruce

  5. Add a dash of grated nutmeg or cinnamon as a garnish. Serve and enjoy.

    Add nutmeg and cinnamon to eggnog
    The Spruce

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs poses a risk of foodborne illness.

Tips

  • Most brandies will make a tasty eggnog. Keep quality in mind and don't be too much of a cheapskate, though. A great eggnog deserves a nice brandy, and there are good options available in all price ranges.
  • It is crucial that you use a fresh egg. Simply place it in a glass of water to test the egg's freshness. If the egg floats, discard it because that means the egg is too old. For any egg cocktail, only use eggs that rest on the bottom. This will ensure the best-tasting drink and reduce the risk of salmonella.
  • If you like, you can use a pasteurized egg yolk, or an egg yolk substitute, though a real egg does create the best-tasting eggnog.
  • When shaking drinks with eggs, it's best to do two separate rounds of shaking. By starting out with a dry shake, then adding ice, and shaking longer and with more vigor than normal, you'll ensure that the yolk gets broken up and thoroughly mixes with the other ingredients. If your arms hurt, that's the sign of a good shake.

Recipe Variations

Brandy is one of the traditional bases for eggnog, but it's not your only option. Rum has long been a favorite, and many whiskies make a nice eggnog as well. In fact, this recipe is perfect for trying out all three liquors to see which you enjoy most. You will be amazed at the differences, and the experiment is a lot of fun.

  • For rum, stick with aged or gold rums. White rums tend to get lost in the mix, and spiced rums can be too much spice for some drinkers. This is especially true if you have digestive issues.
  • Whiskey is another story. Each style, and each brand will create a different flavor profile in your eggnog. Bourbon, rye whiskey, and blended Canadian whisky are preferred options but don't discount Irish whiskey.

How Strong Is This Eggnog?

Eggnog has a reputation for getting holiday revelers a little too tipsy. That may be due to drinking one cup too many or an overpouring host. In reality, this particular recipe is relatively mild, and its alcohol content will fall around 14 percent ABV (28 proof). That's about the same as the strongest wines, so don't blame the eggnog.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
240 Calories
11g Fat
9g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 240
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 374mg 125%
Sodium 96mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 94mg 7%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 139mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)