I Drank Every Eggnog I Could Find & These Are The Only Ones Worth Your Money
Love it or hate it, eggnog is a Christmas classic. This creamy, spiced concoction is almost exclusively enjoyed around the holidays, but eggnog's history hasn't always been rooted in Yuletide cheer. Historians believe its origins date back to Medieval Britain, where 13th century monks added eggs, spices, and booze to hot milk. Eggnog was prescribed to sick kings, served by George Washington at Mount Vernon, and it even incited a famous riot at West Point in 1826. But today it's decidedly a Christmas cocktail.
Eggnog recipes can vary significantly based on the consistency, blend of spices, and the type of alcohol you're using, if you're using it at all. It can also come in countless forms. You can drink it at virtually any temperature. You can turn it into a Jell-O shot. You can—and should—use it to level up your holiday baking (eggnog crème brûlée, anyone?).
Once December rolls around you can spot dozens of eggnog brands in your supermarket dairy aisle. Buying pre-made eggnog is certainly more convenient than making it yourself, but deciding just which brand to buy is hard work too. Which ones have the best texture? Which one has the right amount of spice? Which vegan eggnog tastes closest to the real thing?
We decided to answer all of those questions and more with an official Delish eggnog taste test. Our team of food experts and eggnog enthusiasts tasted dozens of different eggnog varieties and determined which brands are objectively the best. So when it's time to start planning your Christmas party, choosing the right eggnog is one thing you can cross off your to-do list.
Best Classic Eggnog: Ronnybrook Farms Eggnog
The ideal eggnog is decadent with just the right amount of thickness from the eggs. Ronnybrook is the closest you can get to perfect homemade eggnog. Our tasters raved over the texture, describing it as "rich," "creamy," and "perfect." The nutmeg flavor is there, but more on the subtle side.
Best Spice-Forward Eggnog: Family Farmstead
Some of us enjoy eggnog for the custardy richness. But for those who drink eggnog because of the cozy winter spices, Family Farmstead is the brand for you. This eggnog supplements the traditional nutmeg with plenty of cinnamon, which makes the drink even more festive.
Out team unanimously agreed that Family Farmstead's eggnog had the best flavor of the bunch, with many comparing the taste to the milk left behind after eating a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Best Light Eggnog: Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog
Light eggnog is one of the most disappointing dairy products on the planet. Eliminating the fat from eggnog typically sacrifices the rich flavor and texture that makes the drink so delicious in the first place. We can't in good conscience recommend an eggnog made with nonfat milk. But we can wholeheartedly stand behind Organic Valley.
Their reduced fat eggnog contains only a fraction of the fat of traditional varieties, but it's still decadent enough to feel indulgent. Some of our tasters couldn't even tell that it was a low fat eggnog at all.
Best Nondairy Eggnog: Chobani Oat Nog
The demand for nondairy milks seems to have eclipsed that of OG dairy, so it only makes sense that there are a lot of plant-based eggnogs on the market. We tried vegan eggnogs made with coconut, almond, and soy, but Chobani's oat-based nog was by far the best.
Best Spiked Eggnog: Pennsylvania Dutch
All of the above eggnogs can easily be spiked with the spirit of your choice. But if you want to opt for an eggnog that does all the boozy work for you, Pennsylvania Dutch is your best bet. Each bottle contains rum, brandy, and blended whiskey. And our experts could definitely taste all three of them.
"You can taste the booze, it gives it a little kick and a little razzle dazzle," one of our testers noted. It's strong, balanced, and super rich thanks to the inclusion of real cream.
Best Nondairy Spiked Eggnog: Misunderstood Oat Nog
Just because you don't do dairy doesn't mean you don't deserve the convenience of a spiked eggnog. Misunderstood Whiskey blends their ginger-scented spirit with creamy oat milk for a seriously boozy holiday beverage.
Our testers loved the scent of vanilla and the blend of cozy spices, with one of them describing it as "potpourri-esque—in a good way." We would gladly drink a glass (or three) of this nog at a Christmas party.
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