The 7 Best Liquors For Eggnog, According To Bartenders

Growing up in a Puerto Rican household, Hernan Trujillo, head bartender at J. Bespoke in New York City, knows all about coquito, a Puerto Rican holiday beverage similar to eggnog and spiked with rum. When it comes to eggnog, Trujillo also uses rum. “When choosing a rum, I personally find a spiced rum to be the best for the flavors incorporated in eggnogs,” he said. “Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum is best for its quality and flavor profile.”

When crafting a spiked eggnog, Garison often reaches for bourbon because of its warm spiced vanilla notes. One of his favorite recipes uses Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. “Known for its additional time in barrel, this bourbon shines because of its increased baking spice aromatics and a creamy, marzipan-like mouthfeel,” he said.

Garison also adds Italian brandy for fruity notes and Fernet Branca for an herbaceous undertone. “This eggnog is best sweetened with high-quality maple syrup, tying into the richness of the Woodford.”

“Rum is such a perfect pairing with eggnog,” said Rena Long, bar lead at both Selva and Fora in Chicago’s The Hotel Emily. She recommends Ten To One Dark Rum: “The hints of baking spices really shine through in the eggnog.”

Long also likes to mix eggnog with amaro, such as Mr Black Coffee Amaro or J. Rieger Caffè Amaro. She recommends using both rum and amaro with eggnog. “The subtle notes of baking spices and the coffee are perfect to make an after dinner eggnog cocktail,” she said.

“We make an eggnog variation based on popular Portland bartender Jeffrey Morganthaler’s recipe,” said Laura Unterberg, head bartender at Nashville’s The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. “Instead of brandy, it is built around rich aged tequila and nutty Amontillado sherry.” Espolón Reposado Tequila is Unterberg’s pick.

“I love a boozy eggnog,” said Madison Barker, bar manager at Down & Out in New York City. “I go for reposado tequila because it has these really nice vanilla notes that come through in this drink, and my favorite to use is Casa Noble.”

In addition to the tequila, Barker likes to add an Amontillado sherry. “It ties it all together and adds these beautiful nutty flavors to the drink that are absolutely delish!”