Don’t think you can keep the store bought stuff. Only the hard stuff with sufficient alcohol to sterilize the brew.

Just go with bourbon and maybe a Christmas beer, then go extra hard on other Christmas traditions if anyone objects.

Or **** 'em, depending on family dynamics.

Made two batches for next year. One with bourbon, rum, and cognac. And one with rum and Kahlua.

Mine worked really well this year. Last year was overpowering. I usually use Wild Turkey 101 as a mixing/cooking bourbon but this year I went with regular (80 proof). I usually do ¾ bourbon and ¼ rum for the liquor part. Never been wild about the brandy. Don't know why. But this year was fantastic. Definitely alcoholic and not for the faint but not overwhelming either.

I don't have the discipline to wait a year. I usually make mine Saturday after Thanksgiving and drink on Christmas. My 2 gallons will usually last a couple of weeks.

Let me know how the rum/Kahlua tastes. Sounds great. I usually use Meyers because I like the complexity of dark rum. What do you use - silver, dark or spiced?

I also use Myers.

It’s time to make Eggnog for Christmas. After much tinkering, here’s my basic recipe:

12 egg yolks
2 cups sugar
4 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 750 ml bottle bourbon (I usually use Wild Turkey 101 or Knob Creek 100 proof)
1 cup Myers dark rum
1 vanilla bean
Pinch salt

Mix yolks and sugar with a hand mixer. Split vanilla bean. Scrape paste into yolk mixture. Add 1 cup milk and incorporate.

Put yolk mixture into 1gallon container. Add remaining ingredients, including vanilla bean husks. Mix thoroughly. Age in cool place (fridge or garage if you’re in a northern climate) but don’t let it freeze. Wait at least 28 days, mixing every few days.

I usually make 2 gallons at a time. I like the idea of Kahlua but I usually make this as a base and add Kahlua if I feel in the mood.

This is a variation on Ruhlman’s recipe. Havs enough alcohol that it tastes good and kills germs but not so much that you have to choose between a glass of egg nog and driving.

too rich for my liking, never been a fan of sweet drinks.

I came home with a 1.75L bottle of Pennsylvania Dutch today to take Friendsgiving tomorrow. We'll see how it is.

Why do I CRAVE egg nogg more than anything in this world? Then I have one cup - and its amazing - but then I dont want any part of it for 11 more months.

I bought that last year. I thought it was quite good considering it wasn't home made, curious to know what your opinion is.

I have it in the morning, I'm guaranteed to be shitting by noon. Not sure why.

Pretty nasty stuff. I'll suck one down for traditional sake but definitely not gonna enjoy it too much.

I've got some aged stuff from last year with Myers run and Kahlua. It's gonna be amazeballs.

Just because it is rich doesn't mean it has to be sweet.

For homemade I would keep the cream and cut way back on the sugar.