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This recipe for Eggnog Bourbon Balls is easy and extremely addictive. It was hard to eat just one.
My kitchen has been turning out deliciousness like a well oiled machine over the past week or so. Sweet treats, candies & of course cookies. It’s the holiday way, isn’t it? I wish I had the ability to buy my friends and neighbors a special gift, but a plate of homemade goodies is the easiest and most economical way to show them that I care and that they are thought of during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients in Eggnog Bourbon Balls
Vanilla Wafers – crushed up vanilla wafer cookies are the perfect carrier for bourbon and cocoa.
Sugar – powdered confectioners sugar.
Pecans – ground pecans add depth of flavor and texture.
Bourbon – make sure you use a decent quality bourbon for this recipe. You’ll taste it in the candy, so you don’t want to use anything too inexpensive.
Cocoa Powder – adds a touch of chocolatey goodness to these bourbon balls.
Corn Syrup – light corn syrup will help hold the cookie and nut mixture together giving you a truffle-like consistency.
Candy Melts – you can purchase candy melts at stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, cake decorating shops, or Amazon.
Spices – ground nutmeg gives the white candy melts the hint of eggnog. You could also add a touch of eggnog flavoring if you want a more intense eggnog flavor.
You know I love my bourbon which is evidenced by some of my favorite recipes like Fresh Peach Old Fashioned, Bacon Bourbon AperitifandPumpkin Coconut Panna Cotta. And what goes better with Bourbon during the holidays than Eggnog? Nothing, if your name is Heather! They are SUPER easy to make and if you let them “marry” for a couple of days you just might get a buzz from eating a couple. So here’s my public service announcement: Don’t eat bourbon balls and drive. The end. 🙂
In a medium bowl, add the ground wafer cookies, powdered sugar, pecans and cocoa powder. Stir to combine well. Add the bourbon and corn syrup and stir until the mixture comes together and is well incorporated.
Using a small hinged scoop or a teaspoon, make balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture and place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Using a double boiler, add the candy melts to the top and melt slowly. Stir the candy melts just to combine and add 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Drop one chilled bourbon ball in the candy mixture using a fork flip it over to coat. Tap the fork on the side of the double boiler to remove excess candy and place back on the parchment lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle the wet candy with a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. Repeat with the remaining bourbon balls. Refrigerate or consume immediately.
Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.
While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.
Why It Pairs Well: Cask Strength is key to this choice. Maker Mark Cask Strength's undiluted bourbon, with its intense sweetness, makes eggnog dessert-like.
For the most traditional holiday experience, reach for brandy (specifically, Cognac) to spike your 'nog. It's important to note, though, that both brandy and eggnog are quite sweet.
How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!
Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.
Traditionally, it should be rum. I'd do bourbon because I love bourbon and I think bourbon goes well with the flavors of eggnog. Brandy also works quite well. There's always vodka if you're looking for a 'cleaner' flavor.
Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol.
Both of these spirits work well with holiday flavors like vanilla and spice, so adding a dram to your mug of eggnog is as natural as pairing peppermint with chocolate. Be sure to use a good whiskey that you enjoy sipping on its own.
The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.
Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days after opening if it has been refrigerated. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.
Many traditional eggnog recipes feature brandy or rum (or both), but this versatile co*cktail can also be made with whiskey. And you don't even need a blender to make it.
Made with eggs, sugar, spices, and of course, whiskey, this rich and creamy beverage is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. To make Wigle's spiked eggnog, we recommend using a good quality whiskey like Yule Tidings but other whiskeys will be equally delicious. Wigle PA Bourbon eggnog is also highly recommended!
Can I mix volka with eggnog? Assuming you mean vodka, sure. Personally I'd suggest adding dark rum or bourbon or brandy to your eggnog - spirits that add flavor as well as 'punch' - but vodka works just fine.
Traditional eggnog has a significant fat content, due to the use of cream, and a high sugar content. Ingredients vary significantly between different recipes. Alcohol used in different national and regional versions of eggnog include brandy, cognac, bourbon, whiskey, sherry, rum and grain alcohol.
The amount of alcohol put in eggnog has no written rule, but it tastes best with 1 part spirit for every 5 parts eggnog. The alcohol takes away the rich and sweet taste of the eggnog, so if you're looking for a more bitter drink you can add extra alcohol.
Fireball eggnog may become one of your new favorite Christmas drinks. The popular cinnamon whiskey is a fantastic base for this classic holiday co*cktail. It gives eggnog a touch of warm spice, subtle sweetness, and an inviting aroma that's sure to put everyone in a festive mood.
- Rum Eggnog - Ingredients: 2oz Malibu Coconut Rum, 6oz Milk, 1 tsp Powdered Sugar, 1 Egg, Nutmeg. How To Mix: 1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Irish Coffee glass.
Vodka and eggnog is a popular holiday co*cktail that combines the creamy, rich flavors of eggnog with the smoothness and versatility of vodka. This delightful combination is enjoyed during the winter holidays, particularly around Christmas.
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Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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