Updated for 2025: This guide has been expanded with new tasting notes, fresh bottle recommendations, and updated bourbon picks based on 2025 availability and holiday testing.
Best Bourbon for Eggnog in 2025
We compiled a list or bourbon rankings below, but if you came here for the fast answer, here it is:
The best bourbon for eggnog in 2025 is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Its rich caramel, vanilla, and heavy toasted oak blend smoothly with the sweetness of eggnog without getting lost. Other strong 2025 picks include Bulleit 10 Year, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength.
If you are new to bourbon: Check out our expert-reviewed list of the Best Bourbons for Beginners. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for bottle suggestions.
Eggnog season is officially here, and the question comes up every year. Which bourbon actually tastes the best in eggnog? There is no shortage of opinions, but after testing dozens of bottles side by side, a few stand out for 2025. Some bring sweetness, some bring spice, and some bring enough proof to cut through the thickness of eggnog and keep the drink balanced.
2025’s Best Bourbons For Eggnog
This guide breaks everything down in a simple way. You will see tasting notes, pairing notes, and the exact bottles that make the best eggnog cocktails. Whether you prefer something bold, something sweet, or something budget friendly, the list below has you covered.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Best Overall
Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, toasted oak, dried fruit.
Why It Works in Eggnog: Eggnog is thick and sweet. Double Oaked has the richness to blend in without disappearing. It turns the drink warm, smooth, and layered.
Bourbon Culture also has a great expert review.
Bulleit 10 Year
If you like oaky and old-school winter vibes, this is the winner for Best Aged Bourbon for eggnog.
Tasting Notes: Caramel, toasted spice, dried fruit, orange peel
Why It Works: The oak in Bulleit 10 adds structure to eggnog. It gives the drink a winter spice profile that fits the season perfectly.
Breaking Bourbon’s Review of Bulleit 10 Year
Buffalo Trace
Crowd pleaser and Best Affordable Pick
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, caramel, light mint, soft baking spice
Why It Works: Buffalo Trace is naturally sweet, so it blends easily with eggnog. It creates a smooth, crowd pleasing holiday drink. Everyone likes Buffalo Trace, you can’t go wrong here.
Read this guide on how not to overpay for Buffalo Trace
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
If you want to crank the Christmas Party up a notch, this is the Best High Proof Option
Tasting Notes: Bold spice, caramel, butterscotch, subtle smoke
Why It Works: Eggnog can bury weaker bourbons. Rare Breed has enough proof (around 58%) and spice to cut through and create balance. If you want a stronger drink, this is it.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Sweet tooth’s take notice, this will make you the Best Dessert Style Eggnog
Tasting Notes: Sweet vanilla, ripe fruit, buttery oak
Why It Works: This bottle brings warmth and sweetness. Cask Strength turns eggnog into a dessert style cocktail that is rich and easy to drink.
Why Bourbon Works in Eggnog
Eggnog needs contrast. It is creamy, thick, and sweet, so it pairs best with a spirit that brings caramel, baking spice, vanilla, and oak. Bourbon checks every box. The spice from the oak, the sweetness from the corn, and the warmth from the proof create a drink that feels classic and balanced.
Rum and brandy work, but bourbon usually wins because it adds flavor and structure instead of more sweetness.
How to Mix Bourbon in Eggnog
- Pick a mid range bottle
You don’t need an expensive bourbon. You just want something with enough flavor to show up in the glass.
- Chill the bourbon
Cold bourbon keeps eggnog thicker and avoids a watery texture.
- Start with a 1 to 5 ratio
One ounce bourbon to five ounces eggnog. Adjust based on proof and sweetness.
- Pour it slowly
Add bourbon down the side of the glass so it blends evenly.
- Stir gently
Do not whip it. A slow stir brings everything together.
- Add finishing spices
A little nutmeg or cinnamon makes the bourbon pop.
This is an expert-led bourbon review blow, but if you want to try to make your own Eggnot, we’re big fans of this recipe from the folks at Tastes Better from Scratch.
Yes. Most bourbons work in eggnog, but richer options like Woodford Double Oaked, Buffalo Trace, and Bulleit 10 Year blend the best. Thin or low proof bourbons sometimes get lost in the cream.
High proof helps if you want more spice or a stronger drink. Bottles like Rare Breed or Maker’s Mark Cask Strength cut through sweetness and add structure.
Buffalo Trace is the best budget friendly option. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is another solid choice if you want something under thirty dollars that still holds up in eggnog.
Wheated bourbon works well if you want a softer drink. Maker’s Mark and Larceny have sweet vanilla notes that blend easily into eggnog.
Rum is traditional, but bourbon often tastes better because it adds oak, spice, and caramel notes. The contrast creates a fuller holiday flavor.
Start with a one to five ratio. One ounce bourbon to five ounces eggnog. Adjust based on proof and personal taste.
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