Homemade Cutwater Eggnog Recipe

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When you pour the first glass of Cutwater eggnog, the season around you seems to slow down in a way your senses appreciate. The aroma of rum, cream, and cozy spices creates a moment you can claim as your own, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening filled with soft lights and good music.

What Is Cutwater Eggnog?

The Cutwater Eggnog can also be called Cutwater Bali Hai Tiki Holiday Spirit, often nicknamed Tiki Nog. It is a ready-to-serve, spirited eggnog from Cutwater Spirits that puts a tropical twist on the traditional holiday drink.

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks: They create the velvety structure that gives eggnog its signature body.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that blends beautifully with the spices and rum.
• 2 cups whole milk: Provides a balanced, smooth foundation.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the nog its comforting thickness.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The aroma sets the tone for the entire drink.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth that lingers pleasantly.

For The Cutwater Spirit Twist:

• 1 cup coconut cream: Brings in tropical richness reminiscent of Cutwater’s Bali Hai influence.
• ½ cup pineapple juice: Introduces a bright lift that pairs beautifully with rum.
• 1 to 1½ cups aged or spiced rum: You can choose your favorite. Aged rum gives a smooth, caramel depth, and spiced rum enhances holiday flavors.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Softens the edges and ties the profile together.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh nutmeg shavings
• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut
• Cinnamon stick stirrers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture turns pale and thick. When the texture begins to look creamy, it signals that the sugar has blended fully into the yolks. This step creates the foundation for that luxurious mouthfeel that eggnog lovers look forward to.
2. Warm the Dairy Base: Pour the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon into a saucepan and warm over medium heat. When you see gentle steam rising, the temperature is right. The spices bloom as they heat, filling the kitchen with a fragrance that makes the next steps feel even more enjoyable.
3. Temper the Egg Mixture: Ladle a small amount of the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking steadily. This slows the temperature change and protects the eggs from firming too quickly. Once the mixture feels smooth and warm, pour it back into the saucepan.
4. Thicken the Nog: Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. When the mixture lightly coats the back of your spoon, you’ve reached the perfect consistency. Take your time here so the texture becomes silky.
5. Add the Cutwater-Inspired Elements: Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool for several minutes. Stir in the coconut cream, pineapple juice, vanilla extract, and rum. The aroma transforms instantly into the signature tropical-holiday blend that Cutwater is known for.
6. Chill and Serve: Transfer the nog to a pitcher or large jar. Refrigerate for at least four hours. The flavors settle and round out in a deeply satisfying way when given space to mingle. Serve cold, over ice, or blended for a luxurious frothy version. A dusting of nutmeg or a swirl of whipped cream adds a festive touch.

Tips For A Good Cutwater Eggnog:

• Choose Rum That Fits Your Style: Aged rum creates soft caramel notes. Spiced rum deepens the warmth of the spices. Coconut-forward rums bring out the tropical character in a vivid way.
• Give the Nog Time to Rest: Letting the finished mixture rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors blend beautifully. Some people even prefer aging eggnog for several days. This recipe benefits from time, offering a richer, smoother experience the longer it sits.
• Use Freshly Grated Nutmeg: When the nutmeg is freshly grated, the fragrance blooms with a vibrancy you will taste in every sip.
• Aim for Creamy Without Being Heavy: If you prefer a lighter texture, you can increase the milk slightly or reduce the heavy cream. If you crave an even richer sip, increase the coconut cream.
• Enjoy Warmed for a Cozy Twist: You can warm a serving on the stovetop until steam rises. The spices feel even more comforting when heated gently.
• Create a Signature Garnish: A cinnamon stick, toasted coconut rim, or even a tiny splash of dark rum on top can make your serving style memorable.

What To Serve Cutwater Eggnog With

Complementary Tropical & Fruity Pairings:

• Coconut Shrimp: The fried coating and sweet coconut flavor echo the Tiki Nog’s tropical base, and the savory shrimp balances the sweetness of the Cutwater Eggnog drink.
• Fruit Skewers: Include fruits like fresh pineapple chunks, mango, or starfruit. The acidity and freshness will brighten the palate alongside the creamy nog.
• Hawaiian Roll Sliders: Fill soft Hawaiian rolls (which have a slight sweetness) with savory fillings like ham and Swiss cheese. The sweet bread bridges the tropical flavor, while the salty filling creates contrast.
• Macadamia Nuts: These rich, buttery nuts complement the creamy texture and hint at the tropical base without being overly sweet.

