The Only Way To Upgrade Store-Bought Eggnog, According to a Recipe Developer

I always notice when eggnog shows up at my grocery store. Even if it’s October and perhaps a bit early, I buy it anyway. I can’t resist its creamy goodness. It reminds me of some of my favorite holiday memories. From the snowman mug full of whipped cream–topped nog that I sloshed around while ripping open presents as a kid to the cup filled mostly with nog but also a generous splash of brandy as an adult, I’ve enjoyed it many times and in many ways. One of my favorite ways is with a dash of flaky sea salt. Let me explain. 

Salt is a beautiful ingredient; it works seamlessly to heighten the flavor of food without contributing any additional taste besides its salinity. Without it, prepared dishes often come out tasting flat and bland. Introduce a bit of salt, though, and watch out! Flavor is sure to follow. 

Made with mostly milk, cream, and egg yolks, eggnog naturally contains some sodium, but the amount ranges from brand to brand, and often it isn’t much. I remember purchasing one eggnog that was ultra-creamy and rich, but it didn’t taste sweet, and the spices felt too subtle. I craved more flavor, so I grabbed my little jar of fine flaky sea salt, added a pinch, gave it a stir, and the nog was transformed. 

As it turns out, scientists have found that salt actually amplifies our tongues’ ability to taste sweetness. The flavors of my eggnog were accentuated, and that somehow also made the nog’s creamy texture even more luxurious and enjoyable. 

Tip for Upgrading Your Eggnog With Salt

• Choose your salt wisely. I like adding flaky sea salt to my eggnog because its thin, irregular texture allows it to dissolve more quickly than kosher salt. That being said, kosher and table salt will both work, but see my second tip below.
• Warm your nog. This tip might be controversial, but even room-temperature nog is better than cold. You’ll have better access to all the flavors thanks to your temperature-sensitive taste buds. The warmth will also make it easier for the salt to dissolve.
• Start small. Add just a few granules of flaky sea salt, and taste the eggnog before adding more. It’s easy to add salt a bit at a time, but it’s impossible to remove it once it’s in the nog. 

If you’re up for a fun holiday project, consider skipping the store-bought nog, and make it yourself. It’s a relatively easy task with delicious results. Don’t forget to add that bit of salt just before serving, and cheers to all the memories you’re about to make!