Morgenthaler’s Sherry Eggnog: The World’s Best Eggnog Recipe. Period.

Jeffrey Morgenthaler is about as close as it gets to a legend in the drinks industry.

I take that back, it’s not close. Morgenthaler is a legend in the drinks industry.

So much so, he became the topic of a running joke amidst our Top 100 bar travels.

Literally 50% of the time when we sit at an international bar and tell the bartender we’re from Portland, their response would be:

“Oh! My buddy Jeff is from Portland!”

He clearly has a lot of buddies.

Aside from being named one of the most influential people of the last century within the industry, he’s about as good of a dude as it gets.

Seriously, his passion for his career and his employees is unlike anything I’ve seen.

And if you’re in Portland, I highly recommend you check out Pacific Standard – his latest bar. For years he ran Portland institutions Clyde Common and Pepe le Moko, but unfortunately, they were victims of COVID.

But enough of the flattery, today we’re talking eggnog.

And not just any eggnog, the BEST EGGNOG RECIPE ON THE PLANET.

You might be kind of like I was, and think “eggnog? ew.”

I’m not the biggest fan of it usually, but this tequila and sherry concoction? Nectar of the gods.

No joke, it’s one of the best drinks you’ll ever have.

I made it for the first time last year, and it was phenomenal. But then I had to know if it was as good as the real thing. So a few days later my wife and I marched down to Clyde Common for dinner and promptly ordered two eggnogs: Yep, just as good as expected.

This year? I can report, it’s back on the holiday menu at Pacific Standard, and just as good as ever.

And fortunately for you? I’s easy to make at home and is the perfect holiday cocktail.

What Makes This the Best Eggnog Ever?

Personally, I think the reason this eggnog is so good is that it’s unexpected.

Tequila?

Sherry?

Would never have thought to put those two together in a decadent holiday drink. Yet here we are.

Throw some nutmeg on top which compliments it all wonderfully. and you’ve got a new holiday tradition.

So how do you make it?

Let me tell you.

Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s Sherry Eggnog Ingredients

If you’re making it for a large group, you can get the full instructions on Jeff’s website here.

I use his paired-down version, which results in a much more manageable amount for 2-4 people.

Here’s what you’ll need to get going:

• 2 large eggs
• 3oz (by volume) superfine sugar
• 2oz anejo tequila
• 2.5oz Amontillado sherry
• 6 oz whole milk
• 4 oz heavy cream

From there:

1. Get a stand mixer (or a blender if you don’t have one) and gently beat the eggs until smooth
2. Slowly add in sugar
3. Slowly add in tequila, sherry, milk, and cream
4. Mix until combined
5. Chill overnight

That’s it.

It’s one of the easiest batch holiday cocktails you can make, and the fact that you can do it a few days before you have guests over makes it a real winner.

Check Out Jeff’s Books

Like I said, of all the bartenders I’ve met in my travels, Jeff is about as down-to-earth as it gets. You won’t find the slightest bit of pretension there, and he treats his employees like his family.

If you don’t have either of them yet, I’d highly recommend picking up one of his two bartending books:

• The Bar Book – This might be my favorite book on bartending technique ever written. If you want to get better at your craft of making drinks, this is a must-own.
• Drinking Distilled – One of the few books written about how to drink drinks, not just how to make them. This book is light-hearted, funny, and all about how to properly enjoy a drink at a bar – without pissing off everyone around you.