Skip to Content

Is dark rum good in eggnog?

Quick Answer

Dark rum can make an excellent addition to eggnog. The rich, molasses-like flavors of dark rum pair well with the creamy, custard-like texture of eggnog. The spices and vanilla in eggnog also complement the sweet, warm notes in dark rum. Many people find that dark rum adds a more complex, sophisticated flavor to eggnog compared to lighter rums or spirits. Moderation is key, however, as too much rum can overpower the other ingredients. A ratio of 1 part dark rum to 4 parts eggnog is recommended. Overall, dark rum is a popular choice for giving eggnog a unique twist.

What is Dark Rum?

Dark rum, also known as black rum, is a style of rum made from molasses and distilled in a process that retains more color and flavor from the molasses. Several factors contribute to the dark color and rich taste of black rum:

  • Longer fermentation – Dark rum is fermented for a longer period than white rum, allowing more complex flavors to develop.
  • Barrel aging – Dark rum spends years aging in charred oak barrels, which impart a darker color and spicy, woody notes.
  • Caramel color – Some brands add caramel color to darken the rum’s appearance.
  • Full-bodied molasses – Black rum is made from molasses with higher sugar content, giving a robust, molasses-like flavor.

Compared to light rums, dark rum has a much more viscous, syrupy texture and robust flavor. Notes of spice, vanilla, caramel, coffee, dried fruit, and toasted nuts are often detected. Popular brands of black rum include Myers’s, Gosling’s, and Coruba.

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a rich, creamy chilled drink traditionally made with eggs, milk or cream, sugar, spices, and usually some kind of alcohol like brandy, rum, or whisky. Common ingredients in eggnog include:

  • Eggs – Traditionally raw egg yolks, but many commercial versions use pasteurized eggs for safety.
  • Dairy – Milk, cream, half and half, or a mixture.
  • Sugar – Granulated white sugar, brown sugar, or powdered sugar.
  • Spices – Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and vanilla.
  • Liquor – Usually brandy, bourbon, or rum.
  • Cream thickener – Heavy cream or whipped cream folded in at the end.

The egg yolks and dairy give eggnog a rich, creamy, custard-like consistency, while the sugar and spices add sweetness and aromatic flavor. Eggnog can be served chilled, frozen like ice cream, or warm.

Does Dark Rum Work Well in Eggnog?

Dark rum can make an excellent addition to eggnog, as the characteristic flavors of black rum pair quite nicely with eggnog’s custard-like texture and aromatic spices. Here are some of the reasons why dark rum works so well in eggnog:

  • Molasses-like richness – The thick, molasses-like notes in black rum add rich, viscous sweetness to balance eggnog’s creamy dairy.
  • Warming spices – Cinnamon, allspice, vanilla and other baking spices in dark rum mirror the nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla in eggnog.
  • Complex flavor – The layered, nuanced flavor of aged dark rum adds more complexity compared to white rum.
  • Holiday-appropriate – The sweet, warming flavors of dark rum evoke the flavors of the holiday season.

The brown sugar and molasses notes in dark rum mesh seamlessly with the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutty eggnog flavors. The lush texture of black rum blends smoothly into eggnog’s silky creaminess. Dark rum adds depth, complexity, and character to eggnog in a way lighter spirits may not.

What is a Good Ratio of Dark Rum to Eggnog?

When adding dark rum to eggnog, moderation is key to maintain balance and prevent the rum from overpowering the other flavors. Most experts recommend the following ratio as a starting point:

1 part dark rum to 4 parts eggnog

So for example, to a quart of eggnog you would add 1 cup of dark rum. You can adjust the ratios to taste – add a bit more rum for more kick, or a bit less for a milder drink.

It’s better to add less rum at first for control, then add more as desired. Too much rum can make the drink harsh and very boozy, masking the subtle spice and cream flavors. But when balanced well, the rum adds a nice warmth and enriching sweetness.

Always add the rum last after mixing the other eggnog ingredients, and stir gently to distribute. Chilling the eggnog mixture for several hours after adding rum allows the flavors to properly meld.

How Should You Choose a Dark Rum for Eggnog?

