Eggnog Bourbon Balls Recipe | Farmgirl Gourmet (2024)

RECIPE PRINT

This post may contain affiliate links, please see ourprivacy policyfor details.

This recipe for Eggnog Bourbon Balls is easy and extremely addictive. It was hard to eat just one.

Eggnog Bourbon Balls Recipe | Farmgirl Gourmet (1)

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.

Eggnog Bourbon Balls Recipe | Farmgirl Gourmet (2)

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. 🙂

Eggnog Bourbon Balls

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 20 Servings

Print PinSave

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Vanilla wafer cookies, crushed in food processor
  • 1 cup powdered confectioners sugar
  • 1 cup ground pecans
  • ¼ cup Bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 10 ounces white candy melts
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • 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.

Equipment Used in Recipe

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram!

Eggnog Bourbon Balls Recipe | Farmgirl Gourmet (3)

Recipe By:

Heather Scholten

Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather...

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.

Eggnog Bourbon Balls Recipe | Farmgirl Gourmet (2024)

FAQs

What is the best bourbon to put in eggnog? ›

Top Bourbons for Spicing Up Your Best Eggnog Recipe
Bourbon nameLocation madeTotal worldwide sales
Wild TurkeyLawrenceburg, Kentucky$1.6 billion
Woodford ReserveWoodford County, Kentucky$1.2 billion
BulleitShelbyville, Kentucky$1.1 billion
Knob CreekClermont, Kentucky$900 million
6 more rows
Nov 4, 2023

How much alcohol to add to eggnog? ›

Here's your golden ratio for pop-up holiday cheer: Combine 1 part of your selected spirit to 5 parts prepared eggnog. Want us to make it even easier on you? If you buy a 1-quart container of eggnog, you should use 6.5 ounces of liquor, total.

What kind of Cognac do you use for eggnog? ›

Gay Black Black Barrel work well, as do others. For Cognac, a VS or VSOP, no need to use the expensive stuff here, and for bourbon, literally anything that says “straight bourbon” on the label is fine.

How do you make store bought eggnog better? ›

Bonus Additions for Store-Bought Eggnog
  1. nutmeg.
  2. cloves.
  3. cinnamon.
  4. pumpkin pie spice.
  5. apple pie spice.
  6. pure vanilla extract.
  7. almond extract.
  8. coffee.
Apr 3, 2022

Is bourbon or whiskey better in eggnog? ›

Whiskey or bourbon

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.

What is the best liquor to mix with eggnog? ›

Brandy: Makes the Most Traditional Eggnog

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.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

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.

Is it OK to drink a lot of eggnog? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

Does alcohol make eggnog last longer? ›

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!

Is brandy or rum better in eggnog? ›

Traditional choice: Brandy eggnog

The traditional choice for eggnog is brandy or cognac. Brandy is distilled wine, and its fruit base lends it a rich flavor.

What do you call eggnog with alcohol? ›

"Tom and Jerry is a form of hot eggnog [co*cktail] that was once popular." The Tom and Jerry was invented by British journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s, using brandy and rum added to eggnog and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl. It is a traditional Christmastime co*cktail in the United States.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

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.

How do you add liquor to store bought eggnog? ›

The golden ratio for this little holiday cheer is 1 to 5. Just to be clear, that's 1 part booze to 5 parts eggnog (definitely not the other way around). And once you've mixed it all up, ensure you serve it with flair. Top each glass with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and maybe a cinnamon stick for added flavour.

Why do stores stop selling eggnog? ›

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

Can you put whiskey in eggnog? ›

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.

Is Jim Beam good in eggnog? ›

Add a festive flair to the day by whipping up a bourbon eggnog co*cktail that tastes just like the holidays. Rich, creamy eggnog is the base of this tasty treat. Jim Beam® Bourbon adds a slightly spicy note while the sweetness comes from rich butterscotch-flavored liqueur.

How long does egg nog with bourbon last? ›

Cover and refrigerate.

The more liquor you add, the longer it will keep — non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within 1 day; eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquor will keep for several days; and eggnog with 1 1/2 cups of liquor will keep for several weeks and continue aging and thickening quite nicely.

How long does eggnog with bourbon last? ›

If it's 40–50 proof or above you can keep it forever in the refrigerator. I've had some eggnog I made before Christmas 2018 that's still in the fridge and it should last until I make the next 2 gallons of it (no Not all for me, I share a drop with friends). 1,750 Ml of liqueur per gallon.

What is the best bourbon for an old fashioned? ›

Best Overall Bourbon for an Old Fashioned: Old Grand Dad 114

Old Grand Dad 114 earns our distinction of the best bourbon for old fashioned. Orange zest, cinnamon, and burnt sugar are the signature tasting notes of Old Grand Dad 114 Proof .

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 6090

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.