Nutmeg

A fresh grating of nutmeg on top of a Brandy Alexander or a flip is the kind of small detail that separates a good cocktail from a great one. Buy whole nutmegs and a microplane — pre-ground nutmeg loses its aromatic punch fast. It’s the classic garnish on eggnog, shows up in tiki drinks, and adds warmth to any cream-based cocktail. The spice was once so valuable that wars were fought over it in the 1600s. Just a light dusting is enough; too much and it goes from aromatic to medicinal in a hurry.

Last modified on September 24, 2026