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 staff not too long ago amassed greater than a dozen store-bought nogs to pattern, we discovered few that contained all the anticipated substances. Three had 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 nasty factor. On the subject of this drink, it’s a vibe, somewhat than a set method, 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 accessible variations, we discovered the three that had been the perfect for consuming on their very own, spiking and even throwing right into a New Orleans–type Eggnog Daiquiri. Listed here are those to search for.
A traditional for a motive, Hood’s Golden Eggnog had the appropriate creamy, well-integrated texture and nutmeg taste. Discovered for as little as $3.50 for a quart, this reasonably priced choice is essentially 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 had been too runny and skinny or tried to make up for an absence of physique (finest supplied 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 harking back to cake batter, with a touch of salt to tie the entire thing collectively. Contemplate this a special-occasion eggnog—it’s one of the costly we tried. Arethusa solely makes a couple of limited-run releases a 12 months, 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 had been chalky, popping out of the carton separated (even after shaking) or had 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 stunning standout for anybody who’s lactose-intolerant. Of all of the eggnogs we sampled, it captured essentially the most “melted ice cream” really feel.
