What makes eggnog eggnog? Nominally: cream, milk, sugar, eggs and nutmeg, often with a dose of bourbon, rum or Cognac (or all three). However when the Punch group lately amassed greater than a dozen store-bought nogs to pattern, we discovered few that contained all the anticipated components. Three have been dairy-free, and a number of other skipped the precise egg; one was described as “eggnog-flavored milk” versus the real article. However that wasn’t essentially a foul factor. In terms of this drink, it’s a vibe, relatively than a set system, that we’re in search of: a creamy texture, a touch of vanilla, sufficient spice to learn as a vacation deal with. In different phrases, a drink that tastes like melted ice cream.
After making an attempt 13 commercially obtainable variations, we discovered the three that have been the easiest for ingesting on their very own, spiking and even throwing right into a New Orleans–fashion Eggnog Daiquiri. Listed below are those to search for.
A basic for a purpose, Hood’s Golden Eggnog had the proper creamy, well-integrated texture and nutmeg taste. Discovered for as little as $3.50 for a quart, this inexpensive possibility is probably the most archetypal of the group (one taster described it as “nostalgic”), although additionally it is one of many sweetest that we sampled. However, hey, it’s the vacations.
A number of eggnogs we tasted have been too runny and skinny or tried to make up for a scarcity of physique (greatest offered by actual cream and eggs) with gummy stabilizers. Maybe that’s why this feature, made merely with milk, cream, eggs, vanilla and spices, is self-described as “eggnog prefer it used to style.” It has a wealthy texture and taste paying homage to cake batter, with a touch of salt to tie the entire thing collectively. Think about this a special-occasion eggnog—it’s one of the vital costly we tried. Arethusa solely makes a number of limited-run releases a yr, so if it’s at your native retailer, seize it.
Within the dairy-free subset of eggnogs, unsurprisingly, many lacked the spherical, decadent texture of the normal drink. Some have been chalky, popping out of the carton separated (even after shaking) or have been too skinny, studying extra like cereal milk than eggnog. (Almond Breeze’s nutty take on the drink was an exception; full-bodied and spiced, it’s value choosing up for any vegan drinkers.) Whereas not milk-free, Lactaid’s Eggnog is a shocking standout for anybody who’s lactose-intolerant. Of all of the eggnogs we sampled, it captured probably the most “melted ice cream” really feel.
