Cocktail Hour: Eggnog

I'll be honest, I'm not convinced that drinking whipped up eggs is a real cocktail. But, for some of you it's the only way to kick off the festive season (we'll start using the C word soon, I promise). And well, there aren't many festive drinks I don't like so I'm willing to give it a bash. There are so many variations on this recipe that you might know a different one that's been handed down to you. It's such a traditional recipe, but this one is simple enough to play about with - you can substitute the rum for whisky or bourbon if you prefer it.

Serves 8.

You'll need these things:

• 4 eggs, separated
  
• 120ml white rum or bourbon
  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 60 grams caster sugar
• 300ml full fat milk
• 150ml whipping cream
• Grated nutmeg

Make it!

• Whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, and then whisk in your booze of choice a little at a time and then whisk in the milk. It it starts to separate whilst you're helping yourself to a tipple, just whisk it up again.
• In another bowl, whisk your eggs whites into soft peaks and fold in the boozy mix.
• Then whisk the whipped cream and fold that in as well. Make sure everything is all mixed together.
• Pour into glasses and grate with nutmeg. Get drunk and sing songs.

Know a variation on this recipe? Do you have an eggnog tradition? Tell us in the comments!

Flickr image from Robert S. Donovan's photostream.