TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EGGNOG LIQUEUR RECIPE
This year, I was in charge of the Christmas bar and I hope you enjoyed it! I wish you a joyful Christmas and hope you’ll stay with us next year.
Eggnog liqueur is a classic Christmas drink, though it’s less common nowadays with so many fine beverages available in stores. However, I guarantee you won’t find anything like this homemade frothy delight anywhere else. Even I, who usually avoid strong alcohol like cognac, was surprised to enjoy this smooth, mild liqueur. The recipe is a vintage gem from the New York Times, dating back to 1958.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min + chilling
🍽️ Servings: approx. 4
Ingredients
- 60 ml cognac
- 60 ml bourbon
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 4 eggs
- 70 g sugar
- Ground cinnamon, to taste
- Ground nutmeg, for garnish
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup milk (optional; I did not use it)
Instructions
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
- Beat the yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes a light yellow creamy texture and the sugar dissolves.
- Slowly add the cognac and bourbon to the yolk mixture, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours to chill and meld flavors.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or adjust to taste) into the yolk mixture.
- Allow the egg whites to reach room temperature. Beat them with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture in 3-4 batches, mixing carefully to retain as much air as possible.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form and fold it gently into the mixture. Mix well, making sure to incorporate the alcohol that settles at the bottom.
- Chill the liqueur for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve in bowls or glasses with a spoon, as it’s more of a frothy liqueur than a drink. Sprinkle nutmeg mixed with a little cinnamon on top for garnish.
- Optional: For a less frothy consistency, add 1/2 cup milk before serving and enjoy as a drinkable liqueur.
📝 Final Thoughts
This eggnog liqueur is a luscious, creamy holiday treat with rich flavors of cognac, bourbon, and warm spices. It’s perfect for cozy Christmas evenings, creating a festive atmosphere that’s both traditional and indulgent. Enjoy and happy holidays!