Is Egg Liqueur the Same as Eggnog

There's just something magical about that first velvety sip of eggnog or egg liqueur as the holidays roll in. Whether you're sipping it warm by the fireplace, shaking it into a cocktail, or folding it into a creamy dessert, that rich blend of eggs, cream, sugar, and spice is Christmas joy in a glass. However, here's the thing: not all festive egg-based drinks are created equal. While American eggnog is a beloved holiday drink, Austrian Eierlikör (or egg liqueur) is thicker, richer, and more dessert-like… and the two aren't always interchangeable in recipes.

So how do you know which one to use, and how can you substitute one for the other if needed?

If you've ever wondered whether you could pour eggnog into your bundt cake or sip a shot of Eierlikör as a nightcap, you're in the right place! In today's post, we'll explore the key differences between Austrian Eierlikör and American eggnog, plus I'll share two bonus recipes: a quick homemade Eierlikör from store-bought eggnog (super handy for American readers!), and how to turn your thick Austrian liqueur into a drinkable nog. Perfect for baking, sipping, or gifting this season!

And if you're as obsessed with creamy holiday goodness as I am, don't miss these delicious ideas from the eggnog & egg liqueur recipe collection on the blog. You can start with my homemade Advocaat-style egg liqueur, swirl it into a dreamy eggnog cheesecake, roll it into eggnog truffles, or shake up a retro-fabulous Snowball cocktail for your Christmas party.

🎄I love eggnog and egg liqueur. I mean, there's even a whole category for them on the blog, and for good reason! I use them in cakes, cookies, coffees, cocktails... pretty much everything from November through New Year's. And since December 24th is National Eggnog Day, today feels like the perfect time to dive into all the merry details.

So grab your favorite mug (or cordial glass!) and let's cozy up with some festive eggy goodness, shall we?

🥚 What Is Austrian Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur)?

Austrian Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur)-also known in Germany and Belgium as Advocaat-is a luxuriously thick, custard-like egg liqueur made with egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream or condensed milk, and a generous splash of alcohol (usually high-proof rum or brandy). Think of it as the boozy cousin of vanilla pudding-but pourable. (Barely. It's thick.)

In Austria, Eierlikör is often served in tiny cordial glasses around the holidays, usually with a delicate swirl of whipped cream on top. It's also poured over bundt cakes, drizzled onto ice cream, or mixed into creamy fillings and festive frostings. Some people even spoon it straight from the bottle. (No judgment here, I see you.)

It's rich, eggy, boozy, and decadent. Just the way we like our Christmas drinks. 🎄

Homemade versions of Eierlikör are especially popular in Austria and Germany during Advent and make lovely edible gifts when bottled up with a ribbon and handwritten label. If you haven't tried making your own yet, I shared a very easy and delicious version right here:
👉 How to Make a Delicious Homemade Advocaat Egg Liqueur

Just promise me you'll try it with whipped cream on top at least once. It's tradition!

🥛 What Is American Eggnog?

American eggnog is a creamy, spiced holiday drink that's usually enjoyed cold (or sometimes gently warmed) in large mugs, often with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. It's made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and sometimes alcohol like bourbon, rum, or brandy. But unlike Austrian Eierlikör, eggnog is typically lighter, thinner, and less boozy-more like a festive milkshake than a liqueur.

You'll often find it in cartons at the grocery store starting in November. Store-bought eggnog is usually pasteurized and non-alcoholic, making it family-friendly and easy to use in everything from lattes to pancakes to holiday punch bowls.

The flavor? Creamy, sweet, and warmly spiced-think vanilla meets cinnamon with a hint of nutmeg. It's incredibly comforting, and for many, the first glass of eggnog truly signals the start of the season. 🎁

Unlike Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur), American eggnog is meant to be drunk in larger quantities, not sipped from tiny glasses. You'll see it paired with Christmas cookies, swirled into coffee, or even mixed into cocktails. (Psst... have you tried my Eggnog Cheesecake or Eggnog Truffles? Both are chef's kiss for December baking days!)

🔍 Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur) vs. Eggnog: What's the Difference?

Even though Austrian Eierlikör and American eggnog share a base of eggs, cream, and sugar, they're very different in taste, texture, and how they're used. If you've ever tried baking a cake with eggnog and wondered why it didn't quite work out or tried sipping Eierlikör and nearly choked on its richness, you're not alone.

Here's a quick side-by-side to clear up the festive confusion:

Feature	🇦🇹 Austrian Eierlikör	🇺🇸 American Eggnog
Texture	Thick, almost spoonable	Light and pourable
Alcohol content	Always alcoholic (15–20%+)	Optional (often non-alcoholic)
Main use	Sipped in small glasses, baked into cakes, stirred into desserts	Drunk in larger servings, used in lattes and cocktails
Flavor	Rich, eggy, creamy, with a boozy kick	Lightly spiced, creamy, milder
Shelf life	Long (especially homemade with strong alcohol)	Short (especially homemade, or store-bought after opening)
Best in...	Bundt cakes, muffins, whipped cream, dessert sauces	Coffee drinks, chilled punch, French toast batter

They each have their time and place, and both deserve a spot in your holiday fridge if you ask me!

