Eggnog recipes for that perfect Christmas tipple

Christmas time, mistletoe and wine are in our near future. If you're already planning ahead for the biggest celebration of the year, then we've found the perfect drink to accompany the Christmas countdown - eggnog. Eggnog recipes are all around us...

According to TIME, "While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from the early medieval Britain “posset,” a hot, milky, ale-like drink. By the 13th century, monks were known to drink a posset with eggs and figs."

So having a glass of your favourite festive cocktail is drinking in history! Whether you usually go for a hot chocolate and it's your first time putting together this Christmas tipple or you're a seasoned pro, we've found three different eggnog recipes that will be right for you including a dairy-free eggnog recipe and an alcohol-free alternative.

Eggnog recipe

If you're looking for a more traditional eggnog recipe, then we've found a brilliant option for you. This eggnog recipe from Jamie Oliver is super tasty and easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

700ml whole milk

240ml heavy or double cream

Three cinnamon sticks

One vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed

One teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish

Five eggs, separated

130g cup granulated sugar

175ml Bacardi Dark Rum, or bourbon

METHOD

1 In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to the boil over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep.

2 In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until combined and thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth. Add bourbon or rum, and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.

3 Before serving, beat the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold into eggnog until combined. Serve and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Eggnog recipe dairy-free

Whether you're catering for an egg allergy or looking for a sustainable plant-based option, OGGS is a great substitute for lots of your favourite Christmas favourites including an easy eggnog recipe.

The team at OGGS has pulled together a festive treat that all over 18s will enjoy. We hope you know that you're most certainly going to fall in love with this delicious dairy-free eggnog recipe... We sure have!

According to OGGS, "This creamy confection is our take on a traditional eggnog. We’ve used a clever technique of simmering the almond milk first with a little sugar to reduce it, which produces a lovely creamy taste. The booze comes courtesy of one of our favourite Christmas tipples – Amaretto – but you can use any nut-based liqueur you can find. Cheers!"

Now on to the recipe...

PREP TIME: 20 mins (including cooling time)

Serves two

INGREDIENTS

250ml almond milk

21/2 tbsp golden caster sugar

50-75ml Amaretto or another nut-flavoured liqueur

50ml OGGS Aquafaba

A pinch of ground cinnamon or ground ginger

METHOD

1 Pour the almond milk and one tbsp sugar into a small pan. Bring to the boil and give it a good stir to make sure the sugar dissolves, then turn the heat right down low and simmer for five minutes. It’ll reduce and become slightly creamier during this time.

2 Pour in the Amaretto or other liqueur that you’re using. Set aside to cool until the liquid is just warm – you’ll need to wait around 10 minutes.

3 Pour the Aquafaba into a bowl and whisk for about two-three minutes until it looks thick and frothy, and there’s a ribbon-like trail when the whisk’s lifted. Using a balloon whisk here makes this a great upper-arm workout! Whisk in the remaining 11/2 tbsp sugar.

4 Divide the warm almond mixture between two glasses, top with the whisked and sweetened Aquafaba and sprinkle a pinch of ground spice on top of each.

5 Sip to your heart’s content.

Eggnog recipe no alcohol

Great for all the family, this non alcoholic Eggnog mocktail is an incredible Christmassy drink, perfect for serving with dessert. This is our favourite eggnog recipe, alcohol-free:

INGREDIENTS

6 large eggs

2 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar (plus 2 tablespoons)

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/4 cup heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)

Garnish: additional grated nutmeg

METHOD

For the full recipe visit the spruce eats here

Everything you need to create eggnog cocktails

Discover the essentials you'll need to create the best eggnog cocktail.