5 Festive Spins on Eggnog in Time for the Holidays

Eggnog. The great replacement of milk during the holiday months. It's sweet, it's spicy, it's pure bliss in a chilled glass with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. In honor of eggnog's arrival on grocery store shelves across the country, I've collected an assortment of recipes that put a festive spin on the delectable classic. It's true when they say you shouldn't fix something that isn't broken, but who says you can't add a little festive twist? Whether you want to get a tad boozy, a hint nutty, or a pinch creamy, there's an eggnog recipe here for you.

Made with milk, sugar, eggs, and spices, eggnog rules over all other holiday beverages. Considering that this delicious drink can usually only be found on shelves from late October through December, there's really no time to waste when it comes to gulping down glasses. While some of these recipes offer instructions on how to make eggnog from scratch, you can easily swap in store-bought eggnog if you've got it in your fridge. Bourbon, lattes, chocolate, peppermint, or coconut hazelnut... your eggnog is about to get a lot more flavorful, and a lot more festive, so prepare yourself for a taste of heaven. You think I'm kidding? Try out these five recipes and think again.

1. Homemade Eggnog with Bourbon

It's not that everything's better with alcohol, it's just that most things are — including eggnog. Offbeat + Inspired offers up a richly sweet recipe that pairs perfectly with a shot of bourbon. This eggnog may be classic, but the side of booze adds just the right amount of kick.

2. Eggnog Latte

Start off your day (or end your night) with a toasty eggnog latte thanks to The Kitchn's recipe. It's amazing what a little heated milk can do. Trust and believe. Your mornings will never be the same.

3. Coconut Hazelnut Eggnog

Eggnog doesn't have to be simple. Just take Kitchen Confidante's coconut hazelnut eggnog recipe for example. A little nutty, a little fruity, this homemade drink is sure to mix things up. You're not boring, so don't let your eggnog be boring.

4. Warm Chocolate Eggnog

Some of us are chocolate lovers, and there's absolutely no shame in that. Forget hot cocoa this winter, and try out Just A Pinch's recipe for a warm chocolate eggnog instead. You won't be disappointed, and you'll never think of eggnog the same again.

5. Peppermint Eggnog

Keep things fresh with The Farm Girl's peppermint eggnog recipe. This sweet drink is as refreshing as it sounds, and then some. An excellent choice for the holidays, but delicious enough to sip on year round — you can't go wrong with this beverage.

Image Sources: Offbeat + Inspired; The Kitchn; Kitchen Confidante; Reese Lloyd, Erick Houli, Aya Pardon/Flickr