🎅 How to Make Austrian-Style Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur) from American Eggnog

So you're standing in your kitchen, clutching a carton of store-bought eggnog, wondering if it will work in your great-aunt's Austrian Eierlikör bundt cake recipe. The answer? Almost! With just a few tweaks, you can transform that light and creamy American eggnog into a rich, velvety liqueur that behaves much more like the real deal.

Perfect for baking, drizzling over desserts, or sipping from tiny glasses with whipped cream, just like we do in Austria!

✨ Homemade Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur) from American Eggnog

Makes about 1¼ cups (300 ml)

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) American eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) high-proof rum or brandy
• 1 large egg yolk (optional, for added richness and authenticity)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, depending on your eggnog's sweetness)
  

🥄 Instructions

Step 1 - Whisk it all together:
In a medium bowl or a glass measuring jug, whisk together the eggnog, alcohol, egg yolk (if using), and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 2 - Chill it:
Pour the mixture into a clean bottle or jar. Seal it tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before using-it will thicken slightly as it rests.

Step 3 - Use it like real Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur):
Drizzle it over cake, add it to your coffee, stir it into a festive cocktail, or sip it in true Austrian fashion with a dollop of whipped cream.

🎁 Recipe Notes:

• Egg yolk optional: If you're uncomfortable using raw egg, you can skip it-the texture will be a bit thinner, but still lovely.
• Make it spiced: Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon if you want a festive twist.

Storage: Keep chilled in the fridge and use within 5-6 days (or sooner if your eggnog was close to its expiration date).

☕ How to Make Drinkable Eggnog from Austrian Eierlikör (Egg liqueur)

Maybe you've just made a beautiful batch of homemade Eierlikör (or found a lovely bottle at your local Christmas market), and now you're craving that classic American eggnog moment-a big mug, a sprinkle of nutmeg, maybe a crackling fire in the background.

Good news! You can absolutely turn your thick Austrian-style egg liqueur into a creamy, drinkable eggnog. It just takes a little thinning out with milk or cream, a few spices, and a festive swirl of whipped cream if you're feeling fancy.

This is the perfect way to use up leftover Eierlikör (Egg liqueur) or stretch it out for a cozy evening treat.

✨ Quick Drinkable Eggnog from Austrian Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur)

Makes 2 small mugs

📝 Ingredients

• 100 ml (about ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) Austrian Eierlikör
• 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk or a mix of milk and cream
• A pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon (or both!)
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, if you like it sweeter
• Optional: A splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy for extra warmth
• To serve: Whipped cream and a cinnamon stick (because it's Christmas 🎄)
  

🥄 Instructions

Step 1 - Warm gently (or chill it):
In a small saucepan, combine the Eierlikör, milk, and spices. Warm over low heat, stirring gently-do not boil! Just heat until steamy and fragrant.

Want a chilled version instead? Just stir the ingredients together in a shaker or jug and serve over ice.

Step 2 - Sweeten to taste:
Add a touch of maple syrup or honey if your Eierlikör isn't quite sweet enough. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 3 - Serve with a flourish:
Pour into mugs or glasses, top with whipped cream, and finish with a dusting of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for extra cheer.

🎁 Recipe Notes:

• Adjust the ratio: Want it richer? Use more Eierlikör. Want it lighter? Add more milk. This one's totally customizable.
• Warm or cold: Both versions are delicious-serve warm for ultimate coziness, or chilled as a holiday brunch drink.
• Perfect with cookies: Especially Vanilla Crescents or Zimtsterne! (Because you know I can't resist a cookie pairing.)

🎁 Wrapping Up: One Festive Base, Two Delicious Traditions

Whether you're team eggnog or team Eierlikör (Egg liqueur), one thing's for sure: we all love a good creamy, spiced holiday treat. Now you know the difference between the two, how to use them in baking or sipping, and how to swap one for the other with a few quick tweaks. No more wondering if your Austrian cake will collapse under American eggnog or if your homemade liqueur is too thick for cocktails!

From bundt cakes and truffles to mugs full of warm, whipped-cream-topped cheer, there's room at the holiday table for both.

And if you're as eggnog-obsessed as I am, don't forget to check out some of my favorite festive recipes:

• Homemade Egg Liqueur (Advocaat-style)
• Eggnog Cheesecake
• Eggnog Truffles
• Snowball Cocktail

✨ And hey! December 24 is National Eggnog Day, so this is the perfect excuse to whip something up and celebrate with a sip (or a spoonful).

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.