For me, eggnog is a concept as inseparable from Christmas as the tree with all the trimmings. I've made eggnog at Christmas for nearly two decades now, usually it's a batch for me and a batch for my family (sometimes more). The recipe I have used all these years has been highly successful and thanks to the internet has spread far and wide, however the last couple of years I have used a method that in my humble opinion improves on the flavour of my popular recipe tenfold. Something I didn't think was possible until I tried it.
The process of ageing eggnog is not new, it has been around for donkey's years. I am guessing the reason for its obscurity is mainly that it hasn't been widely discussed on the internet. I'm here to loudly advocate the easy process and vouch for the incredibly rich, mellow flavour it imparts to the final product. All you need is a little patience.
The main difference between ageing eggnog and making a fresh batch is creating an alcohol/egg/sugar mix and letting it mature in the fridge for 1, 2 or even 3 months before adding any dairy (usually just before you serve it).
This recipe is a modification of my popular Ultimate Alcoholic Eggnog recipe, tweaked specifically for the maturation process. If I had to use a word to describe the matured result it would be 'luxurious'.
AGED EGGNOG INGREDIENTS
10 large fresh eggs (yolks only)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup white rum
3 cups whisky
2 or 3 tablespoons brandy (optional)
2 or 3 tablespoons sherry (optional)
3 cups full cream milk
2 cups heavy cream
Fresh ground nutmeg to taste
METHOD
In a bowl, whisk together the yolks and sugar thoroughly. Continue to whisk whilst adding all the alcohol 1/2 a cup at a time and mix until all the sugar is dissolved.
AGEING
Bottle this mixture and chill in the fridge to mature for 1 - 3 months. (My favourite is 2)
SERVING
In a large bowl whisk the heavy cream and milk and gradually add the matured alcohol mixture until thoroughly combined. Serve in a glass with a sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg.
| How to make Aged Eggnog Luxurious is the one word that sums it up. |
