Thanksgiving Nog

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Cocktail History

The Thanksgiving Nog is a batch autumn cocktail that was created by Nick Mautone and was first published in his book The Artisanal Kitchen: Holiday Cocktails. It’s served warm and made on a stovetop using lots of different fall-inspired ingredients, including rum, cream, pumpkin, brown sugar, and various seasonal spices.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dark Rum: This is a type of rum made with sugarcane, spices, and water that has been barrel aged for a long period of time. I used Plantation Original Dark Rum.

Water: This is a colorless liquid that stretches the recipe. I used filtered water.

Heavy Cream: This is a thick, high-fat milk product. I used Prairie Farms Dairy Heavy Whipping Cream.

Pumpkin Purée: This is cooked pumpkin that has been blended into a smooth pulp. I used Farmer’s Market Foods Organic Pumpkin Purée.

Brown Sugar: This is white sugar that has been processed, crystallized, dried, and flavored with molasses. I used C&H Pure Cane Dark Brown Sugar.

Maple Syrup: This is a syrup made with the sap from maple trees. I used a local maple syrup.

Vanilla Extract: This is a flavoring made with vanilla beans, ethyl alcohol, and water. I used Simply Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is a spice blend made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I used Simply Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Whipped Cream: This is heavy cream that has been whipped and beaten until it is light and fluffy. I used Reddi-Wip Original Dairy Whipped Topping.

Ground Cinnamon: This is a spice. I used Simply Organic Ground Cinnamon.

Cinnamon Stick: This is a dried spice that has been rolled into a stick. I used Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Saucepan: This is used to warm the ingredients. I used the Cuisinart 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan with Cover.

Spoon: This is used to stir the ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spoon.

Ladle: This is used to transfer the drink to cups. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Ladle.

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Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Yellow-orange color with a frothy top

• Aroma: Fall baking spices and cream

• Taste: Distinct creamy pumpkin flavor mixed with banana rum, maple, and spices

• Finish: Decadent sugar, vanilla, and cream notes

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: “My first time trying this thick and creamy beverage, my exact words were, ‘Wow, it’s like I’m drinking a pumpkin pie!’ Although quite the labor of love and higher in calories compared to other fall cocktails, I’d say the Thanksgiving Nog is worth indulging in around the holidays. This recipe also makes quite a few servings, so be prepared to share with family and friends. I can guarantee they’ll enjoy it too thanks to its sweet pumpkin flavor.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Artisanal Kitchen: Holiday Cocktails by Nick Mautone.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-01-22.