Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 14 – Hazelnut Eggnog. It’s the one classic holiday cocktail you’ve been waiting for with bated breath. Here you have it, in all its glory, eggnog from SCRATCH with a divine hazelnut flavour thanks to a healthy dose of Frangelico. This version defies the norm, using bourbon in place of rum.
Honestly, this is goddamn delicious. If you’re not hosting a party, I’d strongly suggest you half the recipe so you’re not chugging eggnog over the span of 72 hours.
With nearly a dozen eggs, whole milk and whipping cream, this is not exactly a low-cal, low-fat beverage. It is thick and creamy and delicious. I’m not sure why eggnog has been relegated to the holiday season alone, it seems equally well-suited to any time you want a big glass of comfort.
From scratch is immeasurably better than any store-bought version you’ll come across. Just think about how many preservatives and unpronounceable ingredients must be in the varieties you find in the grocery store if it’s shelf-stable for several weeks. The real deal will only keep for a couple of days in the fridge, made from components you can name and recognize.
Eggnog seems to be one of those polarizing cocktails. There are those who are keen to drink eggs and those who are most definitely not. If you’re in the latter camp, go ahead and peruse some of the other options from the Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar and I’m sure you’ll find something you like.
I feel like it’s the kind of cocktail that should be consumed as a standalone affair – it’s too decadent to pair well with most foods, aside from the lightest of snacks. I think it’s best enjoyed on it’s own, while cuddled into a cozy chair, reading a book or watching your favourite Christmas movie.
I’m planning to enjoy a spot of nog this weekend while watching Love Actually – my personal favourite holiday flick. One of my favourite parts is laughing at how much fashions have changes since the film was released in 2003. Some of Kiera Knightley’s outfits don’t quite stand the test of time – her wedding dress from one of the opening scenes is an absolutely train wreck. And you could play a drinking game every time a character appears on screen wearing a ridiculous hat of some kind. You’d be drunk by the time the movie was over.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Chime in on the comments and give me some inspiration to diversify my line-up.
Cheers!
Hazelnut Eggnog
- 8 fresh pasteurized eggs preferably high quality with no cracks
- ¾ cup 175 mL granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups 750 mL whipping cream, 35%
- 2 cups 500 mL whole milk, 3.8%
- ½ cup bourbon
- ½ cup 125 mL Frangelico hazelnut liqueur
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnishing
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Carefully separate yolks and whites into separate bowls.
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Place egg yolks in a large bowl. Add ½ cup (125 mL) sugar. Whisk until pale.
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Pour cream and milk into a large saucepan. Set over medium heat until warm and steaming. Slowly whisk about half of cream mixture into egg mixture, then whisk that mixture into cream mixture in saucepan. Set over medium heat.
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Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 3 minutes until mixture coats back of a spoon or first bubble pops. Strain into a large bowl or container, then cool completely. Slowly whisk in bourbon then Frangelico. Refrigerate for about 1 hour until chilled.
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When yolk-bourbon mixture is chilled, beat egg whites with remaining ¼ cup (60 mL) sugar until soft peaks form when beaters are lifted. Whisk egg white mixture into cooled egg yolk and bourbon mixture. Refrigerate until chilled. If making ahead, eggnog will keep well, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
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Just before serving, stir eggnog. Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg. If you have a kitchen blowtorch, option to use heatproof glasses and brûlée the tops of the nog to add a pleasant meringue scent and pretty colour prior to dusting with nutmeg.
Recipe adapted from: Walsh, Victoria. "Bruléed White Chocolate Eggnog." Food and Drink. Holiday 2014.
