What better way to celebrate the season to be jolly than by whipping up a big old vat of alcoholic custard. This seasonal staple will have the wayward relatives stumbling through the festive proceedings with a rosy tint to their cheeks and a spring in their step. So, as the Christmas fervour sees you make your way through every beverage in the booze cupboard, let’s take a few moments to knock up a batch of a very Christmassy Eggnog.
A Very Christmassy Eggnog
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Vanilla Pod
- 500g (1lb) Full Fat Milk
- 500g (1lb) Whipping Cream
- 150g (5⅓oz) Sugar
- 6 Egg Yolks
- 300g (11oz) Spiced Rum
- 100g (3oz) Brandy
- 1 Stick Cinnamon
- Grated Nutmeg
Instructions
- Carefully slice open the Vanilla Bean and scrape out the seeds from inside
- Place 500g of Milk, 500g of Cream, 150g of Sugar, 1 Stick of Cinnamon and the Vanilla Bean seeds in a small saucepan, then heat gently and stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil
- Next, place 6 Egg Yolks in a medium-sized mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy
- Once fluffy, continue mixing with one hand, and very very slowly add 300g of Spiced Rum and 100g of Brandy
- When fully incorporated, add this boozy egg mix to the milk and Cream mix, and very gingerly combine the two using a manual hand whisk
- Transfer the contents into a glass jug, then place the resulting alcoholic "creme anglaise" in the fridge and chill overnight
- Once ready to consume, give the whole thing a gentle stir, before straining it into some suitable drinking vessels and grating a little Nutmeg on top
- Don a crude paper hat and consume nonchalantly while engaging in the traditional festive frivolity
Nutrition
Dialing In your Christmas Eggnog
What Alcohol Goes Best with Eggnog?
The world seems fairly divided when it comes to the kind of booze that should grace your cup of Christmassy Eggnog. As a result, Rum, Whiskey, Bourbon, Amaretto and Brandy have all found favour in this festive custardy drink. Personally, however, I feel that a good Spiced Rum backed with a punch of Brandy will provide flavour notes required for the festive season. That said, you can feel free to experiment with your favourite bottle of the good stuff and make this recipe your own.
Getting the Booze Ratio Just Right
Some folks might feel that my recipe has a little too much booze in it, but, I would argue otherwise. As with any mixed drink, the flavour of the alcohol plays as much a part of the overall profile as any of the other ingredients. Therefore, I have gone for a ballpark ratio of 4 parts mixer to 1 part alcohol for my Christmassy eggnog. If, however, you need to pace yourself a little over the jolly period, feel free to dial it down a notch.
To Chill or Not to Chill
As many will already know, a generous host will traditionally serve eggnog cold, but let’s face it, many of us will have lacked the patience for the chilling process and drank it while still warm. Thankfully, this forgiving drink remains delicious either way, so feel free to devour it warm or cold depending on your personal preference.
Partnering Christmas Eggnog with a Tasty Treat
As everyone knows, Christmas provides an excuse to postpone any healthy activities and enjoy life in all its glutenous glory. Therefore, you should feel no shame in partnering this seasonal offering with some kind of buttery treat. So, as you warm your feet by the fire while supping on a glorious glass of eggnog, why not use your free hand to grasp a wonderfully spiced Chelsea Bun. Or alternatively match the silky, custardy tipple with a Banana and Blueberry Muffin, or a spot of Apple and Blackberry Crumble.
Other Boozy Staples fort the Christmas Holiday
Within this Christmas void where all the regular health rules have gone out the window, you’ll probably need more than one kind of booze to see you through to the end of the year. Therefore, you should grasp the festive spirit with both hands and indulge in a few more seasonal tipples. If you’re having trouble deciding on what to partake in next, how about a steaming mug of Hot Toddy, a lovely cup of Christmas Mulled Wine, or adding some caffeine into the mix with an Irish Coffee. You’re welcome!
Merry Christmas one and all!
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