Traditional Holiday & Spiced Pairings:

• Gingersnaps or Speculoos Cookies: The strong, warm spices (ginger, cinnamon, clove) in these cookies enhance the underlying holiday spices in the nog.
• Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie Bites: Small tarts or bars featuring pumpkin or sweet potato, paired with classic pie spices, offer a cozy, autumnal match to the nog’s spice profile.
• Cinnamon Rolls (Mini): The sweet, doughy texture and heavy cinnamon glaze make for a decadent dessert pairing.
• Aged Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, tangy cheese like an aged cheddar offers a salty, savory contrast that brings out the spiced rum notes of the drink and cuts through its sweetness.

Savory & Contrasting Pairings (The Best Palate Cleanser):

• Pork Belly Bites or Bacon-Wrapped Dates: The heavy salt and fat of cured meats or savory appetizers provide the strongest counterpoint to the drink’s sweetness and creamy body.
• Spicy Nuts or Pretzels: A little heat (like chili-spiced pecans or wasabi peas) is surprisingly good with sweet drinks, as the spice enhances the tropical notes.
• Small Quiches or Sausage Rolls: Savory, pastry-based bites work well, as the flaky crust and savory filling contrast the thick, liquid nature of the Cutwater Eggnog cocktail.

Substitute Ingredients:

Dairy Substitutes:

Milk Alternatives:

• Half-and-half: for added richness
• Oat milk: for a naturally silky texture
• Almond milk: when you prefer a light, mellow background flavor
• Coconut milk: for a tropical profile that echoes the Cutwater vibe

Cream Alternatives:

• Coconut cream: provides fullness and pairs wonderfully with rum
• Evaporated milk: creates a smooth, old-fashioned style
• Cashew cream: brings a mild, buttery character

Egg Replacements:

• Store-bought eggnog base: made without eggs
• Custard powder mixed with milk: for thickness
• Silken tofu blended until smooth: for structure
• Instant pudding mix: (vanilla flavor) to mimic the body

Sweetener Alternatives:

• Brown sugar: for caramel-like depth
• Maple syrup: for a warm herbal sweetness
• Honey: for floral tones
• Coconut sugar: for a mellow, earthy sweetness

Spice Substitutes:

• Allspice: for a rounded, warm aroma
• Pumpkin pie spice: for an easy blend
• Cardamom: for a bright, aromatic lift
• Clove: for deeper holiday warmth

Rum Alternatives:

• Bourbon: for smoky sweetness
• Brandy: for fruity warmth
• Coconut rum: for brighter tropical notes
• Spiced liqueurs: such as cinnamon or vanilla blends
• Alcohol-free rum alternatives: for a festive, family-friendly version

Pineapple Flavor Substitutes:

• Mango nectar: for smooth fruitiness
• Orange juice: for a mellow citrus brightness
• Passion fruit puree: for a vibrant aromatic quality
• Peach nectar: for soft, rounded sweetness

Coconut Cream Substitutes:

• Coconut milk is reduced on the stove: until thick
• Sweetened cream of coconut: for a richer dessert-like flavor
• Vanilla cream: when you prefer a gentler tropical hint
• Cashew cream flavored with a touch of coconut extract

Vanilla Alternatives:

• Almond extract: for a cozy, nutty aroma
• Maple extract: when you want warmth with depth
• Coconut extract: to highlight tropical notes
• Spiced syrup: for holiday flair

Garnish Substitutes:

• Cocoa powder: in place of nutmeg
• Toasted nuts: instead of coconut
• Candied ginger bits: for a lively accent
• Cinnamon sugar rims: to give each sip a festive glow

Final Thoughts

For your next holiday gathering or for a relaxing evening by the fire, this unique rum-based creation offers a memorable taste experience. You might appreciate how effortlessly it serves up that perfect blend of creamy richness and unexpected pineapple and coconut flavor.

More Recipes:

• Copycat High Octane Lemonade Recipe