Classic eggnog

Eggnog recipe

Have you ever found yourself wondering, what is eggnog? It’s a festive milk-based cocktail made with egg yolks, spices and often, but not always, alcohol. Due to the warmer weather in Australia, eggnog isn't as popular here as in colder countries like the United States and Britain, but it has been steadily climbing in popularity over recent years, especially at Christmas time. This spiced festive beverage can be created as an alcoholic eggnog or an eggnog without alcohol, whichever takes your fancy. 

Eggnog is hugely popular in America today, but it actually came to life in the UK as a posset (a drink with milk and alcohol used to help cure colds and flus - think, hot toddy). There are a few different theories about how the festive beverage got its name - be it after a strong beer (nog), after a small mug that holds alcohol (noggin) or after an ale warmed with a hot poker (nugged ale). The drink travelled from the UK to America in the 1700s, where it gained popularity and rum was added in place of ale - giving rise to another naming theory - egg-n-grog. 

How to make eggnog with alcohol (or without)

So, what’s in eggnog? Good question! The best eggnog recipe is one that is simple to make and delicious to drink. Basic eggnog ingredients include milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon and/or nutmeg, vanilla and alcohol. This simple eggnog recipe uses brandy, rum or bourbon for an extra kick, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic eggnog recipe that even the kids can enjoy, you can leave the booze out - it will still taste great.

How to prepare eggnog to delight the whole family? Begin by warming cream and milk in a pan to warm without boiling. Whisk eggs, vanilla and sugar together, mix in with the cream mixture and return it to the heat to create a thick custard. Allow the custard mixture to cool, add your brandy, rum or whisky (for the grown-ups - skip this step for the kids!) and sprinkle with nutmeg to finish it off. You can drink it warm, but hot Australian festive seasons call for cool beverages - this recipe works either way. 

Traditions of eggnog

In America, eggnog is popular around Christmas due to its warming spiced flavours and temperature that embodies the winter season. It’s festive must-have in America and its popularity has now spilled into Australia. 

Milk, eggs, and sherry were known to be foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health. It’s often enjoyed before a warming fire as families gather around during the holiday period between Thanksgiving and Christmas to share stories and connect as a family.

What food to serve with eggnog 

What you serve with eggnog will depend heavily on whether you’re serving it as an aperitif or a digestif. As an aperitif, choose a food to contrast the rich, creaminess of the drink. You could go with simple salty crackers, stuffed mushrooms or arancini,. If serving after dinner in front of a fire, choc chip cookies or rum balls work a treat. A rich, dark chocolate tart is a great pairing with the creamy cocktail if you’re serving it with dessert.

Now get cooking

If this is your first foray into homemade eggnog, it likely will not be your last. Once you’ve been bitten by the eggnog bug you can move on to creating nog flavoured desserts like our mini eggnog pavlovas with rum syrup or our very Christmassy gingerbread cupcakes with eggnog frosting. If eggnog is not for you or you want a few more cocktails under your belt then try our cocktail hour recipes.