Old and New: Eggnog Traditions

By Jillian Smith

When most of us think of eggnog, we immediately envision a warm fire and a cozy blanket, snuggled up by an evergreen tree covered in twinkle lights, maybe some festive music playing in the background and shortbread cookies to pair. This thick and luscious concoction has dazzled us for centuries. There are a few key choices for holiday eggnog mix-ins, the classic additions being brandy, rum and whisky. Try one of these festive cocktails at your holiday gathering in the company of family and friends.

Jamaican Eggnog

1 Serving

3 tsp brown sugar

1-2 dashes of bitters

1 free-range egg (whole)

2 oz pure apple cider

1 ½ oz rum

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker.

2. Shake hard for 20 seconds.

3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with fresh ground nutmeg.

Classic Cognac Eggnog

1 Serving

½ oz simple syrup*

1 ¼ oz milk

1 free-range egg (yolk only)

1 oz Cognac

Nutmeg, ground, for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a dry cocktail shaker.

2. Shake hard for 20 seconds.

3. Add ice to shaker. Shake until the egg is well-mixed.

4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with ground nutmeg. * Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil. When the sugar has dissolved remove from heat.

Bourbon Aged Eggnog

If you want to elevate your eggnog game this season, why not try aging it? Aging provides time for the ingredients to meld together and enhance flavours to off er your guests something deliciously different. This recipe will serve a large number of holiday guests. When finished aging, fill a punch bowl and share!

24 Servings

2 cups sugar

4 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

12 free-range eggs (yolks only)

4 cups Bourbon

Pinch of kosher salt

Cinnamon, ground, for garnish

Directions:

1 . In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy and light yellow in colour.

2. Whisk in bourbon, cream and kosher salt. Add mixture to glass containers, such as sterilized jars.

3. Cover tightly with lid and store in the refrigerator for anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.

4. Shake jar before drinking.

5. To serve, place in small ice-filled festive mugs.

6. Garnish with ground cinnamon.

5 exotic spices to enhance your holiday ‘nog’ traditions

Cardamom: With undertones of citrus, mint and spice, cardamom is often paired with cinnamon and nutmeg — the traditional eggnog spices.

Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne doesn’t just heat things up — it enhances other flavours, too! Try it in your aged eggnog.

Turmeric: Turmeric will give your eggnog a gorgeous yellow-orange tint, some pungent earthy flavours and a healthy dose of antioxidants.

Chinese Five Spice: A blend of anise, cinnamon, clove, fennel seed and peppercorns. This spice is sure to bring warm, spicy-sweet flavours to your eggnog cocktail.

Vanilla Chai: This blend uses powdered cane sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Scrape fresh vanilla bean into the mixture and grind for an even more robust taste.