Where To Buy Eggnog In England

Let’s be honest: finding eggnog in England is like trying to find a quiet moment at a toddler’s birthday party—possible, but you’ll need a plan and a bit of luck. For those of us who grew up on American Christmas movies, the idea of a thick, spiced, creamy drink that basically tastes like liquid Christmas cake is pure magic. But in the UK, you’re more likely to find a carton of Advocaat, which is eggnog’s confused, boozy cousin who shows up late and forgets the nutmeg.

Your first port of call should be the chilled aisle of a large supermarket, and I’m talking about the big boys: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, or Waitrose. They usually stock a seasonal “Christmas Cream Liqueur” that proudly says “eggnog style” on the label, which is code for “we tried our best.” You’ll find it sitting next to the Baileys and the weird-looking bottles of advocaat, and it’s often cheaper than a train fare, but a lot more joyful.

The Waitrose “Aha!” Moment

Waitrose is the high-end friend who has a spare room with fancy pillows. They consistently carry a genuine, American-style eggnog, usually around mid-November. It’s in a carton, not a bottle, and it’s from a brand like “That’s It!” or their own label, and it costs about the same as a decent slice of cake. I once grabbed one so fast I nearly knocked over a display of mince pies, and the cashier just nodded and said, “You’ve found it, then.” That moment of validation is worth the price tag alone.

If you’re in a Marks & Spencer, don’t walk past the chilled section without a good stare. They often do a “Cream Liqueur” that is dangerously close to the real thing, but it’s usually sold in a bottle that looks like it belongs in a posh cocktail bar. It’s thicker, sweeter, and has a whisper of nutmeg that will make you close your eyes and hum. Just be prepared to part with a fiver—M&S charges for that level of luxury, like a private taxi to your taste buds.

Your Local “World Foods” Corner Shop

Here’s the underdog move: head to your local Polish or Eastern European deli. They often stock a drink called “Bajadera” or a thick, spiced egg liqueur that is basically eggnog in a foreign language. It’s usually in a plastic bottle, hidden on a bottom shelf, and it costs about half the price of the posh supermarket stuff. I once bought one in a tiny shop in Peckham, and the owner handed it to me with a shrug and said, “It’s good. But you might need a spoon.” He wasn’t wrong.

What Is Eggnog And Is It Always Alcoholic?

If you’re desperate and it’s 10 PM on a Tuesday, Amazon Fresh or a local Co-op might have a carton of plain old Advocaat. Yes, it’s technically the same thing, but it’s sweeter and has the texture of a very polite milkshake. You can drink it on its own, but my secret trick is to mix it with a splash of milk and a heavy dusting of grated nutmeg. Suddenly, it’s not Advocaat—it’s “emergency eggnog”, and it works in a pinch.

The Pub Loophole

Don’t rule out your local gastropub. Some of them, especially the fancy ones with a “Christmas menu,” will serve a proper eggnog as a cocktail. It’ll cost you a tenner and come in a tiny glass, but it’s made by a professional who knows how to balance the cream, the bourbon, and the spice. It’s like ordering a fancy coffee when you’re used to instant. You’ll feel like a Victorian novelist, minus the opium.

EGGNOG - Kreider Farms

And if you really want to go full DIY—which I only recommend if you’re housebound or stubborn—you can make it at home. All you need is eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and a healthy splash of rum or brandy. But let’s be honest: you’re reading this because you don’t want to whisk six eggs while your toddler is decorating the tree with tinsel. That’s why we buy the premade stuff. It’s the edible equivalent of a Christmas hug from someone who didn’t drop you as a baby.

So, whether you’re sneaking a carton from Waitrose at 8 AM, finding a bargain in a deli, or splurging on a pub version that comes with a fancy cinnamon stick, you will find your eggnog. It’s out there, hiding next to the mince pies, pretending to be fancy. And when you do find it, pour it into a mug, add a bit of extra nutmeg, and toast to the fact that you’re one of the brave souls who actually tracks down the good stuff in a country that invented Christmas but still can’t agree on what to put in a glass. Cheers to that.