Holiday Eggnog

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                                 HOLIDAY EGGNOG

For many of us, eggnog is nostalgic.   It reminds us of the holidays, Christmas morning, and spending time with family.  For me as a child it was such a treat to get to drink something so rich and delicious and because it only came around once a year it seemed even more special.  

The history of eggnog actually dates back as early as the 13th century when British monks were drinking something called “posset”.  It was a hot milk and ale punch with eggs and figs in it and may have been used as a cold and flu remedy.   By the 17th century, sherry was added and because this drink contained ingredients afforded only by the wealthy, it was used in toasts to good health and prosperity.   In the 1700’s American colonists were adding Caribbean rum to it, which was much less expensive than brandy or sherry and easy to acquire.  It was at this time that eggnog became a holiday staple.   Many countries have their own unique version of this classic egg based drink:

  • Rompope - Mexico
  • Coquito - Puerto Rico (eggs are often left out and coconut milk is added)
  • Eierlikor - Germany
  • Kogel Mogel - Poland

The recipe for eggnog is quite simple, a beaten mixture of eggs, milk, sugar and cream, with the spirit of your choice, and traditionally garnished with baking spices.  Yes, you can find it in the grocery store during the holiday season but it’s so much more fun to make it yourself!   (And it will taste so much better)   I think rum is the ideal choice to “spike” your eggnog, because of its versatility and complexities.   A rum, like Ron Zacapa 23, will add rich flavors of brown sugar and nutmeg whereas using Smith and Cross is going to impart flavors of banana.   If you search the internet you will find hundreds of recipes for eggnog, most requiring a lot of time and effort.  Here is my super quick but amazingly delicious go to recipe for an instant eggnog.   Have fun with it and of course enjoy responsibly! I hope that you all have a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday season.  

                     EGGNOG FOR 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 Whole Egg
  • ⅓ Cup Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Milk
  • ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1.5 oz. Aged Rum (your choice!)
  • 1.5 oz. Amontillado Sherry
  • 2 Drops Vanilla Extract1 pinch of Nutmeg

Directions: 

  1. Crack the egg into a mixing tin, lightly beat with a fork and then slowly start to pour in the sugar.  It will turn into a custard like consistency.  
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and a scoop of ice and shake hard for one whole minute.  (Enlist your friends and family to help with this part!)  
  3. Strain into two cocktail glasses and add fresh grated cinnamon and nutmeg to the top.

Cheers!

Cris