The words ‘classic’ or ‘iconic’ might be a bit over-used, but for me both apply squarely to my favourite Christmas drink: Eggnog. Whilst I have no idea where the word came from (“egg” and “grog, anyone”?) the drink is delicious and filling.
4 cups milk
5 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar (I prefer brown sugar)
2 1/2 cups light rum
4 cups light cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes, then gently bring milk mixture to a simmer. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy, then whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Keep over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick (about 2 minutes). Do not allow mixture to boil. Remove cloves and let mixture cool. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate until cold before serving.
If you want to share the drink around with everyone at Christmas split the cooling mixture into two and add rum to one of them; the non-rum version is great for children.
