Libation-Love-15-Variations-on-Egg-Nog-to-De-Scrooge-Your-Holidays-MainPhoto

Libation-Love-15-Variations-on-Egg-Nog-to-De-Scrooge-Your-Holidays-MainPhoto

Eggnog is a staple at many holiday gatherings, and we have some Christmas recipes that will take your nog from standard to spectacular. In some cases it is the simple addition of different spices and in some recipes we turn your eggnog into a college kid’s dream drink. No matter how you sip it, eggnog season is officially here. It’s time to have some fun, get creative and put your party hats on.

For those of you who worry about the safety of drinking eggnog because of the raw eggs, the Chicago Reader’s Julia Thiel tested the science behind booze killing any dangerous bacteria by ageing her nog for a year. Her results proved again that, “Whether it’s three weeks old or three years old, aged eggnog is actually safer to drink than fresh eggnog made with raw eggs—as long as you put plenty of booze in it.” That’s 14% ABV, to be exact. Beyond that, there is now eggnog flavored everything, ranging from lip gloss to candy to coffee creamer. Personally we like our eggnog in a cup or in our belly, and since we’re assuming you do too, here are 10 variations on eggnog to get your holiday recipes in gear.

1. Spiced Chocolate Eggnog
If you like Mexican chocolate you’ll love this take on eggnog. This drink by the hostess with the mostess, Ms. Martha Stewart, pairs bittersweet chocolate with traditional eggnog spices (think cinnamon and nutmeg), but things get interesting when you add cayenne pepper to add a kick. And if you really want to take your nog to the next level, add brandy.

Read Related: Latino Holiday Recipe: Super Creamy Eggnog