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Jazz Up Your Eggnog With These 3 Holiday Recipes

There are a handful of beverages that instantly put you in a specific holiday spirit, and eggnog is definitely one of those drinks. There is something about that thick, creamy, sweet flavor that just lets you know that Christmas is here. You can make your own eggnog, or pick up a container of your favorite brand at the store. But don’t stop there, you can add a few more ingredients to create an even more special drink, one that will amaze and delight all your holiday guests. Here are three different eggnog recipes you’ll have to try.

Eggnog Latte

Eggnog Holiday Latte
Photo Credit Thinkstock

When the Christmas rush gets to be a bit much for you, spice up your coffee with the sweet flavor of eggnog. You don’t have to go to an expensive coffee shop to get this seasonal favorite. It’s actually very easy to make at home, and you’ll make it for a fraction of the price. Add a mini candy cane for garnish and you have a delicious eggnog coffee treat that anyone would love.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup strong coffee or two shots of espresso
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup eggnog
  • nutmeg
  • whipped cream
  • sugar 

Directions

  1. Use your espresso maker to brew two shots of espresso. Or brew some very strong coffee.
  2. Heat the eggnog until warm (do not boil.)
  3. Combine with milk.
  4. Pour espresso or coffee into a large mug and sweeten with the sugar to your liking.
  5. Pour the warm eggnog mixture on top of the coffee.
  6. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg.

Eggnog Chai Tea with Pumpkin

Eggnog Tea
Photo Credit Thinkstock

Chai tea always has that great spiced flavor that instantly screams holidays. When you add it to the flavors of pumpkin and eggnog, you have an even more special beverage that is perfect for a cool winter evening, or a post-dinner drink with your family and friends. It’s actually very easy to make, though you do need quite a few spices. Stock up on the freshest spices to make the most from this warm drink.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups eggnog
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon each ginger, cardamom and cloves
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 black tea bags
  • ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan combine water, eggnog, vanilla, honey, maple syrup and all the spices until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Add the tea bags to the mixture.
  3. Simmer over a low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour the tea through a fine strainer into your serving pitcher.
  5. Stir in the pumpkin until it’s well combined.
  6. Pour into your mug, sprinkle with a little additional cinnamon for garnish.

Cooked Traditional Eggnog

Traditional Eggnog
Photo Credit Thinkstock

Most traditional eggnog recipes contain raw eggs, which can be very safe, but may still cause some worry with your guests. Here is a delicious, flavorful, cooked eggnog recipe that includes a little bit of an alcoholic kick for the holidays. Your guests won’t worry about the raw eggs, and you’ll love this simple recipe for the holiday favorite.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • pinch of salt
  • 6 eggs
  • 4 cups milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  2. Add in two tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil and cook about five minutes, until it turns dark in color.
  3. Remove from heat and slowly add in the rest of the water.
  4. In a separate bowl beat the eggs and milk together.
  5. Stir in another two tablespoons of sugar and then slowly add the sugar mixture.
  6. Cook over medium heat for 10 – 12 minutes, until it’s thick and clings to the back of a spoon.
  7. Add in the vanilla, nutmeg and a pinch of salt.
  8. Pour into your serving container and chill until cool.
  9. Just before serving, beat the heavy cream and liqueur together, add sugar to taste.
  10. Beat until soft peaks form.
  11. Fold the whipped cream into the eggnog and serve.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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