When purchasing a dark rum to use in eggnog, you’ll want to look for varieties that complement eggnog’s signature flavors:

  • Aged rums – Look for dark rums aged in barrels a minimum of 2 years, as longer aging gives more complex flavor.
  • Blackstrap or molasses-based – Dark, molasses-like rums will have bold caramel, vanilla, and spice notes to match the eggnog.
  • Brandy-finished – Some rum brands finish aging in brandy barrels, which lends flavors complementary to eggnog.
  • Higher proof – Look for 80 to 90 proof rum so the flavor doesn’t get drowned out once mixed with creamy eggnog.

Some excellent dark rum options to try in your eggnog include:

  • Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
  • Mount Gay Black Barrel
  • Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
  • Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
  • Santa Teresa 1796

Avoid spiced rums, which will conflict with the eggnog’s spices, and very light gold rums that may get lost. Always taste a small sample of the rum you plan to use to ensure you like the flavor profile.

How Do You Make Eggnog with Dark Rum?

Making eggnog with dark rum as the liquor component is easy. Simply prepare a base eggnog mixture, then finish by adding the rum last. Here is a simple eggnog recipe with dark rum:

Ingredients

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 cup dark rum (Appleton, Gosling’s, etc)
  • Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until light yellow and slightly thickened. Beat in the milk, cream, vanilla and spices.
  2. Refrigerate covered at least 2 hours, until very cold.
  3. Once chilled, whisk in the rum. Taste and adjust spices if desired.
  4. To serve, pour eggnog into cups or glasses and garnish with grated nutmeg.

The key steps are thoroughly integrating the egg yolk and sugar, chilling the base mixture very well before adding rum, and finishing with a light hand on the rum to avoid over-boozing. Using freshly grated nutmeg for garnish adds seasonal aroma.

What Dishes Go Well with Dark Rum Eggnog?

Dark rum eggnog makes a delightful accompaniment to many holiday dishes and desserts. The rich drink pairs well with foods that have some sweetness to balance the spirit’s proof. Here are some excellent pairings to enjoy with your spiked eggnog:

  • Gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or holiday-spiced shortbread
  • Apple pie, pecan pie, or pumpkin pie
  • Spiced nuts like candied pecans or spiced walnuts
  • Panettone, fruitcake, or cinnamon raisin bread
  • Classic holiday candy like peppermint bark or halvah
  • Dense chocolate desserts, truffles, or bourbon balls
  • Crème brûlée or vanilla bean pudding
  • Mince pies or pumpkin custard

The sweet, indulgent flavors of these holiday treats complement and balance the rich dark rum notes in the eggnog. A glass of chilled rum eggnog alongside a slice of apple pie or collection of spiced cookies makes a perfect fireside dessert.

Can You Make Eggnog Without Alcohol?

It’s absolutely possible to make delicious eggnog without adding any spirits or alcohol. Simply prepare the eggnog mixture as directed, omitting any rum, whiskey, or brandy from the recipe. A few tweaks help enhance flavor and richness in alcohol-free eggnog:

  • Use 3-4 egg yolks per cup of dairy for extra richness.
  • Replace some dairy with half & half or evaporated milk for creaminess.
  • Infuse dairy with vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or nutmeg before mixing.
  • Finish with a meringue topping for lightness.
  • Add espresso or coffee to enhance the flavor complexity.
  • Top with whipped cream and fresh grated nutmeg before serving.

The keys are using high quality dairy, generous egg yolks, and plenty of spice. Non-alcoholic eggnog can be just as decadent and satisfying. For kids or those abstaining from liquor, it’s an excellent holiday treat.

Conclusion

Dark rum can add rich, intoxicating flavor to eggnog with its notes of molasses, brown sugar, and holiday baking spices. Aged, molasses-based rums in the 80-90 proof range work best to balance the creaminess and spice. Dark rum eggnog is delicious paired with pies, cookies, nuts, and other holiday confections. But you can also make non-alcoholic eggnog by focusing on bold dairy, egg yolks, and spices instead. Whether boozy or virgin, rum eggnog captures all the flavors of the holiday season in one glass.