Eggnog, a rich and creamy holiday staple, can be elevated to a whole new level with the addition of rum. But with so many different types of rum available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. This guide will explore the best rums for eggnog, taking you on a journey through flavors, styles, and expert recommendations to help you craft the perfect holiday cocktail.
Top 10 Rums for Enhancing Your Eggnog Experience:
-
Denizen Merchant’s Reserve: This blend of Jamaican pot still rum and Martinique rhum grande arome offers a unique combination of funk, aroma, and earthiness. Its complex flavor profile complements the richness of eggnog without overpowering it.
-
Amrut Old Port Deluxe Matured Rum: This Indian rum stands out with its molasses, dark cherry, allspice, and nutmeg notes, creating a harmonious blend with the spices and flavors of eggnog.
-
Denizen Vatted Dark Rum: Made with 80% dark rum and 20% Martinican rum, this blend draws inspiration from both cultural heritage and historical rum-making techniques. Its drier profile balances the sweetness of eggnog, offering a sophisticated twist.
-
Lemon Hart & Son Original 1804 Rum: Named after a legendary rum merchant, this bold-flavored rum boasts notes of dark brown sugar, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and vanilla bean, making it a perfect match for the richness of eggnog.
-
Plantation O.F.T.D. Rum: This high-proof rum, clocking in at 69% ABV, is ideal for those seeking a boozy eggnog experience. Its intense flavors and aromas will add a powerful kick to your holiday cocktail.
-
Lemon Hart & Son Blackpool Spiced Rum: This spiced rum offers a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of cooking spices, making it a perfect addition to eggnog. It adds a warm and inviting aroma to your holiday drink.
-
Mount Gay Eclipse: This Barbados rum brings a unique terroir and distinctive flavor profile to your eggnog. Its notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak complement the creamy texture and rich flavors of the holiday classic.
-
El Dorado 8 Year Old Rum: This English-style rum from Guyana offers a perfect balance of caramel toffee notes and hints of tobacco and oak. It adds depth and complexity to your eggnog without overpowering its creamy sweetness.
-
Appleton Estate Signature: This Jamaican rum is known for its funky flavors, but the Signature expression offers a more balanced profile, making it ideal for eggnog. Its fruit-forward flavors and aromas will complement the creamy texture and sweetness of the holiday drink.
-
Myers’s Rum Original Dark: This ubiquitous rum has recently been revamped with a more pronounced funk, adding a unique character to your eggnog. Its notes of buttery caramel, raisin, and fig blend seamlessly with the creamy texture and rich flavors of the holiday classic.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Rum for Eggnog:
- Consider the style of eggnog: If you prefer a sweeter eggnog, opt for a rum with sweeter notes like caramel or vanilla. For a spicier eggnog, choose a rum with notes of nutmeg, clove, or cinnamon.
- Think about the rum’s proof: High-proof rums will add a stronger alcoholic kick to your eggnog, while lower-proof rums will provide a more subtle flavor enhancement.
- Experiment with different rums: The best way to find your perfect rum for eggnog is to experiment with different types and styles. Don’t be afraid to try something new and discover your favorite combination.
Additional Tips for Crafting the Perfect Eggnog:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will ensure the best flavor and texture for your eggnog.
- Make it ahead of time: Eggnog tastes even better after it has had time to rest and the flavors to meld. Ideally, make it a day or two in advance.
- Garnish with festive touches: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a candy cane to make your eggnog extra special.
With these tips and recommendations, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect rum for your eggnog and create a truly memorable holiday cocktail experience. So, gather your ingredients, experiment with different rums, and enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
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.
“It appears to be comparable to the Merchants Reserve,” Mustipher remarks, alluding to the other Denizen rum that she suggests pairing with eggnog. It’s also made with Martinitian rhum and dark rum. However, the Martinitian rhum in the Vatted Black is an agricole, meaning it is drier than the rhum grande arome. “.
Because of this, combining this rum with eggnog will produce a somewhat dry mixture. However, Denizen claims that the flavor of the rum more than makes up for its lack of sweetness, with notes of caramel, burnt sugar, and cacao.
Lemon Hart & Son Original 1804 Rum
Moore responds that power is the key when selecting rums to pair with eggnog, saying, “Eggnog has a lot of bold flavors that can cover up a spirit.” Therefore, to counteract the taste-canceling effects of eggnog, you need to find a very rich and bold spirit. I make an effort to use something with a higher proof or a richer mouthfeel. “.
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.
Original 1804, a British-style black rum with notes of dark brown sugar, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and vanilla bean, is aged and distilled in the renowned rum-producing region of Demerara in Guyana. It goes well with 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 fantastic if you’re wondering, “How drunk can I make this eggnog? How many people are offended at this year’s Christmas party?” Moore chuckles. “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.