In a recent and highly-scientific study, a whopping 42% of surveyed Tasting Table readers said rum is the best alcohol to add to eggnog. We see you rum fans, and were getting to the bottom of this important topic.
The typical eggnog recipe is easy, and you can make it ahead of time. According to Shannon Mustipher, a rum consultant and brand representative for Denizen rums, you should definitely mix your rum and eggnog ahead of time. “Pre-batching and allowing the eggnog to rest for at least 48 hours leaves your hands free and it allows guests to serve themselves easily when you are hosting a gathering,” she says. “Also, an eggnog, when made with quality ingredients, can not only keep for up to a month or longer, but will improve over time, in the same way most bottled cocktails like the Manhattan, Martini, and Negroni can under the right conditions.”
According to Bradley Moore of Laka Lono Rum Club in Omaha, Nebraska, the best rums for eggnog have strong flavors and a high ABV, “For me, the main thing is having a spirit that can accentuate the flavors of eggnog, but still stand out against the cream,” he says. With Mustipher and Moore as our guides, lets take a journey through some of the best rums to mix with eggnog.
Created as a tribute to Dutch rum merchants from centuries ago, Denizens Merchants Reserve rum is a blend of 8-year-old Jamaican pot still rum and a rare style from Martinique called rhum grande arome, a blend that Mustipher calls funky, aromatic, and slightly earthy. Use the of rhum grande arome is particularly eye-catching because it isnt typically used in cocktails, not even in Martinique. “In Martinique,” Mustipher says, “the grocery stores dont keep rhum grande arome in the rum section. They keep it in the baking section. So they mostly use it in the same way some people use, say, Grand Marnier for baking.”
According to tiki lore, this rum blend was used by tiki icon Trader Vic Bergeron to develop the third version of his famous mai tai cocktail. Because of this, Denizen claims its Merchants Reserve is the historically-accurate first mai tai rum blend to be commercially available.
“Rum mixes exceptionally well with cognac,” she continues. “By adding cognac with this rum, you will get additional floral and aromatic aromas to the finished drink.”
I have many rums in my collection, but for eggnog, I always reach for Pusser’s. I use brandy and I also sprinkle powdered nutmeg on top. The blackest darkest rum you can find. I usually use Gosling’s, but any really good dark rum works great.
Denizen Vatted Dark Rum
Made from 80% dark rum and 20% Martinican rum, Denizens Vatted Dark Rum draws inspiration from two different concepts. According to the Denizen website, it draws cultural inspiration and pays homage to an 1823 slave rebellion, in which slaves in rebelled against their British colonial masters. This rum also draws inspiration from the “vatted style” that was used to formulate rum blends for the British Navy in the 18th century.
“On the surface, it looks similar to the Merchants Reserve,” Mustipher says, referring to the other Denizen rum she recommends for eggnog. “Its also made with a dark rum and a Martinitian rhum. But in the Vatted Black, the Martinitian rhum is an agricole, which is drier than the rhum grande arome.”
As a result, mixing this rum with eggnog will result in a relatively dry version. But what the rum lacks in sweetness it makes up for in terms of flavor, shipping notes of caramel, burnt sugar, and cacao, according to Denizen.
Lemon Hart & Son Original 1804 Rum
When asked about a guiding light for choosing rums to go with eggnog, Moore says it all comes down to power, “Eggnog has a lot of bold flavors that can cover up a spirit. So you need to find a spirit thats very bold and rich, in order to combat the flavor-canceling aspects of eggnog. I try to use something with a higher proof, or something with a rich mouthfeel to it.”
He singles out Lemon Hart & Son Original 1804 rum as a prime example of a bold-flavored rum that pairs well with eggnog. This rum is named after Lehman “Lemon” Hart, a titan of the late 18th and 19th-century British rum trade. Hart made a made for himself by developing an innovative rum blend that eventually became an official rum of the British navy.
Distilled and aged in the iconic rum-producing region of Demerara in Guyana, Original 1804 is a British-style black rum that features the flavors of dark brown sugar, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and vanilla bean — making it an obvious partner for eggnog.
Overproof rums were likely developed because they took less space to ship, (via Punch). Distillers could ship these high-proof rums overseas and water them down to bottle-proof once the shipments reached their destination. Industrial strength rums likely caught on when curious sailors got high on their own supply and dipped into rum shipments during long voyages. With sailors getting a taste for overproof rums, taverns in port cities started selling the stuff. Over time, the general public grew to appreciate high-octane rums and the style eventually became commercially viable.
Both Moore and Mustipher agree that high-proof and overproof rums are great for eggnog. Clocking in at 69% ABV, Plantation Rums O.F.T.D rum more than fits the bill. According to the Plantation website, O.F.T.D. officially stands for Old Fashioned Traditional Dark and its the distillerys take on that classic style of overproof rums.
“Plantation O.F.T.D. is great if youre thinking, How boozy can I make this eggnog? How many people are getting offended at the Christmas party this year?” Moore laughs. “And its really easy to find, which is great.”
Egg-celent Egg Nog! The Best alcohol to mix with Egg Nog?
FAQ
What kind of rum is good for eggnog?
What is the best alcohol to mix with eggnog?
Is Captain Morgan and eggnog good?
Is Captain Morgan dark rum?
Does rum go with Eggnog?
The booze, of course. While traditional eggnog can be spiked with everything from bourbon to Sherry to brandy, rum is a particularly popular option—and for good reason. With dark sugar overtones and deeply spicy character, rum provides a uniquely complex foundation for this dessert-like quaff.
What spirit goes with Eggnog?
There are a lot of spirits you can pair with eggnog to get you in the spirit. While some prefer bourbon or brandy, rum is what was traditionally used to spike the custard-like drink. And when it comes to your rum, choose wisely. There are many varieties on the market to use that range from clear to gold to black to navy.
Does spruce rum go with Eggnog?
The Spruce conducted a taste test resulting in a gold or aged rum as the perfect fit with eggnog’s flavor. You would ~think~ that spiced rum would blend perfectly into a holiday drink. Isn’t everything around this time of the year better stuffed with spices? Yes, but not when it comes to this kind of drink.
How do you make a good eggnog drink?
Whip the eggnog mix separately to create a frothy drink. Steer clear of white rum due to its delicate and clear characteristics. Opt for a gold or aged rum instead. If you’re looking for a playful alternative that echoes the qualities of rye whiskey, consider selecting a spiced rum. Try to add brandy or cognac liquor to your sampling selection.