Our Brandy Eggnog recipe is your ticket to warmth! The mix of brandy, egg yolks, milk, and nutmeg makes it an ideal cocktail for winter.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
5 minutes
Servings:
6
Calories:
368
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Brandy
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- ⅓ Nutmeg
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Nutmeg grater
- Measuring Cups
- Serving glasses or cups
Instructions
- Beat Eggs: Crack 4 large eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks only until they are smooth.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add ½ cup sugar while continuing to whisk.
- Beat Egg Whites (optional): Sprinkle 3 pinches of sugar into the egg white and whisk until frothy. Set it aside for later.
- Prep milk base: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 Cinnamon sticks. Grate about ⅓ Nutmeg and add it to the mix.
- Heat Milk: Heat the milk mixture in a saucepan until it's just about to boil.
- Combine: Switch off the heating and slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the hot milk, whisking constantly.
- Cook: Switch on the heating again and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
- Add Brandy: Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup Brandy. Let it cool down for a bit.
- Combine: Once it’s cooled down, carefully combine the foamy egg whites with the eggnog mixture.
- Serve: Pour into serving glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: Bourbon or dark rum can be used as a substitute if you don't have brandy. Both will give a different flavor profile but still make a delicious eggnog.
- Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat.
- Whole Milk: You can use any milk here, but remember that the higher the fat content, the creamier your eggnog will be. Almond milk or oat milk can also be used for a dairy-free version.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute or apple juice for a fruity twist. You can also simply leave it out and add more spices and/or sugar to taste (cinnamon or syrup can be great additions here).
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular brandy, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Egg Substitute: Use a commercial egg substitute or ¼ cup of silken tofu to replace the egg. This will give your eggnog a similar texture without using any animal products.
- Milk & heavy cream Substitutes: Use plant-based products like almond or oat milk and cream instead. These will make your eggnog creamy while keeping it vegan.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these vegan substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.
What is a Brandy Eggnog?
A Brandy Eggnog is a brandy-based festive cocktail made of brandy, milk and/or cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
Making a Brandy Eggnog can be difficult because of the need to properly whip the eggs into a frothy consistency before combining them with the other ingredients. This process requires skill and patience to ensure the cocktail’s texture is smooth and creamy.
The Brandy Eggnog is a variant of the traditional eggnog, typically made with rum or bourbon. Instead, Brandy gives this version a unique twist, offering a slightly sweeter and richer taste profile than its counterparts.
What is a Brandy Eggnog made of – The ingredients
A Brandy Eggnog requires these specific ingredients:
- Brandy: This is the leading alcoholic component of the drink. It adds a warm, rich flavor and a kick.
- Eggs: They are used to create the base of the eggnog. The yolks provide richness and creaminess, while the whites can be whipped to add frothiness.
- Sugar: It sweetens the drink, balancing out the strong flavors of the brandy and eggs.
- Whole Milk: This adds to the creamy texture and neutralizes some of the richness of the eggs.
- Heavy Cream: It contributes to the thick, luxurious texture of eggnog.
- Nutmeg & Cinnamon: Those spices are traditional in eggnog. They add a warm, nutty flavor that compliments the brandy perfectly.
