It's that festive period when supermarkets begin to fill their shelves with eggnog, a seasonal beverage that divides opinions sharply. As DekeDunne, the beverage and creative director at the Eaton Hotel’s Allegory and Wild Days bars in Washington, D.C., shared with us, "I enjoy eggnog, but only when it's seasonally appropriate." He pointed out that the hefty texture of the drink, despite there being lighter versions available, make it something you don't want to overindulge in. Moreover, Dunne affirmed that eggnog's particular flavor profile resonates with the late fall early spring season, making it feel off-putting at any other time of year.

We are now at the time of year when society generally approves of the eggnog pour. Consequently, it is a good time to understand what constitutes this beverage and the preferred way to enjoy it.

The typical eggnog drink mixes eggs, milk or cream, and sugar. Frequently, liquor is added to this concoction, notwithstanding the fact that the version offered in stores is usually non-alcoholic. Dunne adds, "It's a lot of dairy," emphasizing the richness of this drink.

Historically, eggnog which dates back to the 1700s, originally included alcohol, making it a staple in numerous Christmas holiday cocktail recipes. If you wish to imbibe the yuletide spirit, Dunne suggests blending it with a dark spirit.

"In my opinion, the best spirits to pair with eggnog are barrel-aged rum made from molasses or demerara sugar, or a bourbon or scotch that has been aged in a barrel for a considerable amount of time," he noted, "Cognac also makes for an excellent addition. Barrel-aged rums made from molasses or demerara sugar have an incredible flavor profile that complements eggnog perfectly, delighting the palette with flavors like caramelized brown sugar, maple, cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses, and vanilla. These are precisely the tastes you want your eggnog to evoke."